Boston packets arrived in the mail this week- the official runner passport, pamphlets and all of the shiny things that say “the marathon is riiiiiggght around the corner”.
It made my heart skip a beat. I am ready for this beast of a marathon to be OVER in many ways- I am getting tired of feeling chained to a schedule, the long long runs feel tedious- and the medium long runs are making me a hangry person in the middle of the week! My running feels more like a job most days than my passion and hobby.
But at the same time, I am so lucky to be able to participate- I want to tackle this thing in full beast mode (whatever that may be)- and do it justice.
With that in mind- each run this week that I have not wanted to do- I did. Full steam ahead!
The recap:
Sunday- 6 mile shakeout. 50 minutes. My foot bothered me a bit.
Monday- 45 minutes arc trainer, followed by the best ever deep tissue massage. mmm. Can I have one everyday?
Tuesday- 8 miles- 8:49, 8:40, 8:40, 8:30, 8:15, 8:08, 7:50, 7:30
Wednesday- 14 miles- 7 at marathon pace (ranged between 7:47 and 8:00). MP felt easy! shweeeeet!
Thursday- 60 minutes arc trainer
Friday- mileage TBD- Fartlek (speedplay!)
Saturday- 20 (planned) miles
total miles- 54-56ish, depending on Friday’s run
Overall I have felt a bit sore in my tush and hamstrings during each run- however after 4-5 miles I seem to be able to shake it off and get moving. My foot has been sore-ish here and there- nothing consistent. (I may also be thinking about it a lot, so that obviously can contribute to how much it “hurts”). I am feeling good about marathon pacing- If all I do is maintain 8 min/miles (a 3:30 marathon)- I will be OK with that (but of course I have an “A” goal in mind). I plan on executing even pacing, with the hope of a negative split- so practicing finishing all of my runs faster should help.
The next week of running is the last of the “bulky” runs- and on to taper madness! I have been rereading portions of Advanced Marathoning like a fiend- tapering properly is key to a great goal race- so just as I have been tackling the miles lately- that time will be reserved for QUALITY vs QUANTITY.
Happy Friday, all!
I’m so proud of you for beasting it and kicking butt in ALL workouts!! wish I was doing my 20 with you and not in the rain on Sunday!! ;( waah!!