Happy Sunday! This week felt SUPER long so I’m glad that it’s over. I was very anxious about my long run yesterday but thankfully it went pretty well. I can’t believe that I’m only 3 weeks away from raceday!
Here’s my recap for week 11 of marathon training:
Monday, September 16
6 mile run.
Monday hit me hard this week. I was happy to get in this run after work.
Tuesday, September 17
3 mile run + Spinning (45 minutes).
The run went well and I took my first class with one of the new Peloton instructors. I really enjoyed it!
Wednesday, September 18
OrangeTheory Fitness – Strength (60 minutes) + 3 mile run + core work (10 minutes).
I had not been to an OTF class in over a week and my body definitely felt it! I was happy that it was a strength day because that meant lifting heavier, but the class kicked my butt. Because that wasn’t enough, I got in 3 miles after class.
Thursday, September 19
Spinning (45 minutes) + Strength Training (30 minutes).
I decided to mix things up and take a few different instructors for the spinning classes – it was pretty fun. I got a nice mix of different styles and music. Since I only had one OTF class this week, I decided to get in another strength training class too.
I also hit 100 strength classes on the Peloton app!
Friday, September 20
A much needed rest day, especially since I could barely move my arms!
I also registered for a Fall fall marathon – I didn’t want all my marathon training to go to waste, lol.
I’ll be running the Charlotte Half Marathon on 11/16. Want to join me? Use code BIBRAVERELAY to save $25 off the relay or BIBRAVE5K to save $5 off 5K!
Saturday, September 21
20 mile long run.
I finally punched my ticket to taper town! The run was far from easy, but felt about 10x better than last week’s run. Iran 4 miles on my treadmill while waiting for the sun to come up and then ran the remaining 16 miles outside. The last 3 miles were rough since I was running in full sun at that point (and the weather had warmed up), but I took walk breaks when needed and got the run done.
Peace out super long runs!
Sunday, September 22
Spinning (60 minutes) + core work (10 minutes).
As usual, spinning was just what my legs needed to work out the post-run soreness.
Total Weekly Mileage: 34 miles
Marathon Training Miles: 299.7 miles
Summary: 4 runs, 5 spinning classes, 2 strength training workouts, 2 core workouts
Grade This Week – A
Overall it was a really good week! I really didn’t feel like myself the first half of the week – little to no energy and really tired. I think most of that had to do with my allergies so I started taking my Zyrtec again and using Flonase and felt much better toward the end of the week. It really sucks having year long allergies.
Earlier in the week I found out on Instagram that the official Chicago Marathon merchandise was available! After dealing with the insane Expo the last time (and waiting FOREVER in line to purchase items), I decided to order the two items that I wanted from the Nike.com. Obviously I still have to go to the Expo to get my bib so I’ll still look around and see if there’s anything else I want to purchase, but for now I’m happy with these two purchases:
Race day is just 3 weeks away which has me both excited and a little bit worried, but I’m going to use these next few weeks to really zero in on making great food choices and making sure I stay hydrated. I’ll also be sure to get in extra stretching and foam rolling.
That’s it! I hope you had a great week 🙂
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
In Case You Missed It
Tuesday Topics: Embracing the Taper – Yay or Nay?
What a stellar week!!!! And, yes, enjoy your ride through Taper town 😉 I like how you do a lot of spinning, especially after your runs. I wish I would have figured out the magic of cycling much sooner…it has really been a game changer for this 26.2 training cycle 😉
Thanks so much #kimtwin 🙂 Spinning always helps me legs after a long run. I don’t know why but it works better for me than a recovery run.
What another awesome week for you! I am amazed at everything that you do (running, OTF, and Peloton workouts). I get tired with just running. 🙂 Congrats on your 20 miles! Now taper time and time to relax and take it easy.
Thanks! It’s a challenge every week to balance it all – some weeks are better than others, lol.
I’m looking forward to doing more Peloton rides after the race is over.
Awesome week Kim! So glad your 20-miler went well! It’s great that you decided on a fall half – I’m still trying to find something in the area for November.
And, you have reminded me I need to place my order with Nike 😉
Thanks Michelle! I really wanted to do a race in November so I was happy to get the opportunity to run the Charlotte Half.
Happy to remind you to place the order on Nike 🙂
Another fantastic week for you Kim! Look at you, already signing up for another marathon already. I have not tried any of the new instructors yet. I am still kind of annoyed they messed w the scheduel
Well I didn’t want all my training to go to waste, so I figured I should add a Fall half marathon, lol.
I had not noticed the change in schedule until Thursday – it threw me for a loop too! I’m looking forward to getting back to doing more rides once this race is over.
