Marathon Training: Week 10

So another week in the books! To recap, I was scheduled to run 3-7-4 this week and a whopping 15 miles on Saturday! I tackled the 3 miles on Monday, which has been my new strategy, to give my legs a rest-day after the first weekly run, instead of running three days in a row. At the end of Monday's 3 miler, it occured to me that it would be my last three mile run before the marathon. From now on, everything will be at least 4 miles or longer. A lot of people have told me how easy these 3 and 4 mile runs become as the training schedule goes on, so I am going to miss these quick 30 minute runs.

With a rest-day on Tuesday, I was ready to tackle the 7 miles I had scheduled for Wednesday. I went to Buckhead to run with my running group again, but this time I was prepared and brought my water. However, it did not all go perfectly like I had planned. There were no maps available for the run, and the only group of runners that were there were a group of men that are 8 minute milers. Being a 9 and a half minute miler, I made the wise decision to try to run with them for seven miles. This plan worked great until 2.3 miles in, when I had to reduce my pace. I was able to keep them in sight until about Mile 4. From that point on, I was on my own. With no map, and sucking down my water, I was slightly concerned that this could turn into a sticky situation. However, my manly sense of direction brought me to the finishing point with half a bottle of water to spare. When I got there, some of the guys were still waiting for me and expressed their relief that I made it back. Apparently, I was only about 6 minutes behind them. Which I felt was pretty good. I also learned that I had run 8 miles, as opposed to the scheduled 7. Oh well, I hope that pays off for me on down the road.

Thursday was just a 4 Miler for me, but I hadn't recovered properly from the previous day's run, hadn't worn my calf sleeves, or taken any anti-inflamitory meds. 2.5 miles in, my shin pain was unbearable and I decided to walk home and call it a night. I wound up doing just under 4 miles, but who cares... I did 8 the day before.

I had a much needed rest day on Friday, but I was really anxious about running 15 miles on Saturday. My running buddies in the group were scheduled to run 12 miles, so I decided to get up early and run 3 miles before running the remaining 12 at our traditional 7am Saturday Start. I took the first 3 miles slow, but everything seemed ok. And then I took plenty of time to stretch during the group announcements before we took off for our 12 mile run together. I did amazingly well for those 15 total miles. Especially the first 13. I was able to run with no pain, but I noticed I was getting a little tired during the 14th and 15th mile. The last two miles I noticed I was struggling to pick up my feet as well, and I tripped and nearly fell flat on my face TWICE in a span of about a half mile. Only a little embarassing in front of the entire group. Who cares though... I look like I run in work socks, anyways. All in all, another great week. I wasn't beat, but I definitely didn't feel bad about vegging out and watching football the rest of the day. Now, another week closer to my marathon.

The pictures last week got great reviews, so I have decided to share a couple of my post-15 mile ice bath.



Getting ready to ice down with a bathtub full of 5 bags of ice:




Sometimes I feel like this is the hardest part of marathon training:



Thanks for the comments. I will keep you updated next week!