Another week completed for marathon training! Last week was great because it was a cutback week, but it was back to the grind this week. Although I didn’t get in as much strength training as I wanted to this week, I did get through all my runs (even if they weren’t all great). This week felt like it dragged on and on (probably because of the holiday being in the middle of the week), so to say I was thrilled to make it to the weekend was an understatement!
Monday 7/3
2 mile run + 30 minutes of recovery yoga. I needed to ease back into the week as my legs were feeling pretty tired.
Tuesday 7/4
Happy 4th of July! 4.5 miles in beautiful weather and very low humidity. This was my best run all week!
Wednesday 7/5
An awesome hour of strength training. This class is great because the instructor does a pyramid style workout so your muscles are fatigued by the end of each set.
Thursday 7/6
4.5 mile tempo run. This was a really hard run, as usual. I’ve only done my tempo runs on the treadmill so I can make sure I hit the paces. I don’t know if I can do them outside. Is that a bad thing?!
Friday 7/7
This was a much needed REST DAY! I also received a sport daypack from Eagle Creek! This will be absolutely perfect for all of my racecations this Fall!
Saturday 7/8
What’s that saying, “a picture is worth 1,000 words”? Well my face pretty much sums up this 12 mile run.
Sunday 7/9
1 hour spinning class. I haven’t gone to spinning class in about 2 or 3 weeks so it felt good to get back on the bike for a total sweatfest!
Total Weekly Miles – 24
Total Training Cycle Miles – 136.8
Grade – B+
This was a hard week for me. For some reason I just didn’t have a lot of energy and I was dealing with some headaches for the later part of the week. I had a glorious run on Tuesday because the weather was picture perfect! In hindsight, I probably should have done my long run on Tuesday since the weather was good and I didn’t have work, but I wanted to enjoy the holiday.
I didn’t get in enough strength training this week so I will work on that for next week. I was happy to get in yoga once this week. As hard as I try to make it a regular part of my routine, I just don’t enjoy it enough for that to happen and I’m okay with that. I am realizing that you can’t do everything! If I do yoga once a week, that’s good enough for me right now.
What can I say about Saturday’s run? Just like all of my other long runs this training cycle, it was HUMID. 97% humidity to be exact. I’m just over it. Thankfully it wasn’t sunny for most of the run, so I appreciated the cloud cover. By the time I finished the run, I literally looked like I had gone for a swim – I was SO gross. I’m pretty sure my compression socks saved my legs for this run.
One good thing that came from this run was that I think I FINALLY found a pair of running shorts that will work for me! Most shorts are either too short or not compression, so they never work for me. I purchased two pairs of shorts from Old Navy a few weeks ago because they were on sale for $10. I’ve worn these shorts from Old Navy for a few runs now and they were great. I’ll definitely be picking up a few more pairs.
Did you have a good week? Are you currently training for any races?
I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap. This week’s guest host is Christine so show her some love!
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!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Great job this week! The weather can make marathon training so challenging. But you still got in your runs, and that fall weather will feel so nice on race day!
kookyrunner says
I feel like I need to train for a winter marathon so I can start training in the Fall, lol.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Love the “I hate running shirt” I think we all hate some of our runs especially in this heat! Great week of training for you
kookyrunner says
Haha definitely! That shirt summed up my thoughts about yesterday’s run perfectly.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Humid runs are the worst. And it does seem to be a continuing theme for Saturdays lately (which is generally when I do my long runs).
I said the same thing to Rachel @ Runningonhappy about tempos over the winter — whether or not I could hit those paces outside because it almost killed me on the treadmill.
If I can (and did), I’m guessing you can! Of course I do find running on the treadmill is actually harder than running outside in some ways.
kookyrunner says
I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for a humid-free long run on a Saturday – a girl can dream!
Thanks for the words of encouragement about the tempo runs – I know I am just being a chicken by sticking to the treadmill!
Coco says
I’ve heard great things about Old Navy workout gear but never tried any. I’m always on the hunt for good shorts, though, so I may have to get over there. I love your July 4th socks – are they Pro Compression too? Running when it’s so humid just sucks – there’s no way around it so you have to embrace it!
kookyrunner says
I actually really love the Old Navy’s activewear line. The items are really durable and affordable. If you get a chance to try out the shorts, let me know!
Kookyrunner says
Sorry forgot to add that yes, the socks are from Pro Compression but I got them a few years ago so they are no longer on the website ?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I feel like a lot of us had a tough week. It’s got to be the weather and the humidity!
I love that shirt! LOL!
kookyrunner says
Yes this summer seems unusually warm so far, right?
I got the shirt from Walmart 🙂
Sara says
Great job with your runs this week! I am sure that you could get your tempo runs in outside. Some watches have a feature that you can set an alert if you drop below a certain pace. Might be an option for you if you decide to take that type of workout outdoors (and if your watch has that capability).
