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in Route 66 Marathon, Running, Training, Weekly Wrap · November 2, 2015

Route 66 Marathon Training Week 13

I made it to the taper!! That feels good to say. This was a tough week, but I survived…and while it’s “all downhill from here” there are still some workouts and long runs to get through. However, I think by this point I have put in most of the work so from here on out it’s all about being smart and not overdoing it. 

weekly workout recap

Monday: 7 miles easy, core and hip exercises

monday

Tuesday: 10 miles: 2 mile warm up, 2 x 3 miles at 8:10 pace with 1 miles recovery between, 1 mile cool down.

tuesday

On this particular day there was a cop outside my development who wouldn’t let me turn down the main road. I went across the street to the other side of the development which has a hilly .8 mile loop and completed this run there. I wonder what my neighbors though of my outfit!

Wednesday: Strength training/core and hip exercises

Thursday: 7 mile easy, core and hip exercises

Friday: 10 miles with middle 8 at MGP

friday

Saturday: 18 miles on a hilly route.

saturday

I ended up running with Rob again for my long run even though we were at home. Not sure what led us to do his but I think it was partly because his MP3 player died and I knew I would need someone to push me through this run after already having a tough week of training. I was pretty miserable most of the time- frustrated with the hills and my slower pace, and feeling like my legs didn’t want to move. I was definitely glad when it was over!

elevation

Sunday: Rest/recovery- some yoga poses for the hips/hamstrings/back, foam rolling, and took an epsom salt bath

Total: 52 miles

It’s a good thing it’s taper time because this week is gonna be crazy. I leave for my conference in New Orleans on Wednesday morning and don’t get back until Saturday evening, and I will be working long hours the whole time I am there. Hopefully I can still stay on track with my training (I definitely want to get in at least 1 run while I am there!) but I’m just not sure how it will all play out. That also means I won’t be very active in the blogging world once again- although I am hoping to have another post or two scheduled for later this week. One of these days life will quiet down and I will be able to catch up on everything!

Congrats to everyone who raced this weekend!

How were your workouts last week?

Who raced this weekend? How did it go?

Do you think your neighbors judge you because of your running clothes? Ever have to lap the same area over and over?

weeklywrap

Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin for the weekly wrap!

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Previous Post: « DC Weekend Recap + Food
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles says

    November 2, 2015 at 5:26 am

    OMG I lap my neighborhood for almost all of my runs! Ha, I can only imagine what some of the dog walkers and people who see me from their windows think of my outfits some mornings – I so do not always match!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:02 pm

      My only hope is that most people aren’t looking out their windows! I don’t think the dog walkers like me because the dogs always bark at my headlamp.

  2. Kelli says

    November 2, 2015 at 6:16 am

    Congrats to you for getting that run in…those hills look intimidating. Good luck with the taper. I have a very small neighborhood (the loop in my cul de sac is under a mile). The weirdest thing they see is when I practice riding my time trial bike for a few laps before my races to make sure I’m comfortable on the aerobars and my powermeter and everything is working.

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      Thanks!
      Im sure that your neighbors are entertained when they see you riding your bike like that:)

  3. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    November 2, 2015 at 6:21 am

    I hate lapping my neighborhood because mentally it’s just tough! Congrats on tapering! I’m very excited for you, it will be here in a blink. Good for you for running on hills! The hills for me yesterday were not kind at all and I am seriously feeling it today. When I get back to running more hill training is in order!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:04 pm

      It was definitely tough mentally to do all those laps! Hills are so hard but so important in training.

  4. MollY@ Motherhood and Marathons says

    November 2, 2015 at 7:11 am

    great job on your training this week! You’re in the home stretch! I usually run really early, so my neighbors can’t see my ridiculous outfits because it’s dark out 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Hopefully my neighbors don’t see me for the same reason! I do see quite a few dog walkers out though:)

  5. [email protected] says

    November 2, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Great job on your workouts for the week, especially that long hilly one…ouch! Your time was pretty good with your taper. You are going away anyways so at least you don’t need to get a long run in. Hope you get a little free time to explore the city…..so fun!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks! Yes, I was glad that it worked out that my trip was during the taper!

