Happy Sunday! By this time next week I will be done with the Chicago Marathon and have a shiny new PR (hopefully)! Not much to report this week – just some shorter runs and strength training. I have been doing more stretching and foam rolling since I have some extra time on my hands. I’m one of those runners that really enjoys the taper so no “taper crazies” going on over here! Here’s how my week panned out.
Monday 9/25
I arrived back home from Montreal in the afternoon. After I unpacked I hit the treadmill for a 4 mile run since it was hot as hell outside. I also did my PT exercises.
Tuesday 9/26
Dusted off my Yoga dvd for some recovery yoga + my PT exercises. I also received my Chicago Marathon participant guide and Ventra card. I ordered the special edition Ventra card because it looked so fly π I had to buy one any way to get around the city on the buses and trains, so might as well get the special edition version!
Wednesday 9/27
2 mile run + boot camp class (55 minutes). We did a lot of circuits in boot camp which made the time go by really quickly.
Thursday 9/28
Last tempo run – 2 miles easy / 1 mile pick up / 1 mile easy for a total of 4 miles + PT exercises. I needed a little ratchet music to get me through those miles in the morning!
Friday 9/29
REST DAY! I did some extra foam rolling and stretching that evening.
Saturday 9/30
This was a great last long run for my training cycle. The weather was perfect and the run felt effortless. Good confidence booster after my horrible long runs the past two weekends! I also did my PT exercises when I got home.
Sunday 10/1
Spinning (60 minutes). So happy to be back to my spinning class this week. I’ve missed it the last two weeks due to travel.
Total Weekly Miles – 18
Total Training Cycle Miles – 476.87
Grade – A
This week was really good for me. Besides the weather and summer just not wanting to leave earlier in the week, my runs were good. I’m also happy to share that I’ve been selected to be an ambassador for the 2018 Cleveland Marathon! I’m really looking forward to spending the word about the race and getting to know the other ambassadors. I’ll also have a giveaway for a free race entry at some point next year!
I’m happy that my run on Saturday went really well. I know the weather had a lot to do with it (52 degrees). I also tried out the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel. I was worried that it would be really bouncy but it wasn’t at all! I actually forgot that I even had it on. I’ll definitely be using this for the marathon. I have always run with a handheld water bottle, but my small one doesn’t hold a lot of liquid, so it’s not ideal for a marathon. I have a larger one, but it feels so heavy when I use it sometimes. I think the HydraQuiver is a good fit for me for long distance runs.
Yesterday I also added up my miles for September and the magic number was 134!
I’m happy with my miles last month. I definitely had some crappy runs, but some good quality runs too. All those hard runs are going to make me stronger come race day, right?!
Do you have any last week of training rituals? If you have run it before, any advice to give me for the Chicago Marathon?
Iβm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.
Iβm also linking up with the Jessβs (Jess Runs Atlanta and Jess @ The Right Fits) for their Training Recap Link Up!
This Week’s Posts
Chicago Marathon Training Recap – Week 18
Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Race Recaps
5 Reasons I’m Excited to Run the Chicago Marathon
Farrah says
I’d love to visit Chicago someday! :] Great job on your training this week; I’m glad your runs went well!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Farrah!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
You had another great week! Its getting really close now. Hope you can rest up and relax for the next few days!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Lisa! I’m hydrating like a boss this week and doing a lot of extra foam rolling and stretching.
Kimberly Hatting says
I keep hearing about the Cleveland Marathon (thanks to our friend, Rachel)…and that is on my bucket list. I think it’s in early May(?). Not sure if that will work this next year (I do have a senior graduating a few weeks after that as well as dance recital the weekend prior). I’ll definitely be “on the alert” for more details π I’m glad that 8-miler went so well! Now you can just coast through the remaining six days π
kookyrunner says
This year the race is Sunday, May 20th. I hope you can make it this year, but totally understand if not since it’s definitely a busy time of year with school, etc!
Sara says
Woohoo! I am so excited for you! Enjoy this last week of taper. Can’t wait to hear about the race.
Congrats on being selected as a race ambassador for Cleveland! I’ve been thinking about signing up for the half. I love Cleveland and we go there a couple times a year for races.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Sara! I am just counting down the days until Friday! My best friend lives in Cleveland so I’m excited to run a race there. I’ve visited before and really like it!!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
The hard part is done! Rest up this week and get extra sleep. You so got this!
kookyrunner says
Thanks! I’ve already been doing a great job on getting extra sleep, lol
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder says
I’m happy for you that you’re almost to race day…I think I’ll enjoy the taper too as I can’t wait until mine starts. I’m starting to get sick of all the training for marathons lol. I wish I were going to be in Chicago with you, but I’m wishing you the best on this marathon! May the weather be beautiful and you run strong!
kookyrunner says
Yup, you will definitely enjoy the taper. It gives you a chance to rest and really re-group before marathon day! Thanks so much for the well wishes!
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style says
You must be so excited that it’s race week! Have fun, good luck, and enjoy it all!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Jennifer! I’m very excited!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Another great week! Congrats on being selected as an ambassador for the Cleveland Marathon. Enjoy race week!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Michelle!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Don’t go out too fast! It is a very fast flat course so you will want to. Hold yourself back a bit. I have been enjoying this fall weather too. I actually did some double digit runs lately.
kookyrunner says
I’ve been hearing that from a lot of runners! I’ll really need to make sure that I keep my excitement in check and hold back, lol.
Jessie says
One week to go! So excited for you!
Glad to hear you are avoiding the taper crazies π
Strong week!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Jessie! I’m super excited and just cant wait until Friday when I fly out to Chicago!
