Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Are you watching the big game tonight? As a Giants fan, I could really care less about the game since I dislike both team. I am secretly hoping that the Eagles win because I find Tom Brady to be SUPER annoying, lol. I’m also excited about the commercials because there are always some really funny ones!
I’m also officially half-way through my marathon training. It’s nuts how quickly these past 6 weeks have gone by, but I’m not complaining! Let’s take a look at my workouts from this week.
Monday 1/29
6.5 mile run.
Started off a little slow on this run (my legs were still feeling the 16 miler on Saturday), but overall it was good.
Tuesday 1/30
3.5 mile run + spinning (30 minutes).
Run felt great and I finally tried out the Peloton bike! I did a 30 minute hip hop spinning class and it was fun. The class was a lot harder than I expected. I’ve been spinning for years so I was surprised that I was huffing and puffing so much, lol. The class used pretty high resistance so I was definitely working my legs really hard!
Wednesday 1/31
Boot Camp (60 minutes).
Class was way better this week as it wasn’t as crowded! The instructor focused a lot on legs so I had to modify some of the squats and lunges, but it all worked out in the end.
Since it was the last day of January, I also added up all my miles for the month. I was happy to see a final number of 123 miles!
Thursday 2/1
8 mile tempo run + 30 supermans.
Geez this run was hard. I dislike tempo runs more than long runs! I also joined Rachel’s Supermans, Squats and Twists Challenge for the month of February
Friday 2/2
REST DAY!
Although it was a rest day, I still did my 30 squats for the challenge. Just like last week, I went to Pieology to carb load for Saturday’s long run š
Saturday 2/3
18 mile long run + 30 russian twists.
Ugh! This run was SO sucky. I checked my weather app when I woke up and the real feel was 7…seriously?!
Ugh!!
When I left the house I knew the chances of me getting in all 18 miles outside was slim, but I made a pact with myself that I would at least do 9 outside miles. Luckily I made it to 10. Don’t ask me how because it was freezing cold and windy the whole time.
As soon as I got back home, I changed clothes and hopped on the treadmill for 8 miles.
I know it’s not ideal, but it was the only way I could get all my miles in. I think it’s normal to have at least one sucky run per training cycle so I’m not too worried about this run. Mentally I just wasn’t into the run from the beginning and the physical issues didn’t help either. I felt like this meme summed up my run perfectly so I shared it on Instagram – hahaha.
Sunday 2/4
Spinning (60 minutes/22 miles)
This class was necessary to help my legs after yesterday’s run, but class was hard! My legs were still pretty sore so I definitely couldn’t sprint as much as I usually do. Also class was packed! I think everyone wanted to get in a good sweat before indulging in Super Bowl food tonight.
Total Weekly Mileage: 36
Total Training Cycle Miles ā 173.5
Grade ā B+
Oh my, what a week! The good news is that my foot is feeling A LOT better on my runs. I have only been running in my Mizunos the past 2 weeks and that seems to have helped the problem. I would say its about 90% better now so I’m thrilled about that. The bad news is that my lower back is still spazzing out once I run anything past 10 miles. I posted the below on my IG stories and I want to thank everyone that responded with suggestions!
With less than 2 months until race day, I really need to figure this out. I received a lot of great suggestions that I’ll implement starting next week.
I’m excited to join the Supermans, Squats and Twists challenge this month. I’m all about anything to help tighten up my core!
Next week is peak week – yikes! I dread this every training cycle but I’m just going to take it one day at a time!
How were your workouts this week? How do you bounce back from a crappy long run?
Iām linking up with Courtney for her training recap link-up and Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.
In Case You Missed It
My 2018 Race Schedule (So Far)
February 2018 Goals
Have you tried legs up the wall after you run? A lot of low back pain is from tight hammies. I’d try really stretching them out. See if that helps. Maybe a massage?
You had a fantastic month–123 miles? Way to go, Kim. I love that WTF weather app!
Thanks Wendy! That weather app is amazing and I want to hug whoever delvoplqed it LOL
I do legs up after a run but I don’t do it after every run, so I will be more consistent about that.