  6. Kristina says

    November 2, 2015 at 7:53 am

    TAPER TIME! I don’t know how that’s possible, I feel like you just started training yesterday, but I am sure you feel differently, haha! Awesome training cycle, I am really looking forward to your race!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      When I think back on the beginning of my training it feels SO long ago! But it did go by pretty quickly.

  7. Sam @ See Sam Run says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:12 am

    WOOHOO congrats on making it to taper. Last week looks like it was crazy hard but it’s nice to look back on weeks like that and see you did it! My week of workouts started out really great last week, then I ended up missing the last two runs due to various reasons. At least that means I’m rested up for lots of speed work this week 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:08 pm

      It does feel good to know I accomplished a tough week! I hope you have a good week of running this week:)

  8. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Yay congrats on making it to taper time! You had such a strong week of workouts – 10 miles with miles at MGP and then an 18 miler the next day sounds hard! I’ve done laps in a neighborhood near my apartment complex and mentally it’s so tough for me and all the kids waiting for their buses look at me like I’m derange for running in 3/4 mile circles.

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      It was tough doing the hard runs back to back but it definitely helped me get used to running on tired legs! The short laps are mentally tough for me too.

  9. Megan @ Meg Go Run says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:50 am

    That is a very strong week of workouts. You definitely have earned your taper!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Thanks!

  10. HoHo Runs says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:52 am

    If you were old like me, you wouldn’t care what the neighbors think of your outfit! LOL. Oh the joys of aging! You are going to love Route 66. The crowd support was amazing the years I ran the half. The weather, not so great. But no worries, since I’m not running it — it will be perfect. I do loop the same route regularly and I actually find comfort in it. I know I’m safe, I know where to push, I know where to fly downhill, etc. I appreciate you linking with us. Enjoy your taper and the trip to New Orleans, Lisa!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:13 pm

      I guess I don’t really care what anyone thinks of my running clothes, or I would choose something different:) I am getting excited for the race! Crossing my fingers for good weather but thats really the one thing I can’t control at all.

  11. Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:59 am

    I wear either running/workout gear, or work clothes, and barely anything else. Even a cashmere sweater with LL Bean leggings. People are going to think I’m quirky no matter what, that’s the least of my worries!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Haha, yea Im not too worried about it either!

  12. Angie @ Pace with Grace says

    November 2, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Congrats on making it to the taper and on a great week of training! I get bored easily if I have make the same laps so I try to mix it up as best I can. I get comments from my neighbors that they see me running “all the time” and you “make us look bad”, lol.

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      Its funny because our neighbors say they see my husband running but I think I am out too early, so maybe they don’t see me after all!

  13. Lizzy says

    November 2, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Wow, what a week! No wonder you are ready for some taper time.

    A lot of my neighbors live with extended family and the older people spend a lot of time on their front porches. Some days I pass them 6 times (2 dog walks + a run) and I am pretty sure they all think I’m totally crazy. I like to think I’m keeping them entertained…

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      Im sure they enjoy watching you run by over and over!

  14. Monica says

    November 2, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Sounds like a tough week. Congrats on making it to the taper! I have 4 weeks until my taper. Sick most of last week with upper respiratory junk. This week will be rough. UGGGGG!!!!!!
    I lap the crap out of my hood! I don’t live in a very runner friendly city so I mostly stick to 2 neighborhoods. Sometimes a park. I long to live somewhere that people don’t think I’m nuts. I get the, “hey, you’re that girl that runs all the time!” often. I enjoy it though. Better than the alternative!
    I think I look crazier in the winter than the summer. A tank and shorts is less conspicuous than loud tights and non-matching top paired with a head wrap and obnoxious gloves. HAHA!
    Enjoy New Orleans!!!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      I definitely look crazier in the winter with all my layers! And I agree, its not a bad thing to be known as the person who is always out running!

