I’m coming to you live from Montreal! I am here this weekend for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal 5K and Half Marathon. I was planning on taking a nap at some point but of course now I’m completely wired and awake, lol. No better time to do my weekly training recap!
This week was another weird one. My quads were completely destroyed after Sunday’s half marathon and I was unable to run again until Wednesday! I basically had to hold on to the stair banister for dear life when going down the stairs on Monday/Tuesday. I did get a cramp in my right quad during the last mile of the race and I think it just took a few days to recover from that. I also didn’t get a chance to take my typical post-long run ice bath so I’m sure that’s why my recovery took forever. Oh well, I was still able to get in some workouts during the week.
Monday 9/18
Quads were SO sore. I just ended up doing my PT routine (15 mins) and around another 15 minutes of activity (push ups, core, etc).
Tuesday 9/19
Yup, still too sore to run (oh, and I now think it was just the cramp, not a pulled muscle). So I decided to do a quick 30 minute total body workout, but there was more of an emphasis on core and arms. I also did my PT routine.
Wednesday 9/20
4 mile run. I was finally able to run today, but I took it slow. The running fairy was good to me 🙂
I also got these awesome special edition 2017 Chicago Marathon Oofos sandals! When Oofos reached out me to ask if I would like a pair, of course I said “HELL YEAH!!”
Thursday 9/21
Another 4 mile run. My plan actually said 5 miles but for some reason I thought it was 4 miles. Oh well, one mile won’t make a difference.
Friday 9/22
REST DAY! Friday was my travel day to Montreal so I just did some stretching when I got to the hotel. I made sure to stay hydrated since it was going to be a hot weekend. I also snacked on a Health Warrior Chia Bar on the plane – it’s so good!
Saturday 9/23
Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal 5K. I ended up running it a little long at 3.15 miles.
Sunday 9/24
Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Half Marathon. I ended up running it long at 13.32 miles. This race was a complete sh*tshow due to the heat and humidity, but it was my final double digit long run of marathon training!
Total Weekly Miles – 24.47
Total Training Cycle Miles – 458.87
Grade – B
I’m not gonna lie, this week was hard. It was a little frustrating dealing with the whole sore quads situation. Oh, and did I mention that Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal CANCELLED the marathon race because of the weather? They ended up starting the half marathon and 10K an hour earlier because of the heat. Look, y’all already know I want to punch summer in the face, and then Montreal gets a “historic” heat wave the weekend I’m here for a race…ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?! Going into a race feeling deflated because of the weather is never a good thing.
So I’ve now had two crappy long runs/races in a row due to the weather. Is it upsetting? A little. Will I continue to let it get me down? Nope! I don’t run well in extreme heat and humidity – I already know this. Thankfully the weather for Chicago is looking good (fingers crossed) so I am hoping that it will be a great experience. I know that I’ve put in the work for months and I’m ready for Chicago. I’m going to spend the next 2 weeks getting mentally prepared for the race and giving my legs a little more TLC in the form of foam rolling and stretching.
How do you mentally and physically prepare yourself for race day during the taper?
I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.
I’m also linking up with the Jess’s (Jess Runs Atlanta and Jess @ The Right Fits) and Courtney for their Training Recap Link Ups!
This Week’s Posts
Chicago Marathon Training Recap Week 17
Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Races Recap
Great job getting it done this week even in the heat. I’m feeling you on the race conditions. This morning, I knew that with temps in the 70’s and rising with high humidity it was not my PR day. You just have to do the best with the hand you are dealt. On a more exciting note – full on taper for Chicago! Are you counting down the weeks yet?
Definitely! I just tried to do my best and that’s all I can do ultimately! I am counting down the days to Chicago lol
You are absolutely correct…YOU have done all the training and all the work…now, it’s just a matter of being a good girl and waiting for race day 😉 I always try to reassure myself the same thing when in taper mode…..the work is done, and there isn’t time to make-up any missed miles at that point. You totally got Chicago…I’m so excited for you!!
Thanks so much Kim! I tend to like the taper so I feel like I should be okay mentally. I just have to keep staying positive!
you are amazing my friend! I think it’s time for some resting for you though just saying bc I like you and want you to crush that Chicago race. Yes to the cool OOfos 🙂
LoL, you’re so right! Resting is definitely what I need right now in order to tackle Chicago!
Glad you felt good enough to run later in the week! That must have been tough to have sore quads for so long. Awesome job completing 2 more races!
It was so frustrating, but I was glad that I could finally run on Wednesday.
This summer just won’t let go! I it runs out of steam soon! Yikes on your quad cramp. Glad it was OK during the Half. You are so ready now!
You are so right – summer is just like “nope, not going anywhere” LOL
Sometimes I’ve found the most challenging training cycles produce the best races. I hope that’s the case for you!
Dealing with a sudden heat wave is always really tough & disappointing — I’ve had that happen to me. Just keep your eye on the prize — Chicago! And that’s really cool about the Oofos!
I sure hope that’s true Judy! I’m definitely trying to re-group and just keep thinking positive thoughts about Chicago!
You have done a great job with your training – I’m so excited for you! This damn summer just won’t relent. Time to enjoy the taper – you’ve earned it!
Thanks Michelle! For it to be this damn hot in late September is just aggravating as hell!
I love those Oofos. I don’t remember seeing them last year at the expo. I wonder if it was a pre-order item since they reached out to you, so cool!