I can’t believe you are almost at your peak week! Wow, time flies. I’m team Mizuno Inspire all the way. After straying and then developing Achilles pain, I went back and have stuck with them since. Great job on the 18 miler and bonus points for doing the last miles on the treadmill! Thanks for linking.
I know! Peak week seems to just creep up on you when you least expect it, lol.
I’m with you on the Mizunos. I am glad that I tried another brand of sneaker, but dealing with that cranky foot just solidified to me that I need to stick with what I know. Now if only Mizuno would make the next version of the wave inspires more like the 10s and 11s, I would be so happy!
Wow, this training cycle has gone fast (especially for those of us not actually running it with you LOL) That weather app totally made me laugh! It speaks volumes š
LOL, the weather app is amazing and it provides me with a laugh every single day – I love it!
Half way through! this cycle is really flying by. You’re killing it! I hope that you are able to figure out some options to help your back so that isn’t an issue for you on race day. I’m interested to hear what works for you.
Thanks Sara! I can’t believe 6 weeks has gone by already – unreal. This week I’m going to focus on icing my back and doing more core work.
123 miles is a great month! Wow!!
And I’m seriously impressed that you did 10 cold miles and still managed to get up enough energy to do 8 more on the treadmill. That’s beast mode right there. When I grow up, I want to be just like you. <3
Thanks so much Jennifer! I was surprised at the monthly mileage number, but also proud of it!
You’re too kind! Yesterday’s long run was such a hot mess but I was glad when it was over, lol
I’ll be interested to see what you decide to try for your back! I’ve been told that my stiff thoracic spine area can cause the low back to move too much, which it isn’t supposed to do, and that can cause pain and tightness. There are so many things that can be going on with the back though! Hope you figure it out! Great job with your training this week.
I’m going to work on doing more core work every day and icing it as well – 20 mins on, 40 mins off. I’m hoping that it pays off for my upcoming 20 miler (fingers crossed)!
Kudos for all those miles put in! Double kudos for doing those 10 freezing miles!
Thanks so much! It was definitely not an enjoyable run but it had to get done.
Awesome week and a lot of leg work! I need to get back into spin – it was so great to strengthen my hamstrings which are weaker in my running efforts.
Thanks Judy! Definitely a lot of leg work this week – maybe a little too much lol
That pizza. OMG. Want. And your week in workouts sounds awesome – great job! I, too, despise tempo runs. It doesn’t matter how long or short they are. I hate them! I’d much rather either be on the track or just running long.
Same! For some reason I much prefer a long run at a nice steady pace vs a fast tempo run.
Great week Kim! Awesome job doing what it took to get that 18 miles done. I’m so sorry your back is still giving you trouble. Have you had a chance to get a massage? When my back was bothering me that and heat made a big difference. Hope you get some relief soon!
Thanks so much Michelle! I haven’t had a massage in a while – probably over a year – so I might look into that!
6 weeks already? I am already amazed that we’re in to February. Wasn’t it just New Year’s Eve?
LoL, same here. January went by rather quickly.
Wow on being halfway through your training plan! I always suspect core issues — or posture while running? when my back aches. Maybe focus on your form and see if that helps? Or new shoes? Do you need new shoes?
My sneakers are good but I am going to try to focus more on my form during the 2nd half of my run.
Now I am jealous of your Peloton bike and the Pizza!!
LoL, I need the Peloton bike to burn off calories after eating that yummy pizza!
Great job on training!
When your lower back starts bothering you during a run do a self check on your form and make sure you’re not neglecting engaging your core. It’s easy to start slouching as you tire, putting unnecessary pressure on your lower back.
Thanks Debbie!
I do know that my form tends to not be as good in the later part of my run. Also I think the cold weather makes me scrunch up my shoulders a little bit.
Kim, awesome week of training! I don’t have any tips for back pain, unless its due to dehydration? That sometimes happens to me at the end of a marathon and its usually because I’m dehydrated.
Love the WTForecast app š Tells it like it is!
Thanks so much Jessie! I’ve been trying to stay hydrated on my long runs, but I can always do a better job at that. I’ll focus on that on my upcoming long run. Thanks for the recommendation!
