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in Uncategorized · October 2, 2015

A Look Back at September 2015

Well, I guess at this point I shouldn’t be surprised that September went by in a flash! I think that will happen from now until January…then the winter months will crawl!

september check in

Now that September is over, it’s time for my monthly check-in to see how I am doing with my goals. You can read my other monthly recaps here:

January 2015

February 2015

March 2015

April 2015

May 2015

June 2015

July 2015

August 2015

2015 goals

-Most of my progress on my goals hasn’t changed since last month, so I won’t go into too much detail. To sum it up, I’m focusing on staying healthy and enjoying the process of marathon training with less of a focus on miles and time goals at this point.

-I’ve actually been more into podcasts than books this month, which is nice because I can listen to them on an easy run, in the car, while taking a walk, etc. I did read Move Your DNA  by Katy Bowman this month, and started another one of her books, Alignment Matters: The First Five Years of Katy Says. I actually started listening to Katy’s podcast, Katy Says, and then decided to read her books. 

September 2015 Stats and Highlights

Total miles: 164– wow that’s a lot of miles for me! I didn’t even run 90 miles most months this year, so this is a huge jump. It’s exciting to see that number and to be feeling good!

Best run: My mile repeats, which I was really nervous about, but ended up hitting all my paces and it didn’t feel nearly as bad as I expected. 

track

Favorite Non-Running Activity: Walking! I am as just as surprised as you to see that, but there are a few reasons why I think this has been at the top of my list this month. 1) Katy Bowman has convinced me it’s important. 2) The weather has been perfect for being outside. 3) It makes me feel better than sitting on the couch. 4) I can listen to podcasts while I walk. 

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Biggest accomplishment: Running a strong 12 mile race, just a few seconds slower than last year.

charles st 12

Set-backs and struggles: Learning to deal with running in the dark and getting up earlier than I’ve ever had to in order to fit in my training runs before leaving for work!

Things I’m looking forward to in October: The Baltimore Running Festival, continuing to increase my mileage/long runs, even better running weather, and my birthday! (Although I have mixed feelings about that last one:))

What were some September highlights for you?

What are you looking forward to in October?

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Previous Post: « Thoughts from the Halfway Point
Next Post: Route 66 Marathon Training Week 9 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    October 2, 2015 at 7:13 am

    Holy crap you got a lot of miles out of this month! I peaked with my miles and don’t even know if I hit that number! Guess I’ll have to check out this Katy person, huh?

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:01 am

      She has an interesting perspective…some things are a little intense, but I like the concept. And it definitely goes in line with your post about moving at your desk- she is all about dynamic workstations!

  2. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    October 2, 2015 at 8:20 am

    You had an awesome month! Just think of me running early with my headlamp in the dark! We should start chatting to keep each other company!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Haha yes! I was just thinking it would be nice to have a local running buddy for these dark mornings. Usually I am happy to run alone but where I live now it does get kind of lonely.

  3. [email protected] says

    October 2, 2015 at 8:30 am

    Love your 2015 goals! I need to get back into reading more–once school starts it kind of goes by the wayside.

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:03 am

      That happens! I do most of my reading over the summer, and then usually get off track come the fall/winter. I am hoping that checking in with my goals will help me to stay on track!

  4. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    October 2, 2015 at 8:49 am

    I know that I’ve mentioned it before, but I love Katy Bowman. She has totally changed my mind on shoe structure.
    It looks like you had a great month!
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:03 am

      I definitely appreciate her views on shoes! Hope you have a great weekend too!

  5. meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says

    October 2, 2015 at 8:52 am

    I swear time is flying! I hope the winter moves quickly without snow lol…I love October, probably because of race season, my son’s birthday, hockey season and chocolate caramel apples plus Halloween candy. Have a great weekend, thanks for all of your taper help!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:04 am

      So many great things about this month! (Besides the possible hurricane, of course).

  6. Jamie says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:11 am

    I’m totally loving the cooler running temps, but despising the dark mornings. The sun barely rises before 7AM now… what is that!? Haha. I’m really looking forward to my last month of marathon training and enjoying one more hard week before taper. And of course… the beginning of the holiday season!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:04 am

      It’s gonna be a long winter with these dark mornings! At least there are a lot of other good things to look forward to.

  7. Denise says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:11 am

    I’m also looking forward to October because of upping my mileage and more comfortable running weather! 🙂 I also just love fall in general, so I’m definitely happy to see October roll in. 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:05 am

      It’s a great time of year!

  8. [email protected] says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I have only listened to one podcast during my run. But it made it fly by. I need to download a few more. I love walking too. Even after runs, I take my dog around the development as my cool down.

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:05 am

      Walking is a great cool down! I wish I wasn’t always so rushed after my runs because I think it would be so good to walk for a few more minutes.

  9. Suzy says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Whoa whoa hold up a sec. Those sunglasses you’re wearing in the 12 mile race pic… are they running sunglasses? How do they not fall off your face? I NEED THEM. Sorry, I’m self-absorbed. You had a great month of September and I’m really happy to see that running mileage! You have been KILLING it. I love following your runs on IG.

