Happy first day of spring! We had snow flurries today. Figures that it’s colder on the first day of spring than it has been for the whole month!
This past week was my first taper week, and I ended up tapering much more than the plan called for. I don’t feel guilty at all. The previous week’s 47 miles, my highest weekly mileage ever, really crushed me. I needed rest, so I took it. I also think I’ve learned this is pretty much my weekly mileage limit, and that I will need to ask my coach to create a full marathon plan that doesn’t go beyond a peak week of 50 miles.
And…it’s race week! With the race so close, my old demons negativity, doubt, and anxiety have been haunting me. They tried to get into my mind and make me fixate on the bad runs I had in training, convince me my training wasn’t good enough, and tell me that I’m going to fail on race day. But I recognized them for what they were and did my best to exorcise them. These facts acted as my holy water:
- I ran my best race using the Hansons’ method in October. I know the training works for me.
- Even though this course is hilly, I run well on it. I know that the hills will feel easier on race day, as they have in past races. I know that I get much-needed breaks on the downhills.
- I know the course very well. I’ve done every single long run on the course. I know what parts of the course are tough for me and will be mentally prepared for it.
- I know how to execute a race plan and pacing strategy to ensure I have a good race. I did that in my last races, and I have no doubt I can do it again. (I’ll be sharing my race plan later this week.)
- All I have to do is finish the race to complete my only major goal of this training–to get through another Hansons’ training cycle to build a solid mileage foundation and to know I can handle the training for my ultimate goal this year, a full marathon this fall.
In addition to battling these mental demons, last week I also had to deal with not having a home computer (we had to order a new one) and problems with my 14-year-old car that are making us look at buying a new car. Fun stuff!
Because I still can’t use my regular camera and photo editing software, I took selfies on my old, crappy phone, which seem to make me very red! But a run doesn’t count unless I have a selfie, right?
Week at a Glance
- Days running: 5
- Miles this week: 23.4
- Miles this training cycle: 567.24
- Miles this month: 107.6
- Miles this year: 436.02
- Time running: 5 hours, 3 minutes
- Strength training sessions: 1
- Stretching: 4 days
- Foam rolling: 4 days
Weekly Recap
Monday
Easy run: 3 miles | 41 minutes | 13:34 pace (54 degrees)
So tired! Three slow miles were all I could do.
Tuesday
Easy run: 1.4 miles | 19 minutes |13:50 pace (51 degrees)
I blame tiny houses on this bad run. I don’t usually watch TV but after just discovering that we have HGTV (after getting cable last summer), I love watching HGTV. I’m obsessed with the shows on tiny houses but usually can’t watch them because I have to go to bed so early for my early morning runs. I got so caught up in the tiny houses shows Monday night that I got up really late on Tuesday. After running my warm-up miles, I had to go home to use the bathroom…and then I couldn’t force myself out the door, partly because I saw how late it was and partly because I was just mentally done with training. Tuesdays are my toughest day because they’re the sixth consecutive day of running and call for a hard workout. This run was supposed to be 4 x 1-mile repeats for a total of 7.5 miles, but my body just said no.
In the evening I did 25 minutes of strength training with weights.
Wednesday
Rest day! Total rest. I needed it, and I loved it.
Thursday
Tempo Run: 6 miles | 1:08 (51 degrees)
This was to be my last workout of training. Because I skipped Tuesday’s workout, I really wanted to have a good run. For the first time in weeks (months?) I actually felt rested. I only needed a 1-mile warm-up and then got started at 4 miles at goal race pace 10:40. The pace felt good–I had to work for it a little in the last two miles, but overall I felt good. Splits: 10:39, 10:29, 10:42, 10:31.
Friday
Easy run: 5 miles | 1:06 |13:17 pace (41 degrees)
Back to feeling tired again!
