Another Week...More Miles

Training is starting to ramp up again!  I love seeing the miles add up.  I wish I felt strong enough to add another day of running to the schedule, but I think it is smart to maintain 4 days a week and push the cross training 2 days.  The running base is not what I would have liked, but it is what it is.  Mid-week I was dreading a cut back next week, but on Saturday my legs felt like lead.  Now I am looking forward to cutting the miles back and getting a little bounce back in my step!  My miles aren't that high, but adding the cross training seems to fatigue my legs quite a bit.  Then the miles seem tougher and get the legs stronger.  I am enjoying the changes that the rowing is bringing in my upper body strength.  I am finding I am fatiguing later in the long runs.  That allows me to hold good form longer.  The hope is the added core strength is increased speed and being able to hold a good pace throughout the marathon.  I did not include any yoga this week.  My peroneal pain has increased following yoga for a couple of days.  I did do stretching, but not as much as I would have liked.  However, the ankle pain has decreased. 

Monday
Long Run: 16.3 mi

Tuesday
Rower: 60 min

Wednesday
Easy Run: 5 mi

Thursday
Pace Run: 5 mi (Ave 8:59)
Easy Run: 1.9 mi

Friday
Rest Day

Saturday
Easy Run: 6.2 mi
Weights: 20 min

Sunday
Bike: 16.3 mi
Rower: 30 min

Summary:

Run: 34.3 mi
Bike: 16.3 mi
Rower: 2 times

Yoga: 0 times
Weights: 1 time
Total Training Time: 8:36

Three Things Thursday: The Quick Version

1.  I registered for the Firecracker Double.  Yep, back-to-back marathons.  Hubs asked if I have lost my mind.  I may have, but I am going to do it anyway!  The goal for these will be to just get to the finish line with a smile on my face!  It is great that both races are within 2 miles of my home.

2.  After 44 years of life, I had a first today.  I got bit by a dog.  Less than a quarter mile from my home and the neighbor was there with her two dogs--one off leash--and I got bit on the back of my calf.  however, I still completed my run--more than 6 miles with 5 at marathon pace.  I really thought the dog had just jumped on me.  The lady asked if the dog bit me and said the dog was know to "nip" at people.  I kept running a while then stopped to check it again.  Yep, blood running down my leg and two puncture marks.  It hurt, but really not too bad.  Yes, I cleaned it throughly.  Yes, I am watching for infection.  Yes, I reported it.  Reporting was a really hard decision.  Maybe it shouldn't be so hard, but it was.  Thanks to all the Loopsters on Loopville for the encouragement.

3.  This is the reason it is the quick version...I only have 2 things...

Running for Sherry and Week 2

This was one of those weeks that life interferred.  I only got 3 runs done, but all were very good runs.  Cross training was also decreased.  However, I did end up with a couple of positives in that I got yoga in twice.  I revised my training plan a bit.  Finding it really hard to get a good workout in on Friday.  It is my day off and the only day to sleep in.  And then I want to spend time with the hubs.  Now Friday will be a rest day with speedowrk moved to Thursday.  Monday's are working great for the long run.  Hubs plays golf while I get my miles done.  He gets home about when I finish my nice bath.  Works pretty good for both of us.  We shall see how it goes when the rain hits on a Monday...  So far we have been blessed!

Saturday was the Run for Sherry Arnold.  Sherry was a runner in Montana who was kidnapped and murdered on her morning run.  Runners around the world ran in her honor.  Such a sad story that hits home because it could be any of us.  Indy and I headed out for an easy run with Sherry in mind and wearing a bib created for this run. 

Monday:
Long Run: 14.1 miles

Tuesday:
Rower: 40 min
Weights: 25 min (Six Pack for Runners from Running Times)

Wednesday:
Unscheduled Rest Day...

Thursday:
Speedwork: 7.3 mi (6 x 800 with 2 min recovery)

Friday:
Yoga

Saturday:
Easy Run: 8 mi (Run for Sherry)
Yoga

Sunday:
Stationary Bike: 16.6 mi


Summary:
Run: 29.4 mi
Bike: 16.6
Rower: 1 time
Yoga: 2 times
Total Training Time: 8:50

Marathon Training is BACK!

Training for the Newport Marathon began on Monday!  I have a goal.  The next 18 weeks are about getting to the starting line healthy and to the finish line less than 4 hours later.  I know I can do it, but it scares me a whole lot!  I need to stay focused, but still relax and have fun with it.  This training cycle is about strength, flexibility and listening to my body.  Increasing my mileage is a given, but I am also going to focus on total training hours.  One of my struggles in racing is nerves.  I truly believe some of my issues in past marathons have been caused by anxiety.  So I am going to train hard, but leave the final results to God. 

Monday:
Long Run 10 miles

Tuesday:
Stationary Bike: 17. 3 mi
Yoga

Wednesday:
Progression Run: 6.2 mi

Thursday:
Easy Run: 5.1 mi
Rower: 30 min

Friday:
Rest

Saturday:
Easy Run: 6.2 mi
Rower: 45 minutes

Sunday:
Stationary Bike: 17.3 mi

Summary:
Run: 27.5 mi
Bike: 34.6
Rower: 2 times
Yoga: 1 time
Total Training Time: 8:42