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:17 am

      They are from Roadrunner sports so I think they are running sunglasses! But no they don’t fall off my face at all. Now if only the sun would come out so I could wear them again.
      http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/02412/one-spektor-polarized/

  10. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:18 am

    Yay for your birthday month! You’ve had such a strong month of training – look at those miles! I need to give that Katy Bowman podcast a listen – it sounds interesting and I love podcasts for walking.

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:20 pm

      It is pretty interesting!And thanks!

  11. Lesley says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:25 am

    I’m excited for my 5k, and I’ll take a little break afterwards. It’ll let me know where I’m at and what I need to do to prepare for my 10k in May.

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:21 pm

      Sounds like a good plan!

  12. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Lisa, you’ve got me wanting to walk again on my running rest days; I’ve just started a new audiobook and, since I’ve borrowed it from the library, I have a limited number of days in which to finish it. This would be a great way to have an active rest day and listen to my book! Great job with your training in September and I know you’re going to have a wonderful race!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:21 pm

      That would be a great way to listen to your audiobook!

  13. heather says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:41 am

    September, I am glad it is over. October fall races, leaves, candles, hoodies. I am so happy to see you have increased your mileage by a lot. Great Job Have a great weekend
    bakingrunner.blogspot.com

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      There are alot of great things about October to look forward to!

  14. Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:52 am

    Wow, your mileage has really climbed – sounds like you are in great shape for the marathon to come! I’m also focusing more on staying in shape and injury-free as the year winds down, I know the winter will seem LONG as opposed to all these months that just flew by, but I’d like to be able to run through the snow and ice without hurting 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      I am definitely dreading the long winter!

  15. Hilary @ Embrace the Neon says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:25 am

    164 miles!!! That’s amazing! I’m really excited about the BRF (which falls on my birthday weekend) too. Can’t wait to see Baltimore – this will be my first real visit (other than the airport)!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:23 pm

      That is exciting! The BRF should be really fun!

  16. Marcia says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:47 am

    Wow! Kudos to you for a big mileage jump with no negative repercussions. This whole year so far has flown. Well maybe the winter months didn’t but yeah I feel like Christmas is just around the corner.

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:24 pm

      Agreed! The first few months felt never-ending but since April the months have flown by!

  17. Sam @ The Running Graduate says

    October 2, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    It looks like September was a great month for you! 164 miles is incredible. I’m looking forward to the BRF too. Hopefuly we can meet up again before or after the race!

    • [email protected] says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:24 pm

      That would be great!

  18. [email protected] says

    October 3, 2015 at 8:11 am

    You had an awesome month Lisa. You’re already at 164 monthly miles in your marathon training. I agree, walking is awesome. When I lived in NYC I walked everywhere and helped so much to keep my muscles lose when I was not running. Congrats again on that strong 12 mile race. Great month. Happy Fall!

    • [email protected] says

      October 4, 2015 at 1:32 pm

      Thanks! It’s nice to live in places where you can walk everywhere- especially when the weather is nice!

  19. Cori @ She's Going the Distance says

    October 3, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I starting listening to podcasts this month! Like i said, we’re twins lol. Seems like you had a really solid month of training. I’m honestly looking forward for October to be over with cause i’m already ready to taper and race in Indy.

    • [email protected] says

      October 4, 2015 at 1:32 pm

      Haha we totally are twins! I think I will be more than ready for the taper in the beginning of November. But I still have a ways to go before that!

  20. Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian says

    October 3, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    One of my September highlights was going to Disney World and celebrating my one year engagement anniversary!

    • [email protected] says

      October 4, 2015 at 1:33 pm

      Sounds like September was a fun month for you!

  21. Sheena @ Paws and Pavement says

    October 3, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    I’m looking forward to the cooler weather and breaking out the scarfs this month! Plus more cooking and baking with pumpkin and squash!

    • [email protected] says

      October 4, 2015 at 1:33 pm

      Those are all great things! I have been wearing scarves over the last week because it suddenly got much chillier around here!

  22. Sara @ Oats & Rows says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    WOW that is awesome mileage!! This past month, I was able to visit Charleston and DC…my last trips of the year! In October, I am looking forward to starting my nursing assistant class. Goodbye, free time! 😉

  23. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    I ran 156 miles in September, my highest mileage in one month, EVER. So congrats on your 160 something!! And considering you have been sick and coming back from injury, your 12 miler is quite an accomplishment!

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Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Running Marathons

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Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of n Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of nerves and not able to sleep? This is my first big marathon in 10 years, my first time traveling to a race in 10 years, and my first time spending the night away from my kids. And of course I’m tapering so I can’t run off the nerves 🙃 #marathontraining #taper #richmondmarathon
Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definit Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definitely overdressed for this run but it was nice to not wear gloves or a headband! This was the run I needed a week before my marathon. After last week’s disaster of a long run it felt great to just run an easy 10 miles. (And these days 10 miles feels like nothing). I think I figured out the fueling and shoes 🤞so nothing left to do but take it easy, carb load, and get in the right mindset! Is it unseasonably warm where you are?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to b Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questi Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questioning my life choices. Like waking up at 3am to run 12 miles on the treadmill and 9 outside. This was a crazy week with a kid that wasn’t sleeping great and fighting a cold and super busy days at work. My legs were just tired the whole time today. It was really hard to run outside after so many treadmill miles and my pace was much slower than inside.

I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
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