Happy Monday! Each week I share what I did the previous week for my training plan… and what I plan to do with the current week. I do this to help hold myself accountable as well as to keep a diary of sorts of how I stayed active throughout the weeks.
Last week was filled with LIFE activities to where my running and training took a back seat mid-week. There was kids who were sick, soccer practices and games, cold and rainy weather, and more. My role as a Mom took precedence and I rolled with the punches each day. I didn’t follow the training plan exactly, but I did get things done.
Last Week’s Training Plan (What I did) :
Monday: 3 mile easy run while pushing T&D
Tuesday: strength + core
Wednesday: 1 mile walk
Thursday: 9 miles SOLO!
Friday: rest
Saturday: 20 solo miles
Sunday: rest – family day & soccer games
My mid-week run was a combo of the two important runs I was supposed to do. I did 1 mile warm + 1 mile at race pace + 6×800’s with .25 recovery + 1 mile at race pace + 1 mile cool down. I ran solo (no jogging stroller) and I felt great! I would LOVE to be able to run those splits for the full marathon… however, I doubt I can combat the hurt to make it happen.
My weekend long run went amazingly well. It was by far the best run I have had in a long time. My husband and I had to tag team the weekend because of our boys soccer games. I took all the boys to C’s morning soccer game, giving my husband the morning to do his own thing. After lunch, I headed out to get my run in while he took the boys to P’s soccer game.
I was talking to my coach, Megan, about my self-doubt and insecurities about running Boston. The words failure, inadequate, slow and other not-so-nice running words crept in to my vocabulary. She reassured me that I was mentally and physically ready. She also gave me permission, of sorts, to do my long run with a run/walk method. This made me very happy because I was already doing it (but felt like I was failing her by walking).
I did my runs 10/90. I would walk the first .10 mile to recover, regroup, fuel, drink, or just get that mental break. When my watch would click x.10 I would run to the next mile when my watch beeped.This method worked out excellent! When I was tired, I knew that I just had to run a bit more till I could rest again.
I rocked this method on my run until around mile 12. I felt like my feet were swelling up (too much compression with a gap around my ankles were I felt like they were swelling) and it hurt my feet. It also seemed like the trail was against me with each run it was uphill and against the wind. Sigh. These are all excuses, I know.
I trudged on. I did not quit. Never once did my mental head game get me. I knew I could finish my training run. I would… and I did.
My first 10 miles were a strong a steady pace (I was happy with the splits). The last half were considerably slower… but still faster than any of my previous long runs here in Missouri. I am considering that a win!
I may not be the fastest runner out there running Boston… but I will be the runner with a smile on my face!
This week’s training plan is to stay healthy and injury free. My goal is to stay hydrated, focus on fuel as nutrition and to enjoy the taper!
This Week’s Training Plan (What I plan to do) :
Monday: 3 mile easy run while pushing T
Tuesday: 20/8×800/20 SOLO!
Wednesday: strength + core
Thursday: 15/5×1 mile at RP w/3 minute RI/15
Friday: 10 miles with T in the jogger
Saturday: Easter with the family
Sunday: rest
I think it makes it official… the Boston marathon is quickly approaching! I am getting crazily excited for this amazing opportunity. Please, do not think that I am taking this opportunity lightly. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity… for me. I am honored and am so blessed to be able to run in this amazing race!
There is what I did and what I plan to do this week. What are you doing this week to further your health and fitness goals? Feel free to join Janice from Fitness Cheerleader and I for #MotivateME Monday!
Have a blessed and active week!
Janice @ Fitness Cheerleader says
Great job on your running this week! Training by yourself is no fun and I’m so proud of you for braving through it – you’re awesome! Have a fantastic week and an amazing Easter weekend.
Kate @KateMovingForward says
Way to press in and not give up!! When I did long runs I always planned for a few walk breaks, it was nice to give me a mental break and help cut down the miles. Running Boston is going to be an amazing experience for you!
Maureen says
The whole time I read this I kept thinking “but she didn’t quit!” THAT is an accomplishment in itself. You are rocking it! I can’t believe Boston is soooo close!
Stephanie says
So awesome that you are running the Boston Marathon and I think it looks like you had a great training week!
Farrah says
Negative self-talk can be a tricky beast. Good on you for not quitting! You’re gonna be awesome at the Boston marathon, and that’s so cool that you qualified for it! :D!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Looks like you did a great job of training this week! I just found your blog and had no idea you hosted a link up!
Marcia says
Do not be intimidated or overwhelmed by the thought of Boston. The entire city will embrace you. Truly there are no better crowds than Boston Marathon fans.
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
Training for long runs like that solo is no joke- good for you! And you will totally rock Boston 🙂
katie says
Your perseverance has been very inspiring Rachel. I have loved watching you prep for Boston!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
20 miles seems insane to this non-runner lol
Good luck next week and in your race as well 😀
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Way to rock out 20 miles. Some runs are just not pretty, and that is ok!! You didn’t quit and you got your 20 in!! Best of luck in Boston!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says
I can’t believe Boston is just a couple of short weeks away! I’m so excited for you!! I know you’ll have the time of your life and really soak in the entire experience!
Katie @ Huff 'n Puff to Buff 'n Tough says
Keep working at it!! You’ll do just fine!! <3
Carmy says
that is like the 3rd time I’ve seen that photo and it STILL makes me smile! I would much rather to cuddled up in a stroller than running 😉