Welcome to Taper Town! It’s a great place to be. Enjoy the lower mileage and rest up for the big day!
It really is a great place to be!
Yay for the taper and nice work on the 20 miler 🙂 Breaking it up was probably helpful mentally too, heading out for 16 sounds less intimidating than 20.
Smart move buying the Chicago gear online, the World Majors all have such nutso expos lately!
So true! At first I was like should I just wait until the sun comes up and do it all outside? But then I figured I was already awake and dressed so I figured I might as well start the run lol.
Yes! The Chicago Expo was just crazy and I spent way too much time there last time. When I ran NYCM I went to the Expo on Thursday night after work and it actually wasn’t bad. I guess it should depends on what days/times you go.
congrats on a good week and a good 20 miler! Good luck with your long runs this week. i cant imagine running all that during the week — your’e amazing!
Thanks so much Melissa!
Your workouts were awesome this week, even before the 20 miler. My allergies have been acting up as well, that’s a sure sign that fall is here.
You’re so right! It seems like whenever there is a switch in seasons, my allergies get really bad.
Your memes are always on point
Glad you had a successful long run – what a great feeling going into Taper
Thanks Cari!
Yay for getting to the taper! So glad your 20 miler went well. So I don’t know much about OTF, what are splat points? I’ve seen them mentioned before but I just have no idea!
Thanks Lisa! I’m glad that the run went way better than last week!
For OTF, you get splat points for any minute you’re in the orange and red zones which is basically anything 84% or more of your max heart rate. There were inclines on the treadmill during class that day which always makes my heart rate shoot way up!
Congrats on getting to your taper! Love that photo of you post 20 miles.
The chiropractor I’m teaching yoga to Wednesday is also running Chicago. I’ll have to ask her if she knows anyone there. I know it’s huge & hard to hook up with people, but she is just the nicest person!
My Dad is suffering horribly with allergies on top of everything else. 🙁
Thanks Judy – I’m currently enjoying all the taper has to offer, lol
There are going to be so many meetups in Chicago that weekend – I’m going to try to get to as many as I can – please feel free to give your friend my info!
So sorry to hear that your dad is dealing with allergies on top of everything else 🙁 I know that ragweed has been high lately so hopefully that ends soon.
Taper town is one of my favorite places! Enjoy your time there. Fantastic week of workouts for you and I love the Chi Marathon stuff you got. Hooray for ordering early!
It’s one of my favorite places too! I was so happy to order the Chi Marathon items early – now I won’t have to s[end a super long time in lines at the Expo!
Congrats on that 20 miler! It sounds like it went pretty well. I love the variety of work outs you got into your week.
Thanks so much!
Welcome to tapertown girl! Congrats on that 20 miler… I can’t believe you did a spin class the day after. I was dead after mine 😉 I don’t love the Nike stuff for Chicago I’m afraid… so I might wait and see if I find other things at the expo….
Thanks girl! I’m so excited to be a resident of taper town for the next few weeks lol.
For some reason spinning really helps with my post leg soreness. My legs actually feel pretty good today.
Woo Hoo! You rocked this training. Can’t wait to hear about Chicago.
6 more weeks for me. 18 did not go well. I am so busy at work and traveling. It just affects my training. But I plan to finish NYCM. That’s all that counts for me.
Those “not so great” long runs will happen, but it’s good to get them over with now vs than on race day. The good thing about the 18 miler is that even though it was hard, you still finished!
The Chicago marathon gear is so cute! You are going to have such a great run! Enjoy the taper and way to go with your last 20 miler.
Thanks so much Sandra!
First of all, the pug meme is everything.
Am I the only person who sweats? Everyone always looks so easy breezy in their post run pictures!
You are going to do amazing! I’m so proud of all you have accomplished this cycle!
How did I know you would love the pug meme?! LoL 🙂
Oh I sweat like crazy, but I usually towel off before I take my post-run photo, lol
Wow only 3 weeks! I can’t believe its so close! Great job on that 20 miler! I had a lot of friends doing 20 milers they were out there killing it just like you!
Right?! It seems like the last few weeks of training have gone by quickly.
20 done – so well done! And I love how your recovery runs, which for me are a 3 mile hobble around the neighhbourhood, are a 60 min spin class. You are awesome!
LOL well for some reason my legs don’t like recovery runs but they really appreciate the spinning classes. I guess something about being on a bike works for me.
Congrats on finishing the 20 miler – enjoy your taper! Fall allergies are the worst- they may not last as long as spring/summer, but they sure hit hard.
Thanks so much Hannah!