I think it might be a pre-order because I don’t see them on the website yet. Hopefully they will release them on the website and at the expo soon!
Great job in that heat. Taper does drive me crazy a little bit, but I use small things to look forward to the race. When i booked my room for Vegas, i got excited. Thinking about the expo, all the stuff keeps me excited, and it helps balance out my nervousness for the race.
Thanks Lesley! I can see why booking the hotel room for Vegas got you excited – you’ll love it!
So tough with the heat and humidity. Congrats on your 5k and half! Hope you have great weather in Chicago! Loved the race last year!
Thanks Sherry! I remember how much you aid that you loved Chicago – I hope I have a similar experience!
You are doing a great job with your training! I’m excited that the big race is only 2 weeks away! Way to knock out two more races in Montreal. Sorry to hear about the heat though! You totally scored on those Special Edition Chicago Marathon Oofos sandals! So cool!
Thanks Sharon! I’ve already started stalking the weather for Chicago lol
That’s quite some bling around your neck! Nice job considering the conditions. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? Glad to hear your weather will be better in Chicago.
Thanks so much Debbie! The past two weekends have been really difficult because of the weather. Hopefully Chicago will be much better!
Gggrrr at the conditions!! But congratulations on doing that international race and for managing to nurse your quads leading up to the race! Chicago is just around the corner now, but you have worked so hard, you’ve so got this!
Oh the heat was just so annoying these past two weekends! I hope the weather in Chicago will be more kind 🙂
Congrats on your two races! I heard about the full marathon being cancelled, it must have been extremely hot! Enjoy your taper. To mentally prepare, I like to envision the finish line and remember to trust all the training and hard work put towards the race!
Thanks Cyndi! I do the same thing to mentally prepare and I find that it’s super helpful!
Congrats with all of the training – especially keeping going through injury and tough runs. It’s hard with the weather because you know it just isn’t your fault, just the silly weather-man! I don’t really know how to taper for marathons – I’m running my first one in December though so I cant wait t read how you do it, to get some suggestions!
Thanks so much Isabel! I’m such a huge fan of the taper! I usually focus a lot more on stretching and foam rolling, along with a few runs, to make sure my legs are ready for race day!
Well wan’t that something I love my Oofos and I can imagine how special these will be for you Kim! I do hate when race routes are long! Great job in Montreal You are soooo ready for Chicago! Go get em!!!
I can’t wait to slip on those Oofos after the marathon!!
Better to get all the bad weather out on runs leading up to the race instead of race day! I think this hot spell is passing soon. Congrats on completing your last long run of training!
Amen to that! I’m really hoping that the weather blesses up with cooler temps for Chicago.
I was quite surprised that Montreal cancelled the marathon due to the heat. I am glad you got those races behind you though… such a beautiful city!
Yes I was surprised at first, but after running the race, there’s no way I would have been able to do another 13.1, LOL
I hope the quads are feeling better. Two crappy runs due to weather = a perfect marathon experience. That’s what I’m sayin’! Way to hang tough, Kim! I LOVE the Oofos too. I didn’t know they made race specific designs. Now I’m definitely going to have to run Chicago again. LOL. Enjoy your taper. Thanks for linking!
They are feeling so much better this week – thanks! Oh I so hope you are right about the crappy runs equalling a good marathon experience!
I love summer but I’m totally with you — I’m ready for it to be done being in the upper 90s. This is intense!!!
Those Oofos are AWESOME!!!!
Yeah, upper 90s in late September is just insane!
So sorry about your quad! Such a bummer, but maybe your body needed a rest and forced you into it. You’ve been training hard, and you will kill it in Chicago! I have 3 pairs of OOfos…and now I’m thinking I need a fourth!
I think you’re right. I have zero quad pain yesterday after my races this weekend, so I was happy about that!
I have two other pairs of Oofos and love them!
That Montreal situation was insane! I mean, we deal with pretty epic heat down here, but it’s continuous so it’s rare that we need to cancel anything, although adjustments do sometimes get made.
I hope your quads/pulled muscles are feeling better. It stinks to not feel at your best.
Love those new Oofos! They are the coolest!
Yes I agree. After running the half marathon in that weather, there’s no way I would have wanted to run another 13.1!
Can’t wait to hear what you think of the Oofos! They are intriguing to me. 🙂 Enjoy your taper and don’t stress about the last two long runs. You’ve rocked this training cycle and Chicago is waiting for you!!
I love Oofos! I have two other pairs that I wear a lot!
The hot weather has been crazy for training! Great job on the racing and getting ready for Chicago!!
Thanks! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for good running weather for Chicago!
I am so sorry this was a tough week with sore quads and crappy weather. Hoping fall is coming soon.
I sure hope so. I can’t deal with the heat and humidity much longer.
Sorry to hear that you had a rough time early in the week. Those conditions for Philly were quite brutal, and required us to dig pretty deep in order to finish the half. Here’s to a better week this week!
We definitely had to dig pretty deep!!
You’ve done a fabulous job in your training! I am excited for you to run here in less than 2 weeks. Those are cute looking Oofos. I’ve heard so many great things about the sandals but have never tried them. Also, is that another Oiselle top you wore in Montreal? 🙂
Thanks so much! I am very much looking forward to Chicago 🙂 No that’s an Old Navy top that I wore for my half marathon. I bought an Oiselle top but decided to wear the other top at the last minute 🙂
Great week even with the heat!!
Thanks Vicki!