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Sara!
Thanks so much for the tip about the watch. I am going to look up my watch and see if it has that feature!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Humidity is just kryptonite to me so huge kudos to you for getting through 12 miles! I need that shirt 🙂 And I love that you found a great pair of shorts for such a reasonable price – going to have to check them out.
kookyrunner says
It really zapped all my energy yesterday. I took a 2 hour nap and that never happens, lol. I got the shirt from Walmart 🙂 IF you get a chance to try out the shorts, let me know!
Christine @ Into the Glimmer says
I have a hard time fitting in yoga, too, but I’m always so glad when I get it in because my body feels so much better. And flexibility is such an important component of injury prevention and yoga is perfect for that. Good job on another week of training for your marathon! Thanks for linking!
kookyrunner says
Totally agree about flexibility being so important for injury prevention. I just wished I liked yoga more!
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says
There is no way I’d be able to do a tempo run outside either. I don’t understand those runners who go out and say “I’m gonna run “x” pace for the first 2 miles and then change it up to “xyz” pace for the next mile! I have no idea what my pace is until I’m done with each mile..haha.
kookyrunner says
LOL, I’m kind of the same way. Sometimes I’m really clueless about my pace but on the treadmill I am SUPER aware of it, haha.
HoHo Runs says
This week was so screwy due to the holiday! Your face and your shirt say so much about that long run. The humidity is just killer here and I’m (almost) happy I’m not training for Chicago. Although, we have some unfinished business.
kookyrunner says
I’m sure you will get back to Chicago one day, especially since you have unfinished business!
I don’t think I’m going to run a marathon next year. I need a break from long runs in this heat and humidity, lol.
courtney @ eat pray run dc says
The humidity just TAKES IT OUT of me. It’s so tough! I would try to do a tempo run or two outside just to see but I also wouldn’t stress about it! 🙂
kookyrunner says
Me too girl, me too. I took a 2 hour nap yesterday after my run. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a nap that long, lol.
Thanks for the advice about the tempo run 🙂
Lesley says
I’m working on my cadence, and I’m doing it on the treadmill. I need that steady, faster pace to learn the faster cadence.
kookyrunner says
I need to work on my cadence as well!
Kimberly Hatting says
I have great luck with Old Navy workout wear. I don’t think I’ve seen those compression shorts before, though. I LOVE those patriotic shoes…are those Mizunos? Your outfit totally rocked the holiday (even if it was a day early) 😉
kookyrunner says
Yup, those are Mizunos (Wave Inspire 13). I don’t think they were going for a patriotic theme but the colors just work!
Teresa says
Okay, several things I’m loving about your post ….
1) those patriotic compression socks are the bomb!
2) the tank in your 12 mile run pic ….. a classic
3) the hashtag in your 12 mile run pic ….. it’s how I feel about the humidity down here!
4) your face in your 12 mile run pic ….. can’t fake it! 🙂
kookyrunner says
LOL, I’m glad I could provide a littl bit of humor with my weekly recap 🙂
Rachel says
I really love your I Hate Running top. ???
Sounds like a great week even if it was challenging. Important thing is you did it!
kookyrunner says
LoL, thanks Rachel. You’re right, at least I got through it!
Zenaida Arroyo says
I don’t like tempo runs either but do them as well on the treadmill. Nope, you are not the only one. 🙂
Those shoes look great. I checked them out online and most are sold out. I wonder if I can find them at the store?
kookyrunner says
Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Those are the Mizuno Wave Inspire 13s. My running coach gifted them to me last year right before the NYC Marathon so they are almost a year old so that might be why they are hard to find online. I have seen them in stores, so definitely check your local running store!
Zenaida Arroyo says
Haha, I meant to write shorts and not shoes. 🙂
kookyrunner says
LoL, no problem. Here’s a link to the shorts on the Old Navy website – http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1036836&pcid=1031032&vid=1&pid=598527042
Anna @ Piper's Run says
The humidity here was high as well which doesn’t make for fun running. I just started training for my next half marathon – fun times!
kookyrunner says
The humidity is such a killer!
Debbie says
I love your I hate running top (and photo!). Sometimes we all do hate it (in spite of loving it).
As for tempo on the treadmill…as a coach I would recommend to do your tempo runs on the road if possible. After all, that’s where you will be racing. If you can’t hit your pace at first, you will learn what you need to do to actually hit them. Run by effort. You know what the effort should feel like based on your treadmill runs.
kookyrunner says
LOL exactly. Some days are definitely better than others when it comes to running!
