Happy New Years Eve! Can you believe that 2017 is officially over? It was a weird year for me because while I didn’t hit my main running goal, I still enjoyed running in races this year. I especially enjoyed meeting new people in both the blogging and running worlds. I’d also like to say a special THANK YOU to Holly and Tricia for hosting the Weekly Wrap each week as it has connected me with so many awesome women this year.
This may have been the last week of 2017, but it was also the first week of my marathon training for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and the first official week of winter. Let’s discuss that last word “winter”…. Many parts of the Northeast have had “arctic blast” type weather this week. I’m talking brutally cold…like negative wind chill cold. Even though I prefer winter running, this week was really hard and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for “normal” winter weather soon (30 degrees please)!
Fun fact: As I was writing this recap I just noticed that next year is the 45th anniversary of the race. This will be my third “anniversary” marathon in a row (New York and Chicago were both the 40th anniversary). Marathons are special, so the anniversary just makes it extra special, right?!
Let’s get on to the weekly recap, shall we?
Monday 12/25
4.5 mile run.
Merry Christmas! Who kicks off marathon training on Christmas? This girl! It was actually perfect because I started a tradition a few years ago of running on Christmas morning before opening presents, eating breakfast, etc. This was also the last day of “normal” winter weather for the week!
Tuesday 12/26
Rest day.
This wasn’t the plan, but I just had no desire to do anything after work so I made this a rest day.
Wednesday 12/27
2 mile run + boot camp class (60 minutes).
My legs were toast after this workout, but it felt good to get in a good sweat after taking off a rest day on Tuesday.
Isn’t this a cute infographic?! It’s from my GoneForARun calendar
Thursday 12/28
Cardio/Strength Workout (45 minutes).
I did two workouts from the Fitbit Coach app and it was really good! There was a mix of cardio (running in place, jumping jacks, burpees) and strength (push ups, squats, etc). What I really enjoyed is that they were all bodyweight exercises.
Friday 12/29
12 mile long run.
Sweet Jesus this was a HARD run. It was 10 degrees (real feel of 0) and I was deep in the pain cave for the last 3 miles. I couldn’t tell if my legs were in pain from the cold or the run – it just wasn’t an enjoyable experience, but I got it done!
The only good thing from this run? My wool Pro Compression socks! They kept my feet nice and warm for 2+ hours!
Saturday 12/30
6 mile run.
As soon as I was getting ready to leave the house it started snowing…great. So I ran back upstairs and got my Yaktrax (my sister gifted me a pair for Christmas). I had no idea what to expect but they worked perfectly! I didn’t even remember that I was wearing them for most of the run! I had to cut my run outside short because I couldn’t see (wind and huge snowflakes), so I completed the last 2 miles on the treadmill. I’m all about getting my run done, even in less than ideal situations!
Sunday 12/31
Spinning (55 minutes – 20 miles)
I was running late to class so I missed the first 5 minutes. My legs were also super sore from back-to-back running days (18 miles), so I didn’t push as hard as I usually do during class. My legs did feel good (not as tight) after class so that was a huge plus!
Also it seemed appropriate to post my #2017BestNine collage on the last day of the year. It’s a great representation of my year – running, running and more running, LOL. But I was happy to see the Chicago Marathon and the AirBnb Brooklyn Half Marathon included on there as well.
Total Weekly Mileage: 24.5
Total Training Cycle Miles ā 24.5
Grade ā A
I’m ecstatic with my first week of marathon training. So far I’m hitting all my paces and the runs (except for Friday) have felt good overall. After my long run my knees were KILLING me. Going up the stairs was really bad. This just tells me that I need to tape them up with KT tape before long runs. I also need to spend more time stretching, foam rolling and doing my PT exercises. When I was training for Chicago, I was very diligent about doing all three of those things so I just need to get back to that mindset.
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year! If you’re going out tonight, please be safe (and warm)! Here’s to a fun-filled 2018! š
How was your week? Are you training for any 2018 races?
Iām linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.
This Week’s Posts
2017: My Year of Running
Join Me For December Runfessions
Great week of training. Love your Christmas running tradition!
Thanks so much Vicki!
What a fantastic 1st week of training. I hope it gets back to normal winter temps soon. Take care of those knees! Cheers to a fantastic 2018.
Thanks Clarinda! I will welcome normal winter weather any day now!
The cold weather really made running a struggle this week. I felt like it was so hard to move my legs on yesterdays run. I would love the weather to get back into the 30s but I only see one day of that over the next week:( Great job with week 1 of your training!
I agree. Even though I had a short run this morning (2.5 miles) my legs were just so cold and I could barely move them. I felt like I was running through quicksand!
You had a great first week of marathon training! Even.in.the.arctic.weather. I’m so going to steal your Christmas morning tradition. My kids are not kids anymore and could care less about waking up early. So I’m free to run before presents too. Happy New Year and thanks for linking!
