Week 15
-30 miles total, running 5 days, 2-3 x one mile repeats for speed and a 10 mile long run (I might turns this into an 8 mile).
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5/9/2023
Easy 6 miles after work today. I was lucky to get it in before it stormed!
5/10/2023
Final hard run, one mile repeats. The temp felt like 75 and the wind was kicking again. My sister has been watching the race forecast and said it could be near 70 by the time I finish. Good thing I’m getting some warmer weather runs.
Since I was going to be running in warmer weather I drank Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier last night and mixed one to sip at work, plus drank water. As soon as I got home I had half a serving of UCAN and half of a peanut butter sandwich, drank some more water and grabbed a water bottle for the road.
I had pretty much decided that I was going to just do 2 of the one mile repeats when I headed out, so I started with a 2 mile slow warm up and then sped up. It didn’t feel too bad, I ran a slow half mile and started my second repeat. I was getting a pretty strong crosswind for the first half mile, so I really pushed myself during the second half mile. I was consistent with my pace and again beat my one mile repeat time from last year, plus I had a shorter recovery time.
I’m definitely starting to feel nervous about the race. I know I can run a marathon but can I do it at the pace I would like? Will I start too fast? If I start too slow then I won’t be able to make that time up.
Two weeks ago my husband had a terrible cold, last week my oldest was down and out with a cold, now this week it’s hit my youngest. The kids at work are also dripping with snot. It’s like germs are stalking me! I’m washing my hands constantly and taking vitamin C. I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow. I like to get all of my kinks worked out about a week before the race. I’m also dialing in nutrition, goodbye sweets and hello healthy.
5/11/2023
Early start, running by 5:45 to get everything in for today and then sick kid. Definitely too sick for school. Thankfully my mom and dad were able to help out while I made it to my massage. The guy I go to actually does so much more than massage and really hits all of my sore spots. He finds sore spots I didn’t even know that I had. If you’re in Minnesota check out Naturale Alternatives for injuries or maintenance. Today I had him work on my left arch, left hamstring and right quad. I was on top of my water today and took a hot bath to help out my muscles post massage.
Best part of the day, my sick 6 year old told me that I had big muscles.
5/12/2023
Rest day and my legs feel AMAZING after my massage!
5/13/2023
My plan has a 10 mile long run today and I’m still undecided if I’m going to do 10, 9 or 8. I usually run an 8 mile long run the weekend before a marathon but I’ve been following my running plan from The Competitive Runner's Handbook closely, so maybe I go for it but slow?
It was windy again, which seems to be the norm this spring. Mile 2 I ended up with a side ache again. I did some rhythmic breathing, in slowly and then alternating breathing out with my right foot hitting the ground and then my left foot hitting the ground. This usually helps me to get my side aches to go away and worked this time too.
Close to the halfway point I met a group of Amish women in their buggy. I had crossed to the other side of the road to give their horse some space, when I looked back to cross a back over I noticed the buggy was pulled off to the side of the road. All 5 women were watching me run up a hill. I choose to believe they were cheering me on.
I am in full on freak out mode. The Fargo Marathon is one week away and I am NERVOUS. I keep changing my mind on my fueling: UCAN Edge or Tailwind. Questioning my starting pace, concerned about my left hamstring and nausea.
"Goals that are not frightening are not worth having."
Dr. Stan Beecham, Elite Minds
Well I am definitely frightened, so my goal must be worth it. I'll be listening to this book throughout the week for more motivation.