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in Marathon Training, Run Happy Team, Running, Training, Weekly Run Down · July 18, 2021

Training Week 5: Runstock 2021

Wow week 5 is done already? That went fast! Although I still don’t really feel like I’m truly in the thick of training yet. My runs are still pretty manageable and my mileage hasn’t been much higher than usual. This week was extra fun because it was Runstock 2021! (You may remember the Brooks Run Happy Team’s Camp Run Happy from last year!) Let’s take a look at training week 5 and Runstock 2021.

Week 5 of marathon training is already complete! My runs are still pretty manageable and my mileage hasn't been much higher than usual. This week was extra fun because it was Runstock 2021! Let's take a look at training week 5 and Runstock 2021.

Training Week 5: Runstock 2021

  • Monday: 5.5 Easy Miles with 6 x 20 second hill sprints + Core Work
  • Tuesday: Strength Training + 4 Stroller Miles
  • Wednesday: 7.23 Miles (1.5 mi w/up, 2 mi at MGP, 1 mi easy, 6 x 200m hard with 1:30 recovery, 1 mi c/d)
  • Thursday: Strength Training + 3.6 Mile Trail Run
  • Friday: Rest Day and the Start of Runstock
  • Saturday: 14 Miles and Runstock Continues
  • Sunday: 3.7 Stroller Miles (planned) and Wrapping up Runstock

Monday: 5.5 Easy Miles with 6 x 20 second hill sprints + Core Work

Initially I was supposed to have my harder workout on Monday, but I waited until Wednesday to do it because I had a slight cold and wasn’t fully recovered yet from my long run on Saturday. I mentioned last week how I was just tired and stressed so I knew an easy run would be better. Plus it was so hot out! I was glad I switched things up.

monday run

Tuesday: Strength Training + 4 Stroller Miles

It was super hot once again, but actually felt a little less humid running later in the morning (around 7). I feel like earlier than that the temps might be lower but the humidity is off the charts. But being out in the sun makes me sweat like crazy, so I came home and immediately showered, and then continued to sweat until I ended up freezing from being in the AC and drinking cold water. Oh the joys of summer running!

stroller run

Wednesday: 7.23 Miles (1.5 mi w/up, 2 mi at MGP, 1 mi easy, 6 x 200m hard with 1:30 recovery, 1 mi c/d)

I really surprised myself on this run! Since it was still so hot out I knew I might not hit my paces, but figured I would give it a try. And it went well! You never know how a run will go until you try.

workout

Thursday: Strength Training + 3.6 Mile Trail Run

I took off Thursday and Friday of this week since I have so much vacation time and no travel plans this summer. I sent Grayson to daycare so I could get things done around the house. After I dropped him off on Thursday I drove to a trail for my easy run. I never do this because I wouldn’t run there in the early mornings and its not paved so I couldn’t bring the stroller. It was nice change of pace!

trail run

Friday: Rest Day and the Start of Runstock

Not totally restful, because I spent many hours cleaning and organizing. But no formal workouts! Also got ready for Runstock 2021.

runstock 2021

Saturday: 14 Miles and Runstock Continues

My longest run in 6 years! And it was a tough one. I brought my new bladder for my hydration pack (rather than the small bottles for the front that I had been using) and it took me 5 miles to figure out how to get the water out. Then for the last 5 miles my phone kept locking and my podcasts would stop playing. I was completely drenched when I got home!

long run

It was also day 2 of Runstock. Deborah and I had a ball hanging out (virtually, of course). You can check out our reel here!

Sunday: 3.7 Stroller Miles (planned) and Wrapping up Runstock

Planning for the usual 3.7 easy stroller miles, and we have a couple more Runstock events before wrapping up the weekend.

It was another challenging but successful week. I’m feeling like it’s gonna be a long summer if this weather continues!

You may also like:
Focus on Effort (Training Week 4
)
Making Adjustments for Heat (Training Week 3)
Training for a Fall Race: Start Where You Are (Training Weeks 1 and 2)

How has running been going for you?
Do you ever switch up your runs when you feel like you’re not fully recovered?
Ever done a virtual retreat?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!

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Previous Post: « 5 Ways to Mentally Prepare for a Race
Next Post: Base Building for Runners: How To Go From Recovery to Training »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deborah Brooks says

    July 18, 2021 at 7:18 am

    It was a really rough weather week out there! I am impressed you got in so many miles. Loved hanging out with you at Runstock this weekend!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 18, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      It was fun! I didn’t get to watch many of the prerecorded sessions so I hope to have some time this week to do that!

