Need more water please!

I knew I was dehydrated before I even began my run. The past couple days I've been slacking on water intake. It just doesn't come naturally to me to consume a lot of water. So when I feel the dehydration I know it's bad.

Anyway, ended up with a 3.5 mile run with intervals from 7.7-8.2. My base pace was 6.5 and I added an extra sprint at the end of 9.0! 

I only have 1 more treadmill training run next week and then I can say goodbye treadmill! Such a useful tool, but not my thing.

In other news, I'm on my third blister on my plan. I'm hoping it clears up by next Sunday!

6 more runs to go!

Week 15!

Today's run was 4 miles. My last 4 mile run. I was out early in the cold, dark morning. Had to use my layers and gloves today. I started out quickly and slowed a bit as I went along. My overall pace was 8:53.

I was the only runner or walker out on the road. In the dark this can be peaceful,  but also a bit eerie. I saw a group a 3 cyclists,  but besides that nothing. The sunrise was beautiful and I always want to stop just so I can enjoy taking pictures. I think I'll do that one morning when my plan is over. Just a nice morning stroll taking pictures of the beautiful sunrise over the water and the beauty of nature surrounding me.

7 more runs to go!

Running in the cold❄

Up and out early for my run this morning. The temperature at the start of my run was 55° and by the end of was 61°. That's cold in my book. I decided not to wear layers because I knew once I got started I would warm up and I didn't want to be running in layers of sweaty clothing. I did, however, wear my gloves which was a good call. 

I was so focused on the cold the I took off running without regard for my pace. When the first call out said my pace was under a 10 minute mile I knew I had to adjust and slowed down a bit. My overall average pace ended up at a 10:13. Not bad at all, but not as fast as I was intending to run.

I did warm up quickly and I'm surprised how little the cold bothered me once I got going. The run was steady with sunshine and a light breeze. One thing I've become aware of is how my stride changes over the course of a run, from quick short strides to short slow strides or quicker long strides (usually at the end of the run). Sometimes I pick my feet up more and other times they just seem to be shuffling along. Just a few observations. 

It really feels like I'm in the homestretch now and time will be passing quickly!

8 more runs to go!

A beautiful day for a beautiful run!

Got out on my 4 mile run a bit earlier this morning. The sun wasn't up yet. I haven't run in the dark for a few weeks now and this run confirmed I enjoy running right as the sun is coming up. 

There was a light breeze and the temperature was just right. All my splits were in the 8's and I love when that happens! I'm still not a great estimate of actual pace. I think I'm going fast and there the call out on my phone at that first 5 minute mark just isn't quite as fast as I thought. Or I'll think I'm going slower and it ends up being faster than I think. 

There are occasions on some of my runs, usually my longer ones where I more accurately judge if I'm in a faster or slower pace. I've come to realize it's just best to enjoy the journey. No one like disappointment and telling yourself you HAVE to run this particular distance in this particular time with this particular pace takes all the joy out of running. 

I naturally connect with joy, but I'm also I person who puts high expectations on myself so this training plan has allowed me the opportunity to try different things / approaches and be more present whenever possible. 

Today after work I went for a 90 minute deep tissue massage. These massages have been one of the greatest gifts I've given myself during training. I'm usually a once a year massage girl (even though I'd like to go more). They exactly cheap, but Groupon helps. That's how I found my current massage therapist. After that first appointment I knew I'd be back. They offered a package and I knew this would be something I could do for myself that would contribute greatly to my training (and I was right, it has!). 

As the road of training comes to an end I want to savor each moment and each run. Who knows if I'll ever go through this process again. 

9 more runs to go!

One stride at a time 🏃🏻‍♀️💨💪🏼

I feel like I'm finally finding my rhythm on the treadmill. It's still not my favorite and I'll be happy when these runs are over in 2 weeks lol. 

I did 3 miles today in the usual fashion. 6.5 base and 6 intervals from 7.7-8.2. I was a little tight on time,but still managed to get the run in before class. Not too hard, not to easy. Just in the flow of it all.

10 more runs to go!

Week 16!

Last 5 mile run of the plan, mid week runs are now tapering. I wasn't sure how this run would go after my 22 miles on Sunday. My calves were pretty tight so I rolled them out before running and they didn't seem to bother me that much. 

The weather this morning was mid 60's so much milder and enjoyable. My overall pace was 9:04 which was better than expected so I was really pleased about that. I even had 2 splits in the 8's! 

Definitely looking forward to my massage on Thursday. Gotta keep this body happy!

11 more runs to go!

22 miles!

Longest run on my training plan was successfully completed today! The plan actually called for 20 miles, but since my 18 mile run turned into 20 it was a great opportunity to turn my 20 into 22. I had advice from others who have run marathons that it might be a good idea to do 22 as it'll give you a better idea about how the full marathon might feel. I'm glad I took that advice!

I began my run at 7am and finished 4 hours 1 minute and 30 seconds later. I started a bit too quickly and my first mile was my fastest of my run (not a good thing). I slowed down on my second mile and was able to stay around my goal pace for the rest of the run. Miles 6-13 must have been feeling really strong and steady based on my splits. I think that's a pattern for me around that point in my longer runs. By mile 16 I felt the fatigue begin to set in, also a pattern I've noticed on these longer runs. From that point on my pace slowed pretty consistently each mile (except mile 20 where I must have had a burst of energy or something). Mile 21 was my slowest with a pace of 11:35 and my last mile came in at 11:05. My overall pace for the 22 miles was 10:58. If I can get there on race day I'll be ecstatic! Better pacing from the beginning will be key for me. Especially since there will be so much excitement and energy from the runners and the crowd. It's just too easy to get caught up in it all and run as if it was a sprint (or a half marathon lol).

Anyway, around mile 16 when I was crossing back through Cocoa Village three cyclists were passing me. The one gentleman asked if I was training for a marathon. I said "Yes", then he asked if I was doing the Spacecoast, I said "Yes!", then he said he's going to be out with the lead runner. I said "Awesome"! So I know I'll be seeing him on race day as he brings in the leader of the pack! How cool! He told me I was doing a good job and to keep up the good work 💪🏼

I love those types of encounters and encouragement. This marathon training isn't easy. Especially the long runs. Just imagine going to a theme park all day. You know how your feet are sore and tired? Yup, that's what your feet feel like running these long distances. And not only your feet, but your whole body aches. For me, I especially feel it my lower back. 

When I finally did finish my run I slowed to a jog and then a walk. My knees didn't hurt me while running,  but oh my goodness they were so angry when I stopped! Driving home was interesting because the sensation in my feet felt weird as they were finally able to relax. The first thing I did when I got home was grab some water, take some ibuprofen and lay down and ice my knees.

Eventually I began snacking and eating lunch, also stretching and foam rolling. We'll see how I feel tomorrow and how my recovery goes.

From here on out the taper begins! Fewer miles, more sleep and staying healthy. Only 3 more weeks now!

12 more runs to go!