  15. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    November 2, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Sounds like a tough week! Congrats on making it through and getting to taper! I think that keeping up with training is one of the hardest things to do while traveling, especially if it’s for work. Good that it worked out that you had your peak weeks before traveling.

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      Yes, I definitely got lucky that my trip fell during the taper! I don’t think I could have handled a high mileage this week while away.

  16. Lesley says

    November 2, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    I’ll be running the same area again and again in my neighborhood. I need to get my legs adjusted to outside again, and I want to stick close to home in case something pops up. I’m sure my outfit Saturday was colorful enough but it was cloudy and I wanted to be seen for safety.

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:17 pm

      Thats a good idea to stay close to home while you feel things out!

  17. Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says

    November 2, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    Ha I don’t care much what neighbors think of my clothes, they probably say there’s that crazy girl running. How awesome you are going to be in New Orleans this week. You won’t have any problem finding places to run. Try running on the Riverwalk. Lots of sights and people run and walk there all the time! I can’t wait to see what all you do! Have a great time!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:17 pm

      I will definitely try to run on the Riverwalk- thanks for the suggestion!

  18. Suzy says

    November 2, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Congrats on a beastly week! Hooray for taper time! Hang in there. Your week sounds so busy. I had a good run on Friday night and then I had to run slow on Saturday and Sunday to recover. I had dead legs.

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:19 pm

      My legs were still kind of dead today even though I had a rest day yesterday! Hoping they can get themselves together for semi-workout tomorrow, since Im not sure what I will be able to get done the rest of the week.

  19. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    November 2, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Great training week, Lisa!! Congrats on getting to the taper; sounds like you could use it right about now, too – ha! I hope you have a great work trip; you’ve done the training and you’ll be fine, no matter what. So exciting!!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:19 pm

      Thank you! I definitely feel like I put in the work so even if I miss a few workouts this week its not the end of the world.

  20. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

    November 2, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    great job with your training!! i travel a lot for work and find that most hotels have a semi decent treadmill with semi decent wifi so if nothing else i can slip in a 30 minute speed work session on the treadmill while watching Glee. Have fun in New Orleans!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:20 pm

      Im torn because I really want to be able to get out and explore New Orleans on my runs, but I think the only time I will be able to get out is early in the morning, so the treadmill might be a better option. I guess its a good back up plan at least!

  21. Debra @ Happy Running Sole says

    November 2, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Congrats on reaching your taper! 52 miles in a week, that’s amazing! My plan peaks at 40 before my taper. Hope your taper goes well! Have a safe trip in NOLA!

    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 7:21 pm

      Thanks! 52 is pretty high for me, and for some of my other marathons I peaked closer to 40. Good lick with the rest of your training!

  22. Sandra Laflamme says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    Great mileage! I bet you are getting excited! Now to make it through the taper!!

    • [email protected] says

      November 3, 2015 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks! Yes, I was so happy to make it to the taper that I almost forgot that it meant the marathon was getting really close:)

  23. Sheena @ Paws and Pavement says

    November 2, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    You are a great runner so make sure you give yourself credit when you have a less then great run. Have a good taper week and treat your self to a beignet if you have time!

    • [email protected] says

      November 3, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you! I will definitely be planning to get a beignet:)

  24. Jen B. says

    November 3, 2015 at 11:23 am

    Yay for making it to the taper! I can’t imagine running a loop like that over and over, but props to you for doing it! Sometimes I can barely do an out and back run because I get visually so bored!

    • [email protected] says

      November 3, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      Thanks! It does get boring, but I guess you do what you have to when there’s no other choice!

  25. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Yay for the taper!! So excited for you!! I did 3 mile repeats in my training and they were so hard, but I felt so great after they were done!!

    • [email protected] says

      November 3, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      Its definitely a good workout, especially for marathon training!

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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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