  2. Marcia says

    July 18, 2021 at 8:43 am

    Way to get it done despite the challenging conditions! I frequently change up my workouts if my body is not onboard. I think it is smart to do so. The Runstock virtual event sounds like so much fun!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 18, 2021 at 4:17 pm

      My watch has been telling me after my long runs that I need like 3 days to recover. It seems to be somewhat accurate so I’m trying to trust it. I didn’t want to do my harder runs on Wednesdays because I lift on Tuesdays, but I think that might be a better option.

  3. Darlene S Cardillo says

    July 18, 2021 at 10:09 am

    Congrats on al those runs especially with this hot humid weather.

    14 miles!! You rock!
    A virtual events does sound like fun. Hopefully in person ones will be back next year.
    I really have no set training plan. I plan on a certain number but often I run less if I’m not feeling it.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 18, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      It would definitely have been fun for the retreat to be in person, but having it virtual has actually worked out pretty well for me since its so much work to leave Grayson and make sure my husband can be around all weekend with him.

  4. Jessie says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    Really nice work sticking with that long run Lisa, even with all the things working against you- weather, technology, gear- what a trooper 🙂

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 18, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      I just hope that after getting through this run that the next one will be smoother!

  5. Coco says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    Great runs despite the heat and humidity. It does seem to be more humid earlier, but I can’t stand running in broad daylight. Glad you enjoyed the Brooks event!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 18, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      I don’t really like running in broad daylight either, expect in the winter its not so bad. I try to get out as early as possible with the stroller, which is like 7am, and its already pretty sunny at that time.

  6. Jenny says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Sounds like you had a great week in spite of the weather! That description of your run/shower/still sweating/now I’m freezing is very familiar! My rule is to not shower after a run until I’m starting to get cold- although it’s not always possible to wait that long.
    Love the Runstock video!!!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 18, 2021 at 4:21 pm

      It can be so tricky! I go from sweating to freezing so quickly!

  7. Wendy says

    July 18, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    Yay for the trail run! It’s a great way to switch things up and work some different muscles. Glad you got some good miles in spite of the heat and humidity.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 19, 2021 at 4:21 am

      It was challenging! I felt like I had to be SO focused to make sure I didn’t fall!

  8. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    July 18, 2021 at 6:15 pm

    Obviously not much running going on here. The weather’s been kinda brutal though!

    Fun to “hang” with Deborah. I’m sorry you have a cold again!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 19, 2021 at 4:23 am

      It seems like my cold is gone (for now!) but was still bothering me a little at the beginning of last week. The weather has been so gross lately!

  9. Kim G says

    July 18, 2021 at 7:55 pm

    Congrats on another strong week of training! I feel like the humidity has been on another level this summer so kudos to you for all of your outdoor runs!

    I really enjoyed seeing all of the Runstock posts on social media this weekend, especially your video with Deborah!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 19, 2021 at 4:24 am

      Thanks! I know we complain about the humidity every year but this year seems so much worse. The humidity is just ridiculous day after day!

  10. Kimberly Hatting says

    July 18, 2021 at 8:05 pm

    I always switch my workouts around if my body feels off…like this morning’s walk (instead of a recovery run). My body actually felt alright, but not great, so I took a pass on a recovery run…a couple of miles probably wouldn’t have done any damage, but I thought it best to let them go. No regrets 😉 Your ball catching reel was fun!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 19, 2021 at 4:25 am

      Definitely smart to switch things up sometimes! It can be a fine line between pushing a little bit or pushing too much.

  11. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    July 19, 2021 at 5:05 pm

    Yay for your longest run in years! I bet your Brooks Runstock was fun.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 20, 2021 at 4:28 am

      It was nice to go past the half-marathon distance again! Yes, it was a fun weekend!

  12. Jenn says

    July 19, 2021 at 6:59 pm

    Isn’t it such a slap in the face when you think it’s going to feel good because the temps are lower, but then, oh, hi, humidity. Blah.

    Runstock looked fun! I haven’t done a virtual retreat. I imagine it’s a good time, but the real thing is probably 100 times better!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 20, 2021 at 4:30 am

      I’m sure doing it in person would have been so much fun! But right now for me its been so much easier logistically to do it virtually these past 2 years. It kind of worked out well that we could still do so much without having to travel.

  13. Zenaida Arroyo says

    July 20, 2021 at 7:33 am

    Awesome job on running 14 miles! It’s been a crazy year with all of the extreme weather. Remember how we had snow for almost a month? If I am not fully recovered then I take it easy (run much slower).

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      July 21, 2021 at 3:20 pm

      So true- it really has been a crazy year of weather!

