"Races always evoke some dread about pain that will come. But we can't escape the fact that the more discomfort we accept in a race, the faster we will run. Successful racing means courting the pain."
-John Elliot-
Bring on the discomfort! As my friend, Robin, often tells me - sometimes going faster doesn't hurt any worse! Besides, Dr. Magic Hands did his work today and promises to keep my body in tip-top shape... provided I don't trip over imaginary elves and skid up my knees again.
Now down to the business of Monday... the training schedule recap...Week 14 Recap:
Monday - Off - Completed and appreciated!
Tuesday - 10 - Completed.
Wednesday - 7 - Completed.
Thursday - 12 - Completed.
Friday - Off - Completed.
Saturday - 16 - Completed... first day of taper! Yes, 16 is now a "taper" run. That's insanity. This run was comfortable although it was ridiculously humid which made for some stinky ladies. Robin was awesome to accompany me despite not being in marathon-mode right now.
Sunday - Off - Completed.
Week 15 Schedule:
Monday - 3
Tuesday - 8
Wednesday - 5
Thursday - 9
Friday - Off
Saturday - 11
Sunday - Off
Wow... here we go...
By the way, as a side note, I decided to do a 16 week training cycle for this marathon. For many, especially first-timers, I think it's probably a bit short. I chose 16 weeks because I was already comfortably at 13 miles prior to this cycle, and last training period I got burnt out at about 16 weeks, and didn't give my best the last 4 weeks. I know myself and since I was already in pretty good starting condition, I chose to cut this cycle slightly to hopefully prevent burn out. And while I'm definitely exhausted from the last 14 weeks of training, I am still mentally "on" and "ready".
And pssssst... don't forget to continue to vote once a day for me and your other favorite blogs (you can vote for multiples) up to once a day HERE. I've dropped 3 spots in the last few days, so show me a little love if you enjoy the blog!!!
11 comments:
I think the shorter training cycle was the right move for exactly the reasons you stated. Good quote too.
I read that quote in my e-mail this morning and loved it! Some times the quotes are too long and I get bored after the first line. But this is a good one! Kind of makes me want to go run right now, even though I'm in pain. ... but I won't.
quote of the day? more like quote of the week. ugh hahah.
and i like short training cycles personally so thumbs up :)
seriously makes me laugh when we start thinking 16 is short :) this time around I have like a 6 month training plan...and thus far I'm just hoping I don't burn myself out
I had a 2 week taper instead of 3 weeks during training for Chicago (I ended up fitting another 20 miler, after having to rearrange the schedule to fit a half marathon in). I thought that was my best decision, and kept it up for the MCM too. I think if I do end up running another marathon, I will also add an extra 20 miler, and reduce taper to 2 weeks, instead of 3. My body doesn't need that much rest, and I lose a ton of the endurance VERY quickly if I'm not running long distances near race day.
It's great how you make your thinking about marathon training so public. These kind of supports really help me. (Not to run a marathon, but with other activities...)
Girl you have my vote!
Voting! And SUPER excited for you Lesley!! I think you are more than ready to tackle this race!
Lesley, thanks for reaching out with your comment! Many people with similar experiences helped me a LOT leading up to my race, so that's why I try to put it all out there - you never know when it may just be what someone needs to read.
Good luck at your upcoming race!! I just became a follower and look forward to following along. :)
Lesley, I LOVE that quote!!! like really, really love it. :) can't wait for you! you are so ready. i voted!
So excited for you! I'm just catching back up and look forward to cheering you on for the big race!
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
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