Happy Sunday! I hope that everyone had a great week! My staycation was pretty good. It wasn’t exactly “relaxing” but I got a lot of things accomplished – errands, shopping, laundry, cleaning, organizing, etc. I checked off a ton of stuff on my to-do list so I’m happy about that.
The weather during the week was horrible – crazy humidity, heat and high dew points. Any outside workouts were pretty much non-existent. Luckily we were blessed with some amazing weather this weekend which just makes me crave Fall weather even more. I was pretty happy with my workouts this week (although I should have done more core workouts) and my long run on Saturday felt very good.
Here’s how week 7 of marathon training went for me this week:
Monday, August 19
OrangeTheory Fitness – Endurance, Strength, Power (ESP) and 500m Row Benchmark (60 minutes)
One great thing about having the week off work was that I was able to take my OTF classes in the morning. It’s nice to start off the day, especially a Monday, with a hard workout. We also had a 500m benchmark row in the beginning of class. Hopefully I can beat my time the next time we do this benchmark in class.
Tuesday, August 20
5 mile run + core work (10 minutes).
I spent the whole day cleaning and organizing and then realized I didn’t get in my workout – oops! I didn’t feel like running at all since it was disgusting outside, but I laced up my sneakers and hit the treadmill for 5 miles. Surprisingly, it was a really good run!
This meme always makes me LOL
Wednesday, August 21
Bootcamp (60 minutes).
Class was great! The instructor really focused on arms and abs which was fine with me since my legs needed a break! I was also supposed to run but I had really bad stomach cramps. It was a miracle I even made it to class so I decided to move my run to Thursday.
Thursday, August 22
OrangeTheory Fitness – Endurance (60 minutes).
Everyone knows that I love a theme. Every Thursday in August is #TBT at my OTF studio (each Thursday is a different decade). This Thursday was all about the 80s so my mom and I decided to dress up as Run DMC – I think we nailed it! The class was great too, even better since we were able to take it with our favorite, Coach Alison! Next week is the 90s so I’m currently searching Amazon for some ideas, lol.
Also, I’ve never run the same day as an OTF class – it’s hard! I had 5 miles on my plan but I could only get through 3 miles post-class. My legs were shot!
Friday, August 23
RST DAY! I felt a little sore from Thursday’s class so I did some stretching before bed.
Also the Chicago Marathon posted this on their Instagram account – it’s getting real!!
Saturday, August 24
17 mile long run + core work (10 minutes).
The night before my long run I checked the weather and I did a happy dance!
Look at this beautiful weather!
Honestly, what a difference between the weather on last Saturday and this Saturday. Last Saturday I was drenched in sweat and I could barely breathe right during my run. I got the miles done but it was a struggle from start to finish. This Saturday I actually wanted to stop mid-run and do a happy dance. Everything felt like it clicked, my legs felt good and I just had a lot of energy. I did slow down the last 2 miles with a few walk breaks but other than that I really can’t complain. I wish I could bottle up this weather for race day!
Sunday, August 25
Spinning (60 minutes) + core work (10 minutes).
My legs felt stiff this morning so I knew a spinning class was in order. I always like using spinning as recovery after a long run – helps to flush out my legs.
Total Weekly Mileage: 29.2 miles
Marathon Training Miles: 174.4 miles
Summary: 5 runs, 1 spinning classes, 3 strength training workouts, 3 core workouts
Grade This Week – A
Overall I have to say that marathon training is going well so far. I’m now halfway through my 14 week plan and I am happy with my progress. I was a little worried about fitting in all of my workouts but I think I’ve done a good job so far. Sure, some weeks I wish I could do more spinning, strength or core work but I know with marathon training that nothing is perfect.
I experimented with eating before my long run yesterday. I kept it simple with a piece of bread and a little peanut butter. I also worked on fueling at the proper times during my run. I used the SiS salted strawberry gels at mile 4, 8.5 and 13 and sipped water when needed. It all seemed to work well with no stomach issues! One thing I’ve noticed during this training is that I’m not hungry right after a long run. I’m thirsty so I drink all the liquids, but I won’t eat anything until a few hours later. This is a huge difference from last year when I could eat as soon as a I finished a long run, lol.