Marcia says
You’re just about locked and loaded! Run your tangents, take water from the left side and not the first table cuz it’s crazy crowded. Stay in the shade when you can cuz the sun will wear on you if it’s out. Wave at ME at mile 13 on the right! π
kookyrunner says
Thanks for the tips Marcia! I’m definitely going to focus on running the tangents because I don’t want to run any extra if I don’t have to! I’ll definitely say Hi to you at mile 13!
Debbie says
You definitely deserve a shiny new PR! Youβve trained so well and smart for this race!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Debbie – fingers crossed!
The Accidental Marathoner says
Isn’t it great to be finishing up your training with some good runs? The weather should be good on race day. Enjoy EVERYTHING about it! The spectators are just amazing!!! Can’t wait to hear your recap!
kookyrunner says
I wish the weather was a little cooler on race day, but it is what it is! I’m hoping for a fun race!
Lesley says
It’s almost here! Enjoy the last week and good luck!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Lesley!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
You deserve an A+, especially for running those 4 miles the day after the miserable Montreal half, lol! I’m so excited for your race and I will definitely be following along!
I honestly have never heard the Bodak Yellow song, I don’t even know what it’s supposed to mean…
I’ve been running with that Orange Mud Single Barrel for a little over a year now and it’s great for long runs. The pockets on the straps are great for chews/gels and I put my phone in the pocket in the back.
Continue to enjoy your taper these last few days!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Janelle! That run on Monday was ROUGH! LoL
Oh you have to listen to Bodak Yellow – so so ratchet, but good!
That’s great that you like the Orange Mud single barrel! I was happy that it felt good on my run on Saturday.
Cyndi says
How exciting! Sounds like you’re ready to go and hit your PR. I constantly check the weather the week before a race, drives me crazy! Best of luck!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Cyndi – If the weather is decent, I think a PR will be very possible!
Anna @ Piper's Run says
Yeah for race week! Enjoy your race. My tip would be to eat well and focus on sleep!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Anna! I’m doing well with getting extra sleep!
Sherry says
Glad to hear your last long run went well! Good luck and have fun in Chicago! Loved that race last year! There’s a blue line you can follow that’s supposedly the shortest route.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Sherry! I will try to run the blue line as much as possible!
HoHo Runs says
I’m so excited for you! I’m also going to be living vicariously through you this weekend. Enjoy the weekend, the course, the city and the shiny PR you’ve worked so hard for! Thanks for linking.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much! I am really feeling the love from all of you ladies that have followed my journey over the past 20 weeks – I’m so thankful!
Smitha @ FauxRunner says
Good luck in Chicago! Hoping for some great weather for you and a grand PR!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Smitha!!
Rachel says
HAPPY RACE WEEK!!!!!! SQUEEEEEEE!!!!
And i’m so, so happy you’re a CLE ambassador! π
kookyrunner says
Thanks Rachel! I’m super pumped for race week and also super excited about being an ambassador for CLE. The ambassadors seem really cool so far!
Lea Genders says
congrats, the hard work is done! now just time to kick butt! Can’t wait to hear about how it goes!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Lea!
Andrea Signor says
Good luck!! You’ve worked so hard. I hope the race goes well!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Andrea!
Janice - Salads4Lunch says
Great training cycle! You must live somewhat nearish me – Montreal, Cleveland and Chicago are all within a somewhat reasonable driving now distance – I live just west of Toronto. Enjoy the Chicago Marathon next weekend, I’ll be thinking of you!
kookyrunner says
I live in CT so not too far from you! Thanks so much for the well wishes!
Coco says
So excited for you!!! I love my Hydraquiver! It is very comfortable, not bouncy, and you can stuff a lot in those stretchy strap pockets. π
Congrats on CLE. I think that’s the weekend I’ve got the Denver Half. π
kookyrunner says
I’m so glad that you like the Hydraquiver! I think it will work well for me for the race.
Sharon says
Yay! You are almost there! Have fun and good luck in Chicago! Don’t look at your Garmin while running in the city because it will screw you up. The paces are wacky due to the tall buildings so just be prepared for that. Enjoy the race! You got this! So excited for you!
kookyrunner says
I’m going to put my Garmin on auto=lap so I’m hoping that helps, lol. I’ve done half marathons there before and I know the GPS tends to get very wacky!
courtney @ eat pray run dc says
I am so excited for you! You are going to have just the best time! Look out for the Oiselle group cheering loudly right at mile 17 (runner’s left)! Ahhh – it’s here!!!!!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Courtney! I’ll be looking for the cheer section at mile 17!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Congrats on being selected as an ambassador for Cleveland. How exciting to know what your next big race will be. And yay for it being race week!!!!! See you in a couple of days!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much. Yes see you in a few days!!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Love me a taper.
That’s so great that your last long run went well! It IS such a confidence booster. And congrats on being selected to be an ambassador to Cleveland!
kookyrunner says
I was really happy to have a great last long run – I really needed that!
Toni says
How exciting! I have serious Chicago envy and plan on entering the lottery for next year! Good luck!
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome! I hope that you get in via the lottery next year.
Abby @BackatSquareZero says
By this time next week you WILL have a PR.
Have faith. You put in the work.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much coach π
Karen Bayne says
I hope Chicago goes awesome for you!
Congrats on the ambassador gig for Cleveland.
What a strong September! You have put in the work π
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Karen – I am hoping it will be a great weekend!
Isabel says
GOOD LUCK FOR THIS WEEKEND!!! Hope it all goes well, you’ve put in incredible work and you ahould be poud of yourself whatever the result π
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Isabel! I am determined to have a fun weekend in Chicago π