Happy Sunday! I’m officially past the half-way point for marathon training and I’m still not sure how that happened – the weeks are flying by. I had a pretty good week of training, including completing my longest run ever, so it was a great week overall.
Monday
5 mile tempo run. I hit all of my paces, plus I dedicated 3.1 of those miles to the Nuun Challenge Dash!
Tuesday
6 mile easy run. The weather was decent so I was able to log these mile outside vs. the treadmill, which is always appreciated!
Wednesday
60 minute Boot Camp class
This was also the last day in August and when I tallied up my monthly mileage it showed 113 miles – my first 100+ month ALL YEAR!
Thursday
5 mile easy run
Friday
Rest Day…and I received two new pairs of Mizuno sneakers that I ordered from Jack Rabbit Sports. One pair will be for shorter runs and the other will be for gym classes (boot camp, etc).
Saturday
16 mile long run. This was my longest run ever and overall it went okay. I have been dealing with some tummy issues during my last few long runs so I think I’m going to stop using gels for fuel and start using chews again. I’m hoping this may help solve the issue.
Miles 1-9 were pretty good but the remaining miles were tough. I took more walk breaks than I wanted to, but I knew I just needed to keep moving forward to get the miles completed.
I have also noticed that I’m dealing with some major anxiety the night before a long run. I think this is because I have never logged this type of mileage before so I’m always nervous. Any tips to deal with this?
Sunday
60 minute HIIT class. I also wore my new pair of Mizuno sneakers and so far I’m loving them!
Total Miles – 32 miles
Training Cycle – 172.2 miles
Grade – A
If you have any training tips, please let me know in the comments – I welcome any advice!
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) for their new link up for training recaps!
Marcia says
Strong week Kim! Try not to think about you long runs as 16 or 18 or 20. Break them up in your head into manageable chunks you’ve run before. My 17 this weekend was 3 5’s + 2 miles. I only think about the mile I’m in. I also break up my route into parts. I feel like I’m making progress when I leave one “zone” and start running in another.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much for the tips Marcia! I like the idea of leaving different “zones”. I will definitely try that for my next long run!
Jessie says
Great week Kim! Way to go on your longest run of the season 🙂 Anxiety before the long runs is definitely common (and could be a contributing factor for your tummy issues?) The more you do them the less anxiety you’ll have. Now that you’ve done 16, what’s two more for 18, etc, etc? Your confidence builds.
My biggest tip for stomach problems is to eat early before the long run so its totally digested. I don’t have problems with GU’s, but I have heard that the Huma Chia ones are easier on your tummy. Good luck!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Jessie! I didn’t even think about the link between my anxiety and stomach issues – that could definitely be a factor! I think you are right about building my confidence with the long runs – I hope that happens!
I might try the Huma chia gels – I know a few people that love them. Lately I haven’t been able to eat too much before the run so I think that is making me have that bonk feeling as well. I have lots to figure out before marathon day!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Great job on your first 100 mile month and your brand new personal distance record.
I break my long runs up into sections by fueling.
I eat 2 honey stingers chews on every odd mile starting at 3, then 5, 7….
(I find it easier to get down 2 every 2 miles than 5 at once like they recommend,plus this gives me a way to break it up.)
I think run to 3 miles then have your first chews, 2 more miles until you next chews, alright 5 miles down, 2 more then you fuel again. This helps me break it into manageable mental chunks.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Abby. I’m going to try that fueling for my 10 miler on Saturday and see if that helps with the current tummy issues I am having.
Sonia says
Strong week of training! The longer runs can be tough but don’t worry about stopping as much as you need to. It’s about the time on your feet and getting it done. At this point, it’s mental strength building that’s just as important. You got this!
I like Huma during the run and use Roctane right before the run. But don’t pair any gel with Gatorade be uses the sugar overload can do a number. I eat a good breakfast about two hours before the long run. That helps a lot.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Sonia! I do worry about stopping too much during the long run, but you’re right, it’s all about time on your feet!
I usually drink Nuun on my long runs so that could be interacting with the gels. I’m going to use chews to fuel for my long run this weekend and see if that makes a difference!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
That is some awesome mileage for August…congrats!! The hard work is paying off for sure! And that’s awesome that you’ve run 16…that’s gonna be another scary one for me! I’ve been taking Honey Stinger chews and while they don’t give me stomach issues, I’m not in love with the super sweetness…
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Janelle! The 16 miler was scary for me, hence all the anxiety the night before the run lol.
I am going to try the honey stinger chews during my long run this weekend to see how my stomach feels, hopefully it goes better than the gels 🙁
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL says
Congrats on such a big week! I don’t know how I missed that this will be your first marathon! I use Huma Gels and swear by them. The apple flavor is the one I’d recommend trying as it’s the easiest to get down. I take one every 4-5 miles. Also, try experimenting with your food both the morning of and the night before to figure out what works. I have a steak and sweet potato the night before, but most people do chicken and potato or rice. In the morning, I have 1-2 hard boiled eggs and a half a bagel an hour before going out.
Think of training as your experimental period! Gotta find just the right mix!!
Do you run with friends? When I was training for my first, I recruited people to run with me for different “legs” of my 18 miler. I did 4 solo. Then had people run 4, 5, and 5 with me. Breaking it up into different legs really helps!
kookyrunner says
I’ve heard about Huma gels so i think I will try one and see how I feel! U’ve been getting up so early for my long runs so it’s hard for me to get down too much food before the run, but I’ll try to do a better job! My pre-long run dinner is usually pizza and salad – but I didn’t have this before my 16 miler so that was most likely a factor too!
That’s an awesome idea to recruit people to run with – I love that idea!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
Great job on your longest run! I think the nerves are just normal and they will come and go. But I do think having these successful runs logged will help – because you’ll know that you CAN do it! You are doing great!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much for the kind words Courtney!
Tricia Vaughn says
I too get nervous on long runs and runs meeting up with friends. I don’t have any advice for you except that I”m with you! Great job on all your training week. What kind of Mizuno’s are those for gym?
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Tricia!
The blue Mizuno sneakers are the Wave Hitogami sneakers. They are very lightweight!
HoHo Runs says
Congratulations on the 16 mile run! I think after you do a few more, you’ll realize there is really nothing to be nervous about. Mentally, I usually break mine into thirds. It seems to help me to have a beginning, middle, and end section. I’m a big fan of Mizuno shoes and love the two-toned blues ones you are wearing. Thanks for linking, Kim!
kookyrunner says
Thanks! I really like the idea of breaking up the run into thirds, I think that will make it seem more manageable for me. The 16 miler was so daunting for me because it was like “1 mile down, 15 to go” and that type of thinking is just bad!