Looking ahead, this next week should be my cutback week, but I have a dilemma. If I follow through with my cutback week, my long run will be 13 miles on Saturday (8/31), but I have the Surftown Half Marathon the following Sunday (9/8). The weekend of the half marathon I’m supposed to do 18-20 miles. Originally I was just going to run the extra miles before the race., but now I’m thinking do I just switch these weeks and do 18-20 miles next Saturday and then just use the half marathon as my 13 mile training run. I’d love your thoughts on this – What would you do?
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: My Pre-Race Routine
Woohoo on another great super-long run! I think if you are feeling good you could switch the weeks, but I might take it easy on my legs this week, since you’ll be adding on more miles instead of doing a cut-back week — like cutting back somewhere else.
I didn’t do any chores over my vacation – except keeping up with the laundry, but ignored that ironing pile ….
Thanks for the suggestion Coco! I’m kind of leaning toward doing the 18-20 miles this upcoming Saturday.
Eventually I’ll take a “real” vacation where I just relax and don’t do anything else, lol
Yay on another fab long run! The weather was amazing this weekend. You are crushing it at OTF as well. I also like to use cycle as a recovery helps to move those stiff legs. Have a great week ahead!
I know most people like a recovery run the day after a long run but I find that the cycling works the best for me!
Hmmmm. That’s a dilemma. I think you have to listen to your body and make that decision sort of on the fly.
You are crushing this marathon training! And of course it’s hard to run after OTF — I know that and I’ve never taken a class, LOL!
Ok, just a little rant here about how when I did 15, 17, and 18 last year, they were almost all disgustingly humid days. Not fair! But I’m happy you had good weather. 🙂
I think you’re right – I may just need to make the decision during my run on Saturday. It will all depend on how my body feels this week.
Believe me – I was so thankful for the cooler temps this weekend. Last Saturday’s 16 miler was such a slog in the heat and humidity!
I thought last week’s OTF outfit was amazing. This week? Sooooo good!!! I love it! And with your mom? Even better. This weekend’s weather has been pretty amazing for running. For beach and pool days? Too cold! Summer isn’t over yet!
Thanks! I love dressing up for the theme days – they are always so much fun 🙂
I have to show that meme about running to eat and drink to my hubby. It’s what he says all the time! Great long run, Kim. Your marathon training is going really well.
LOL yes please show that meme to your hubby – it’s so true for so many runners!
Glad the long went so well 😉 (Have I not told you that a bad run usually means a great one is due to happen soon thereafter?) 😉 Maybe just do another 15-17 long run next weekend, then to the scaleback for your half the following week?
Yes, I’ve heard that below and I’m a firm believer in that!
I think I’ll see how my workouts go this week before making a decision on the mileage for Saturday.
Great week Kim! Your marathon training has been going so well! I love the Run DMC outfits for OTF.
I say play your long run this week by ear – see how you feel. You’re good about listening to your body so I know you’ll make the right call for you!
Thanks Michelle! Just hoping I can keep up with the training as the miles continue to increase!
You’re right – I’m going to make the long run decision probably within the first mile of my run on Saturday lol
Yay on a productive staycation and loved loved loved this weather for 16 . Even in peak sun on the west side highway it wasn’t too warm and occasional moments in the shade with the river breeze it was a bit of a chill.
Way to go on the fueling – you’ll see in my recap today, I was a mess but that’s what long runs are for figuring out. At one point I was wishing for an uncrustable.
No advice on the mileage switch – but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. So glad for a cut back this week but I’m worried about 18/20 18/20 looming in September
The weather this weekend was amazing – I think it will be just as good this upcoming weekend too!
Don’t worry too much about the September long runs – I think that you will do fine!