Thanks! This weather is pretty rough but I have hope that the arctic weather will pass at some point. Just give me back 30 degree weather!
I am happy that you’ll run on Christmas morning this year! It really is so fun and so peaceful.
I am, thankfully, not in training right now. Because yeah, the weather is brutal — and you had a marvelous first week considering that!
I like running on holidays (I did my long run, inside, yesterday). I feel better indulging a bit that way. š
Get on that PT though. Seriously!
I’m the same way – I like to workout on all the holidays so that I can indulge in all the yummy food without any guilt.
I already did my PT exercises today so I’m off to a good start!
I started marathon training this past week too and are we some unlucky gals or what?! You did a great job this week! I’m dreading my 10 miler this weekend…can we get back in the 30’s? LOL!
Oh we definitely picked the worse week to start training! I actually had to laugh to myself when I saw the weather for the week.
Good luck on your long run this weekend. We’ll get through this winter training, one week at a time!
I hope you have a blast running Shamrock in March! Its such a great race and very focused on runners and their needs. I loved running the Shamrock Half back in 2015 and would love to run Shamrock again someday.
Thanks Kathryn. Everyone I know that has run the race has nothing but positive things to say about it so I’m really looking forward to a great race weekend.
I’m in love with that Santa baseball cap ..it’s perfect for a festive run! Congratulations on kicking off your first week of marathon training with a bang! Happy New Year Kim!
Thanks Teresa! I got the Santa baseball cap from Party City a few years ago.
I’m not in training yet, but I’m going to sit down this week to figure out when training does start. My training plan is on my work computer, so I need to wait until tomorrow’s lunch break to do this.
What race will you be training for?
haha, that infographic is super cute! Running is something I’ve been meaning to re-introduce into my life, and I’ve finally kindasorta gotten started, so I hope I stick with it! Great job on your week of training!
Thats awesome that you have started running again! Excited to follow your journey this year.
The arctic blast can end any time soon, seriously. I don’t think we’ve ever had these kind of temps for so long! Sounds like a great start to your training! Happy New Year!
I’m totally in agreement with you. Unfortunately it’s going to be just as cold all this week. Hopefully next week will be back to normal winter temps!
You started off training strong! It is a hard time of year to get dressed and get going, it is good you found some cold gear that works for you !
Congrats on your accomplishments in 2017~ Happy New Year!!
Thanks Karen! Usually my winter running clothes keep me warm but it’s been hard the past few days!
I prefer cooler temps too but this is ridiculous! Very hard week to start a training plan-nice job you
Definitely a hard week to start training – I had to laugh to myself during my long run on Friday!
I like your festive attire on your run on Christmas! I also went for a run that day, but on the treadmill! Good luck with your training for Shamrock. I ran that last year for the third time and every year it is so cold. Hopefully this year you will luck out.
Thanks Lacey. I’m glad to hear that you had good experiences with the Shamrock race. Hopefully it won’t be too cold this year!
Great week of training Kimberly! I’m excited to follow along for the Shamrock race.
Way to power through that cold 12 miler too. Sounds like your training is off to a very strong start!
Thanks Jessie!
Looks like you are off to a good start for your marathon! I hope this is the year for you to crush the distance! Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Wendy!
Awesome week, and way to blast this arctic cold! I loved following your 2017 journey and can’t wait to see what’s in store for you in the new year!
I enjoyed following your Chicago and MCM Marathon journeys last year and I’m so glad I found your blog!
You started your training strong! I love your Christmas day gear — and I will have to check out those wool ProCompression socks!! I’m finally taking time off for my PF and haven’t run since Christmas.
You will love the wool Pro Compression socks – they are seriously the best!
I’m sorry to hear about your PF, but hope that taking off some time helps!
Oh I have the same run, rest, repeat shirt! It looks like you had a great week! I hope you have a wonderful 2018!
Thanks so much Janice!
I love Old Navy for Activewear š
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2018!
Man, you are already back at training! Great start to a strong training week.
Thanks Smitha! I know, I can’t believe I’m already back to training!
Sounds like a great first week of training! I can’t believe how cold it’s been. I’m ok running in the 30s and 20s but when it’s in the teens and single digits, I have a hard time making myself go outside at all.
The cold weather has been brutal! It’s definitely hard to leave the house!
Great week of training! All my outdoor runs require yak traxs right now, between fridged temps and lots of snow….I’m all about staying upright. I participated in a Christmas marathon where we run the distance of a marathon from Dec 24-30th. It’s a great way to stay active.
Thanks Anna! That Christmas marathon sounds like an awesome challenge and a great way to stay accountable.
I am so impressed with all your cross training! You are going to ROCK this marathon.
Thanks so much Wendy!
Yay! Shamrock will be a good race for you, I think. Flat like Chicago but with way less people. š
Yes! And not scorching HOT! š