Saturday
Easy run: 8 miles | 1:37:41 | 12:12 pace (34 degrees)
Chelsea from the Pittsburgh City Girl blog was running her first ultramarathon, a 50K at North Park. Because Anna and I planned to run 8 miles at North Park, we decided to join Chelsea for some of her miles. We also made plans to meet Joanna who would also be running with Chelsea. When we got there, we found Chelsea’s Pit Crew stop that her friends had set up for her. Steff from Run Steff Run was there, and we chatted with her and others until Chelsea came through after her first 5-mile loop (she would be doing 6 loops in the race).
Now, Chelsea had said she would be running about a 12:30 pace. This run was supposed to be at an easy pace instead of my long run pace, so I was looking forward to a relaxed, easy run. Chelsea came through with everyone cheering for her, then Anna and I latched on to the group as they started the second loop. There were 7 of us in the group, and Chelsea was doing run/walk intervals with 4:15 minutes of running and 45 seconds of walking. Sweet, I thought. An even more relaxed and easy run. Um, not so much! Chelsea’s 12:30 pace is really like 11:30! At one point we were running at 10:30 pace! We kept pointing out her fast pace, but it was her race so we just went with it, though it was not the relaxed, easy run that I anticipated. We ended up running faster on the run intervals, with the walk intervals slowing the overall pace down. I give credit to everyone who does run/walk intervals because I think it’s so much harder than straight running. Every time Chelsea signaled to walk, I was happy to have the break. But just when my body was thinking we were walking instead of running, Chelsea would signal to run, and I would be bummed to start running so soon. I think my body was just confused whether we were running or walking, and so it was hard to get into a groove. Overall, though, it was a great run, with our little group talking the whole time, being really positive and upbeat, and making the miles go by quickly. I hope it felt like that to Chelsea as she went on to finish her first 50K!
I had a very busy day after that. After running errands, my friend picked me up and we went to Greensburg for our freind’s bridal shower. It was really nice. It was in Jioio’s restaurant, which has pasta and pizza. I thought I would just be eating salad and fruit, but when I got there they told me they’d gone out and gotten me vegan cheese to make my own little pizza. That was so nice! And the pizza was delicious, with a flaky, sweet crust. I highly recommend it if you’re out that way.
After that I went to a friend’s house for a girls’ night in. It was her birthday weekend, and she made dinner for the four of us. She’s a really good cook and went out of her way to find vegan recipes to make for me. A year ago when I decided to cut out beans during training, I considered eating seafood as a way to get the protein I’d be missing from beans. Unfortunately, I never ate seafood growing up and don’t really like it. I did try a fried fish sandwich once last year when we were in Boston but didn’t think I could eat fish regularly. Well, this friend has been telling me for a year that I should try scallops, which I’ve never tried before. She wanted to cook some for me, and I told her I’d try them. She pan-seared one and made a delicious cilantro lime garlic cashew cream sauce to go with it. It smelled fishy, so I was really hesitant to eat it. But I tried it…and it didn’t really taste like anything. My friend said to pretend it’s tofu, and that worked well since the texture was pretty similar. I actually liked it with the sauce. My friend also made vegan crab cakes for me (well, real crab but with a vegan mayo), topped with a spicy vegan mayo sauce. Again, I’ve never tried crab. Well, I liked it too! It didn’t really taste fishy, and the texture reminded me of tuna fish, the only fish I’ve ever really liked. Next my friend wanted me to try shrimp, but I’d seen them prior to her cooking them looking all grey and dead and gross and didn’t think I could try them. She was dipping them in a batter and then in coconut flakes and frying them and then served them with marmalade. Later on, after I’d had quite a bit to drink, I agreed to try one. Ugh–that was not successful. I didn’t like it at all. But I was really proud of myself for trying and liking not one but two new kinds of seafood. I’m happy with my plant-based diet and don’t plan to regularly eat seafood, but it’s good to know that I could eat scallops and possibly crab cakes if I were out at a restaurant and had no other choice.
Sunday
Unplanned rest day. I got home really late Saturday night and had a lot to drink. I usually don’t drink or drink very little. I woke up very late on Sunday and wasn’t in good shape. Plus, with all the errands I had to do, I really didn’t have much time to run.