Thanks for the advice on the tempo runs 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
You had a great week! Even though the 12 miler would have been easier on the 4th, you know it’s those humid, miserable runs that make you stronger! Tempo runs are so challenging…I like doing them on the treadmill but you’d be surprised, it may not be as bad as you think if you do them outside, especially if you run in a flat area! I think it’s definitely worth trying out sometime!
kookyrunner says
So true! I appreciate the long runs when they are over, but it totally sucks when you’re in the middle of it, lol
Darlene says
Humid runs are tough. I lucked out and skipped my run on Sat and the weather was much better on Sunday.
I am a running skirts gal – they work for me!!
kookyrunner says
I might have to move my long runs to Sundays if the weather will be better that day. I prefer to get my long runs over with on Saturday if I can, lol.
Ivanna says
You are really killing it. Great job training!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Ivanna!
Chaitali says
Ugh, that Saturday run sounds tough. But it looks like you had the perfect shirt for it 🙂 And I love those shorts! I like my shorts on the longer side too and they’re hard to find. The pocket is icing on the cake.
kookyrunner says
Haha, yes – it was the perfect shirt because I was over the run after the first mile.
I don’t know why it’s so hard to find running shorts that aren’t booty shorts, lol. I was thrilled to find these so I purchased a few pairs.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I love the tank that you wore for your long run. Your face is exactly how I felt during my 12 miler. The heat, humidity, and hills really got to me too. Here’s to a better week for both of us!
kookyrunner says
LOL! The humidity on Saturday was unreal. Like you said, I hope we have a much better weekend for running!
The Accidental Marathoner says
Ha, that shirt! It’s been so crazy hot and humid in Chicago, but I got my runs in. Glad you had a decent week of training!
kookyrunner says
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is good for the marathon!
Ilka says
I love the shirt you picked for your 12 Miler!! #lol
Good job this week Kim despite the humidity. As much as running in heat and humidity is not pleasant, it actually makes as stronger for the fall races or in your case the Chicago Marathon!
kookyrunner says
Thanks! Sometimes you just need a funny shirt to get through a run. I know the hot and humid runs will pay off for the marathon – I hate them while I’m running but feel accomplished once I finish!
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style says
The Saturday run pic is the best with your expression and your “I hate running” tank. Love it! I feel like it’s always a small miracle to find shorts that actually work. Compression shorts make my legs look like sausages, and most shorts are too short! My current favorites are Skirt Sports Go Longer Shorts.
kookyrunner says
I have the same problem with most running shorts! I have a big butt and thighs so I need something that can hold everything in and provide a good amount of coverage!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
I’m loving all of your socks, especially the patriotic ones! I actually laughed out loud at your “I hate running” shirt. 😀
kookyrunner says
LOL, I laughed out loud when I saw that shirt online. I wish I had purchased more!
Jessie says
Great job getting in your runs even on tough days! Great resilience!
Always love all your fun socks!
I didn’t realize you are doing Chicago AND New York! have you done two so close together before?
kookyrunner says
Thanks Jesse! Chicago will only be my second marathon but it’s my goal race. NYC will just be a “run for fun” race lol
Mary Beth Jackson says
Whew! I think a lot of us had long, hot, tough runs this week- it is the season! I feel gross when I finish too! Perfect shirt- love it!
kookyrunner says
Agreed – I feel like it’s either super hot or very humid everywhere in the country!
Sharon says
Great job on your runs this week! Way to get it done especially your long run with the humidity. I remember those days, so kudos to you for sticking it out.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Sharon. The humidity kills me more than the heat so I hope for a few humid free runs soon!
Toni says
Great job on your training. I love that Eagle Creek bag! Humidity is no joke either.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Toni! I’m also loving the Eagle Creek bag and cant wait to use it in September!
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder says
I feel ya! I had a 13 miler this weekend for Chicago training and I was drenched by the end of it. I don’t blame you for doing tempo runs on the treadmill- I think the only danger of that is that sometimes the paces indoors don’t translate to the same paces outdoors. I try to keep most of mine outdoors but I have done some indoor ones when it was really hot and disgusting out. My paces outside are a bit slower than what I’m used to right now, but I’ve been told time and time again to go by effort and not pace because the heat really affects pace and heart rate. So I’m hoping this translates into a better time in the fall!
Good luck with your training! I hope we get to see each other in Chicago!
kookyrunner says
You’re so right about the paces on the treadmills vs outdoors. Overall my paces are slower this year than last year, but I know part of it has to do with the ridiculous humidity this summer!
I hope we get to see each other in Chicago as well!
Abby @BackatSquareZero says
Your I Hate Running shirt – pretty sure I need that for every long run from May – Sept. This humidity is a game changer and does make running so much less fun. Like sucky. However, it is still awesome taht we are getting out and getting it done.
kookyrunner says
I got the shirt from Walmart of all places, lol. I know all these runs in the heat and humidity will pay off in the long run, but they just suck!
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL says
Awesome week! I know what you mean about being over the humidity, I’m really looking forward to fall weather.
kookyrunner says
I have a countdown to Fall on my phone, lol