I think you deserve way more than a B+ for a super hard week. And I also don’t think there’s any shame finishing up that long run on the mill. This past weekend was really brutal. Not that next weekend looks a lot better. š Oh February, how I love to hate you!
I’m totally with you on tempo runs — a necessary evil. Give me a long run any day!
Oh I know – next weekend looks just as bad and I have 20 miles on the schedule – yikes!
Wow! It’s hard to believe that you’re already halfway through this training cycle! You’re a trooper, so I know that Saturday’s long run will not get you down. š Hope some of the suggestions help with your lower back. I bet the supermans will help, too. š
Have a great peak week!
Thanks Clarinda!
I don’t remember the last time I ran 18 miles. Great job!!
Thanks so much Nicole!
Great week and month Kim!! 123 miles is incredible! Hard to believe you’re already half way through this training cycle! Next marathon I do, that is if there ever is a next one, I’m going to try a shorter training cycle …I was to the point of burn out! (although, I do believe the longer cycle allowed me to take it slower and remain injury free)
Hope you get that back under control soon ..back pain is the worst!
Thanks so much Teresa! Totally know what you mean about training burnout. My training cycle for Chicago was 20 weeks and it was too long for me. If I ever do another marathon I’ll probably still to the 12 week plan. I know that’s not the “norm” but I think it might work best for me.
I’m currently icing my back as I’m writing this. It felt find on today 7 mile run – I’m just nervous for longer runs.
Great job on those tough runs! I’m sorry to hear about the lower back problems. I hope the recommendations help find a solution.
Thanks so much. The tough runs are supposed to make us stronger right?!
You’re doing great. Much better than I could do. I wouldn’t even be able to breathe. I’ve never done any training prior to a marathon. It’s something to look into.
Thanks Asia! If you ever want to train for a race and have any questions, please let me know!
You are doing such a great job and really putting in the hard work – halfway through training already?! Honestly I think you are more badass for doing 10 outside and 8 inside…that takes a whole lot of mental strength! This cold weather is not cute…if it could stay in the 30’d I’d be happy, lol!
Thanks Janelle! Saturday’s run was definitely all about mental toughness because I wanted to quit SO many times! And I agree, this weather is not cute at all. I think I was fooled since we had a mild winter last year lol
Great week! Half way through training is exciting!
This training cycle is definitely going by faster than most!
Kim you are slaying this training cycle! If I lived closer I’d invite you over to use my inversion thing. Hanging upside down helps the spine “make space” and perhaps that’d give you some relief with your back. All the best with peak week!
Thanks so much Marcia! That inversion thing sounds really cool. Maybe I just need to hang upside down from my bed, lol
Looks like a great week!!!! Hope your back feels better! I def dont envy the cold weather, you are training like a champ through it!
Thanks Toni!
Kudos to you for pushing yourself to complete 10 miles of that long run outside. I braved the cold weather as well on Saturday, mainly because I just couldn’t bear to do another long run on the treadmill. Although your run may not have gone as you had hoped it would go, just remember that the difficult runs help to make us stronger in the long run.
I was kind of in the same boat on Saturday. It probably would have been smarter to just do all 18 mile son the treadmill, but I knew that I probably wouldn’t last that long on the treadmill lol (14 miles is my record).
When my back hurts, it’s my gluteus. And sometimes my shoulders pulling in the opposite direction from the tight glutes. A bit of foam rolling and then deep sports massage works for me. Hope you are able to work through to it.
I have notices that my glutes are the most sore after my long runs. I am looking into a sports massage soon!
Great week! I really been enjoying the Facebook challenges by Running in Happy! I am new to running so I am getting nowhere near your miles but it is inspiring to read about your runs! Way to go!
Thanks Angela and congrats on getting into running!
Ugh! How are your shoes? That would be the first thing I would look at. It seems like you are totally on top of all your cross training and everything, so maybe it’s something else?
Love that Peloton bike!
My sneakers are good so I was able to rule that out but I’m hoping that the things I’m doing this week to help my back will pay off on Saturday’s long run!
Dog memes are my favorite. I never get tired of seeing them, but sorry your run was crappy!
Same here! I find any memes with animals to be super funny.