This week I have some short, easy runs before Saturday’s race. I’ll be posting my race plan before then. Have a great week!
I’m linking up with Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for their Weekly Wrap. Have a great week!
Sounds like a great week of training! I’m with you on HGTV being addicting, I love seeing home renovations 🙂 Have a great week and good luck on Saturday!
HGTV is so addicting! Thanks for the good luck wishes for my race!
You have had such a great training session for this race, and you KNOW this course better than any other race course out there! This is your time to shine and I absolutely know that you will. I know those doubts and demons that every runner has, but I’m going to snap you out of it and remind you that you CAN do it and you WILL do it! I’m so excited to find out how you do and read your race recap, but I’ll be cheering you on!!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #48
Thanks so much for the huge vote of confidence, Gretchen! I just really need to stay positive, and reading this helps!
Your 6 mile tempo run speaks volumes about where you’ll be on race day. You are more than ready! Enjoy this week. Rest! You’ve so got this and can line up full of confidence! Kick those doubts to the curb. I’m impressed you tried the seafood. You don’t have to like everything! It’s very sweet your friend made those different things for you to try. Thanks for linking up with us Jennifer. Go get ’em!
HoHo Runs recently posted…Hello Spring! (WW # 33)
Thanks for the pep talk! I need to keep thinking positively this week! And yes, trying seafood is pretty crazy for me!
You are so ready for your race! You got this,
That is good you eased up this week, your muscles will love you for it, and think how ready they will be feeling in another week for a hard run 🙂 That is great you trained on the course.
I do run much faster when I do 4 x 1 intervals, than running non-stop. The first few times I did it, I had a time adjusting, but it gets easier. The rhythm is nice once you get a groove going and you do enjoy the walks. I am guilty of walking like a turtle though lol in a race I would try to walk faster.
That is nice you had some fun group miles!
Thanks for the vote of confidence! It makes sense that the run/walk intervals get easier. I think it was a jolt for me because I’ve never done them before. But it was still a lot of fun!
You have SO got this. You are so incredibly well prepared and I know you will run strong. Remember what you told me about how I would be passing people in the later miles – you will ABSOLUTELY be doing that as well. Can’t wait to see how your race goes, lady. You are an amazing inspiration to me – thank you SO MUCH for putting me on to the Hanson’s plan!
Courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Shamrock Half Marathon Training Recap, Week 13
Thank you! I hope my race goes as well as yours did! I’m trying to stay positive and remember to trust in my training!
Great job taking the rest you needed this week and countering the negative thoughts! You’re going to do great. You’re so prepared, especially given how familiar you are with the course.
Chaitali recently posted…Oldfields Half Marathon training – week 2
Thank you! I hope so! I need to stay positive this week, which I know will help me on race day.
I discovered tiny house last fall and spent an entire day watching episodes. It’s just so fascinating why someone would want to live like that.
My husband spent the day in Pittsburgh before heading to the airport today and he told me they got snow there. Definitely not what you want to see on the first day of spring!
Yes! So interesting! If I were single with no pets, I’d like to live in a tiny house! And yes–we had snow! At least there was no accumulation. Wonder if that will be our last snow of the year?
I’m glad you are squashing those demons because it sounds like you’ve trained well and you know how to rock this course! I have many friends who’ve done really well with the Hanson’s training method and you will too! Glad you’re listening to your body!
Thanks! Good to know that you know a lot of people who do well on Hansons. I did really well my first time, but race-day nerves just really get to me.
I love Tiny Houses! It’s so good.
Good luck on your last week of training. I just ran a 5k (took 50 sec off my last 5k time!) and I was going a little crazy with my one week mini taper. Taper madness is definitely real.
I’m so obsessed with tiny houses! I can’t wait until I’m done with training and can stay up later to watch more. CONGRATS on your 5K success! 50 seconds is huge!
Hi Jennifer, I just saw that you are here now. I totally love what you have done with your blog! Good luck with your training!
Thanks so much!
