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Chicago Marathon Training: Week Fifteen

Posted on September 22, 2013 5 Comments

Week fifteen was my last intense set of workouts before beginning to taper. The week had three fantastic runs. Thrown in was one “easy” run that felt junky, with noticeable shin pain. It caused me to take an unscheduled rest day, which helped. Closed the week out with an amazing set of intervals and a […]

Chicago Marathon Training: Week Fourteen

Posted on September 18, 2013 5 Comments

Week fourteen was a funky training week. It was probably the most I’d fallen off schedule, so far. It kicked off with a fantastic long tempo run. After that, the weather reared its ugly head. High temperatures, crazy humidity, and a terrible storm all played their part in derailing my week. Real life got in […]

Chicago Marathon Training: Week Thirteen

Posted on September 8, 2013 1 Comment

Week thirteen was another higher mileage week. It also required more schedule manipulation than usual due to my personal schedule. Had to move runs to the AM, PM, and switched my interval day. Resulted in some seriously fatigued legs on Thursday. Thankfully a rest day got them ready to run long, which meant ending the […]

Chicago Marathon Training: Week Twelve

Posted on September 1, 2013 Leave a Comment

Week twelve capped off August training. This week’s running pushed me into the highest mileage month I’ve ever logged. I made it out of the city for a few days, to bid farewell to the summer in Fire Island. Was beautiful to see the beach blanketed by dark clouds (so moody, I love it). I […]

Feet, Meet Flats!

Posted on June 18, 2013 13 Comments

This past Sunday, I did a tour de running shops. Mission: test various racing flats. It’s what we runners call “due diligence,” right? Except it’s way more fun, akin to opening loads of birthday presents. After some interesting conversation and a few test runs, I’ve chosen my first flats! Without further ado, meet the Contenders: […]

A Mile in Pre’s Shoes?

Posted on June 14, 2013 8 Comments

One item on my training to-do list is buy racing flats. More precisely, get professionally fitted for them. I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit I’ve dreamed of this. I equate racing flats with Pre, elites, pros, the fastest of the fast. Now it’s my turn? Well, not because of some qualifying standard. Coach says […]

Pensacola Marathon Training: Week 17

Posted on November 20, 2012 2 Comments

Week seventeen wound up being an extra week of taper to carry me through to Pensacola Marathon on November 11. Wrapped up training feeling strong and healthy. Who would have guessed the outcome of the marathon, then? Thus proving that even when training’s spot on, a good race isn’t necessarily guaranteed. Monday: Rest day. Tuesday: […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 16

Posted on November 5, 2012 4 Comments

Week sixteen was meant to be the final week of NYC Marathon training, ending with 26.2 miles through the five boroughs. Hurricane Sandy swept in on Monday, devastating neighborhoods, causing flooding and power outages. After the storm subsided, the NYC Marathon was announced to be on-schedule, as planned. I picked up my race bib on […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 15

Posted on October 27, 2012 2 Comments

Week fifteen was full of crazy taper emotions. One minute excited, the next full of nerves. Cut back on some cross-training, and have poured all energy into keeping my speed work sharp. Am starting to get my gear and plan organized for next weekend. You see that? I said, “next weekend.” One week until RACE […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 14

Posted on October 21, 2012 4 Comments

Week fourteen was the start of taper. Speed work and tempo runs maintained their intensity; long run shortened but required marathon pace. Time to let the body rebuild, and get race day necessities in order. Most importantly, time to appreciate the journey that began in the July heat. Excitement for race day is starting to […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 13

Posted on October 14, 2012 6 Comments

Week thirteen finally ushers in taper! Increased final long run from 20 to 22 miles. Overall, coming out of this week feeling accomplished! As they say: all the hard work is done. Now it’s time to start lowering mileage, keep up pace, and rest up for race day. 20 days and counting. Monday: Rest day. […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 12

Posted on October 7, 2012 2 Comments

Week twelve was an excellent running week. Some faster paced runs are making training fall into place. This was the second to last long run before taper. Over all, my body is feeling good with the mileage and the pace. Monday: Rest day. Tuesday: Intervals. Running commute in the form of mile repeats to get […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 11

Posted on September 30, 2012 6 Comments

Week eleven brought September to a close in the most fantastic way. It was an incredible week in which I met or exceeded training paces for all three running workouts. That’s a first for this training cycle. I’m encouraged to see evidence of progress. I feel more capable on my long runs lately. Sure the […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 9

Posted on September 17, 2012 Leave a Comment

Week nine was basically a mini-taper in preparation for the Philadelphia Rock n Roll Half Marathon. The half marathon was meant to be used as a tune-up race to assess how full marathon training is progressing. The race went very well and I wound up running a PR! It felt good to replace speed and […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 8

Posted on September 9, 2012 1 Comment

Week eight was a decent training week despite contending with the humidity. Ready for cooler, drier running weather. Happy with both tempo and long runs. Next Sunday (Sep 16) is the Philadelphia Rock n Roll half marathon. Will be running this as a tune up race for NYC Marathon. To accommodate the race, am shifting […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 7

Posted on September 2, 2012 4 Comments

Week seven was an intense training week. It capped off August and my first full month of 2012 NYC Marathon training. Running-wise, I totaled 141.35 miles. This is the highest monthly mileage I’ve had in any marathon training cycle, thus far. I realize Dean Karnazes runs this mileage in a day; but I’m pleased with […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 6

Posted on August 27, 2012 2 Comments

Week six of training had its highs and lows. Some runs were better than others. It was a strong, rather intense, workout week. Thankful it ended on a good note. Lesson of the week: bad runs happen, regardless of physical conditioning. And just as surely, those bad runs are followed by the good ones. As […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 5

Posted on August 19, 2012 4 Comments

Week five went very well. Made it to spin and yoga, so training feels a bit more balanced. Solid running made training paces feel like they’re coming together. Speed work is finally feeling more manageable; oddly enough, it’s from running intervals on the treadmill. Have to go with what works. Keeping close eye on some […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 4

Posted on August 13, 2012 4 Comments

Week four introduced the first of five (5!!!) scheduled 20-milers, according to Run Less Run Faster. A hectic schedule, including weekend travel, meant I couldn’t attend spin class; also, rearranged my long and tempo runs. Body is actually feeling good and cooperating with the increasing mileage. Happy to report no noticeable soreness in legs the […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 3

Posted on August 5, 2012 6 Comments

Week three was the highest total mileage I’ve run in nearly 12-13 weeks. Body’s worked through some kinks, but overall legs are holding up. First time trying an advanced marathon plan, which means long runs are hitting major mileage early on. Monday: Reverse ladder intervals. Moved this session up a day. Incorporated workout while assisting […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 2

Posted on July 29, 2012 4 Comments

Week two of training was a bit slower for me. Wacky schedule and achy hip flexor meant I spent more time resting than cross-training. Probably not ideal, but that’s how the week played out. Monday: Rest day. Tuesday: Repeats. Confirmed early morning interval sessions don’t work well for me. Muscles don’t have enough time to […]

NYC Marathon Training: Week 1

Posted on July 23, 2012 7 Comments

Week one of training went quite well. I’d upped my mileage the preceding week in preparation. My body adjusted to schedule and increased workout intensity. The week is successfully in the books! Monday: One-hour form review/refresher with certified Chi Running instructor. Great opportunity to brush up on proper running form. Finished with 100 V-crunches for […]