Trackbacks

  1. Training Week 7: Closing Out July • Mile By Mile says:
    August 1, 2021 at 4:00 am

    […] may also like:Lower Mileage and Lower Temps (Training Week 6)Runstock 2021 (Training Week 5)Focus on Effort (Training Week 4)Making Adjustments for Heat (Training Week 3)Training for a Fall […]

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Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Running Marathons

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Alright, my last post about the Richmond Marathon Alright, my last post about the Richmond Marathon (maybe). This one is about lessons learned/areas for improvement.

1) Starting in the right corral- I knew I wanted to start a little slow but I think I started too far back and I ended up boxed in later in the race. 

2) Increasing fueling- I think I did the best I could on this day but now that I know more about what works/doesn’t work for me I think I can try to get my carbs/hr a little higher for next time

3) Self-doubt- On paper I knew my training showed I could run a certain time. My coach knew I could run a certain time. But deep down did I believe I could run that time? I’m not really sure.

4) My right piriformis- This little muscle has been giving me trouble FOREVER and it likes to rear its ugly head the most during races. I’m working with a PT but it’s hard to address the issue when I can go months without any problems and then at mile 15 of a marathon it starts acting up. So while this is certainly an area for improvement I am not really sure what I’ll be able to do to keep it from happening next time.

5) Ignore the data leading up to the race- During race week my sleep scores were horrible, my HRV tanked, and my watch told me I was “strained”. I might just stop wearing it during the taper next time.

What lessons have you learned during a marathon or big race?

@richmondmarathon #racerecap
It’s been 5 days since the Richmond Marathon and i It’s been 5 days since the Richmond Marathon and it feels like a lifetime ago! I am working on my full race recap which I will post on my website but I wanted to share some reflections on here. Today I want to focus on what went well. Every finish line is an accomplishment, and while every race can teach us something I think it’s always important to focus on the positive.

First off, Richmond was a great race with amazing crowd support! There were some hills (a few steeper than I expected) but nothing crazy.

Fueling went well- after my train wreck of a run a few weeks ago I had to adjust my fueling plan and took out the Tailwind High Carb and went back to regular Skratch instead. I tried to make up for the difference with gels but my overall carbs per hour was a little less than it had been when using the Tailwind. I think I got about 65 g/hour so I’d like to get that up a bit next time but I didn’t get nauseous and took gels up until the end of the race.

Shoes felt good- during that same training run I had some top of foot soreness from my laces. I changed my lacing technique and had no issues on race day. 

Mindset- I did a lot of work preparing for the race mentally and was able to use those strategies during the race. I focused on one mile at a time and shifted my goals when I knew my original goal was not going to happen. 

Pacing- Even though I didn’t run my goal pace I was able to run fairly consistently without drastically slowing down at the end. 

Recovery- I felt pretty good following the race and wasn’t even sore anymore by Tuesday. This was probably the least sore I’ve been after a marathon.

Strong training cycle- this year I feel like I’ve been clawing my way back to where I was a year ago after several illnesses last winter and spring. I had a great training cycle with @lauranorrisrunning and I know I’ve made more progress than my race time shows.

Marathons are a huge investment so I really tried to make the most of the experience!

@richmondmarathon #racerecap
Happy Medal Monday! I can’t believe the Richmond M Happy Medal Monday! I can’t believe the Richmond Marathon was only 2 days ago. I’m barely sore (probably because I was trained for a faster time than I ran) and am feeling good.

I included a list of my marathon times on the last slide here, which I posted in my stories yesterday. I got some messages about how others can relate to feeling like their times “reset” at a certain point- whether it was after an injury, having kids, or just time off from running.

I think we can get so caught up in PRs that it may take away from the overall progress made in the process of training. Sure, there are runners who come back from having kids and immediately set a new lifetime PR. But many of us will need to chip away at our times to get to where we want to be.

Focusing on progress and the gains made in a training cycle vs a specific race time can help to keep things in perspective!

Now, I’m trying to figure out spring racing plans. What’s everyone running this spring?

#medalmonday
What a day! This race (and really, this week) was What a day! This race (and really, this week) was a rollercoaster. I knew pretty early on that my legs and my lungs were not feeling my goal pace. Each time I sped up it felt really hard- way too hard to not even be at 10 miles yet. So I just focused on running the effort that my body would allow. I used all the mental strategies I had to get through each mile. Ultimately, I wanted to run faster than my marathon last November, which I did by almost 2 minutes, making this a postpartum PR. More importantly, I smiled almost the whole time.

After finishing we had to rush to get out of our hotel room and spent the whole afternoon driving home. Over the past 2 days I’ve spent almost 10 hours in the car.

More to come soon…just hoping to get home and get some rest soon!

#richmondmarathon
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