Wow, very busy week ! I don’t think I could use Hansons, its too much running for me. 3 to 4 days a week is enough for me.
I am doing run / walk and you get used to it. The walking portions give my knees and joints a rest.. and while it is more difficult to start up after 4 hours, I find that breaking up the run goes really really fast. I still haven’t decided my final run/walk ratio for my marathon in 2 weeks but I will soon. I have been loving it, and find I am a lot less fatigued. Have a good week. And keep trying seafood, there is so much to like !
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Weekly wrap : Almost the home stretch
I can see how run/walk intervals would make the time go faster. Straight running works well for me now since I continue to be free of injuries and aches/pains, but I wouldn’t be opposed to try run/walk intervals if my body starts acting up.
I LOVE fish, but I grew up eating it. Scallops are great, but unfortunately sooooo expensive. Salmon is really good for recovery, you know (I happen to love salmon).
I do run/walk. Figuring out pace can be challenging, but after doing it for almost a year now, I’ve actually gotten faster overall. Although my easy runs were quite slow this week too.
I can’t imagine 47 miles. Of course I’ve only ever done halfs, but 30 miles was my max — but eventually I ended up injured on that. Not sure if there’s a cause & effect.
I tried salmon once when I was in Seattle and liked it. Unfortunately, every time I’ve tried it here on the east coast, I haven’t liked it. I didn’t know it’s good for recovery. Maybe I can find salmon from the west coast somewhere. I have heard that people actually do get faster when doing run/walk. I might like to try it out sometime.
So two things… one, I couldn’t help but laugh at the 12:30 was really a 10:30. OOPS! I really suck a pacing, right?! Sorry! 🙁 But thank you for staying with me and being out there. Seriously, it meant SO MUCH TO ME! And second.. you are going to do so well at JASR! As I have mentioned before, this training plan really seems to work so well for you and you’re crushing it! I cannot wait to hear how the race goes!
No, you don’t suck! You were just doing what felt good, and if it got you across the finish line, that’s all that matters! But now I know you’re just too fast for me! Thanks for the vote of confidence for JASR. I hope!
I think it’s funny you thought scallops tasted like nothing….they are one of my daughters favorites! I also struggle with tons of mileage and take extra days when my body needs it. I hope this week goes well and you enjoy taper a little. New car shopping is always stressful, especially on top of a computer purchase.
Pam recently posted…Weekly Workout Roundup: Mar 21st
Oh man. I know how easy it can be to let doubts creep in, but I’ve read all of your weekly recaps & I can’t think of anyone whose training has better prepared them for this race. Like you said, you know the course. You know the race. Excited to read your race plan + recap come next week!
Love that you were able to run with Chelsea, I considered heading out there after my long run Saturday, but time got the best of me & I didn’t have time.
Good luck on Saturday! Sounds like you had a great week of training. I’m taking your advice and giving my leg a bit more time before I dive back in! 🙂
I can’t believe it is race week already! You’ve got this. Your “holy water” statements are totally true. Tell yourself that over and over again this week if you need to. You’re going to have a great race!
Jessica S recently posted…Why do we read motivational stories?
Put those demons to rest after all they only live if you let them! You have done a great job this whole training period and are very ready to run your race!
Enjoy this week!!
Tricia@MissSippiPiddlin.com recently posted…Weekly Wrap 33 Doozy of a Week
You have put in some amazing training, I know you will do great in your race. Just try to stay positive!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…A Cut-Back Week and Where Did Spring Go?
That’s great that you were able to run the actual course! Good luck with your race!
Wendy @ Wholistic Woman recently posted…Mrs. Meyer’s Spring Cleaning Kit…Offer Ends Today
Yep, it’s a small local race so it’s easy to run the race course for my long runs. That’s been a help for my training.
Thank you!
Blech, I’m having car problems too. They’re the WORST.
Sometimes we just need to taper extra extremely. Take that rest and do your body good! You’ll kick butt on race day!
Thanks! And Yeah, my car is just getting old so I need to replace some old things. I hate to get rid of it, but we’re looking at getting a new car.