Great job this week! It must have felt good to get some cleaning and organizing done while you were off. I would probably do the longer run next weekend and then cut back for the race, unless you feel like you need a shorter run this upcoming weekend. I would probably watch the weather too and that would factor into my decision:)
Thanks Lisa! Yes, it felt great to cross off everything on my to-do list. Some stuff had been lingering on there for far too long lol.
The weather will definitely be a factor in my long run decision this weekend, lol.
Yes, a great long run and hooray for the weather being kind.
I find over 15 I don’t feel that hungry right away but I do try to refuel with something small and then graze until a larger meal later in the day. But I’ve always been like that.
Great work!!
That’s kind of how I am too. I usually snack for the rest of the day after my long runs lately instead of opting for a huge meal.
Another great long run, congrats. The training for the marathon is going well.
Here it’s also hot and humid, terrible weather for challenging workouts and races.
About the half and the training for the marathon: in the past I ran the half and after I made the extra miles slowly.
Thanks! I’m pleasantly surprised with the way my marathon training has been going. I hope the great training continues!
If you decide to do the 18-20 miler this weekend, make sure to pull back and make the rest of your workouts this week a little easier and you’ll be fine.
Your OTF outifts were too cute!
I’m so so glad the weather was nice for your 17. That makes all the difference.
Thanks for the advice Marcia – I’m leaning toward doing the 18-20 this weekend so I’ll adjust this week’s workouts accordingly.
When Marcia speaks, I listen…just saying…
With my new schedule aka having Mondays off, I am also starting the week off with a hard workout! It’s raining this morning and staying in bed is so tempting but off to CrossFit I go! Have a great week!
I agree – I always listen to Marcia too 🙂
Sounds like you had a really productive week! And I love those Run DMC outfits 🙂 Great job with that 17 miler! I love runs like that where everything just seems to click.
Thanks so much Chaitali! And yes, such a great thing when everything seems to click. I hope that’s the case on race day lol
YAY for zero humidity and getting ALL the benefits of so many miles in heat and humidity!! The first run without the heat feels like you can fly! I love it and can’t wait for more. SO glad you had that experience for your long run!!
And you KILLED the theme!! OMG you and your mom look awesome and the giant boom box is just WHAT??? Amazing. So fun. And now I want to join your OTF class 🙂
Thanks Allie! My mom and I love a theme so we were more than happy to dress up, lol
I’d go for the 18 miles unless you’re feeling really tired and need that cutback. A mid-training half marathon is so useful for seeing where you are in your training.
Thanks for the advice Debbie!
Your theme days are adorable and omg I am so jealous of those temps! I wish I could have something even remotely close. Ugh.
50 days! OMG! That’s so exciting! How are you feeling?
Yes! Chicago Marathon is fast approaching!
Love the Run DMC outfits!! I just got an email from my goal race, which is in two weeks. I was starting to question if I had even signed up for it because I hadn’t heard anything from them (and the race was sold out!). Nothing like a race email with packet pickup, race day instructions, etc to put the fear of the race in you!!! eeek.
Thanks Lisa! Wow 2 weeks until race day? It’s getting close!
Great job this week, Kim. Happy to hear your run went well on Saturday. I definitely know the feeling and you just want it to be like that every week. I love the OTF themes…so cute you and your mom. Love it!!! So you are not hungry after your long run? How about a protein shake to help with recovery?
For some reason with this training cycle I’m not hungry at all after a long run, just thirsty. I know I need to get in protein post-long run so I may just end up doing a protein shake or smoothie like you recommended.
Great job on the long run!!! I LOVE the Run DMC outfit too, that was an asweome idea!!
Thanks so much! My mom and I love a theme – this Thursday is the 90s and we will be dressing up for that as well 🙂
Yahoo for great weather and a wonderful run! I love when things all work together! I actually am never hungry after a long or hard workout. I usually make myself something light because I know I need the fuel.
I say, aim for the long run, but if you legs are not in the game, you always have next weekend!
Love the 80s theme pics! So cute!
Thanks Esther! It’s always nice when everything clicks since that’s so rare lol