Where are you in your marathon training? Week 17 of 18, otherwise known as jene is ready to start breathing into a paper bag at any moment
How did this past week treat you? I was out of town for work, so it kind of sucked Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? 5
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! How much is the last 10k of the race going to suck?
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) When I cross the finish line
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? I love chocolate milk and a banana afterwards, and maybe some potato chips
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here While I am totally enjoying the reduced mileage, I am starting to freak the hell out that I am running a marathon next weekend. HOLY. SHIT.
Where are you in your marathon training? tapering. booyah.
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? it was OK. it's probably in the middle in terms of weeks. long run was meh. but lots o' miles were run this week so I'm trying not to dwell.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! should I do a 10K race on Saturday? it's in the plan but if I do the 10K on Sat I'll have to get up early BOTH days this weekend and that's no beuno. I want to sleep in at least once this week!
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) I feel ready now, after my last long run. it's just a matter of fine tuning the strategy.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? maple brown sugar oatmeal before, fountain coke, froyo, canteloupe or peaches, mac and cheese after. not all on the same day. however, I can remember really enjoying each of those items following a long run.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here I stayed up too late watching sister wives instead of sleeping. that's why I feel off kilter. it's my own fault.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Sept 23, 2013 9:26:36 GMT -5
Where are you in your marathon training? Week 13/17. Two more weeks until taper!
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? It was good. I had a really good long run on Saturday.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! As mentioned above, I ran an 18-mile pace run over weekend (14 mi at GMP). Is it reasonable to think I could run a marathon within 10 seconds or so of that pace? I mean, the marathon is an extra 12 miles, which is no joke, and my legs were TIRED at the end of Saturday's run. The last 2 miles were a cool-down and I was really happy that I could slow down at that point. I have so many doubts about pacing this time around.
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) After I'm done? I know I can do the distance, but the real question is my pace. I have no idea what's going to happen on race day.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? Before - banana and coffee; I'm very boring and consistent about that. During - peanut butter Gu. After - pizza really hits the spot. I think races should have hot pizza instead of bagels and bananas after races.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here. I try to go to the gym a couple times a week on my lunch break to do strength workouts, but people keep scheduling meetings that interfere with gym class times. I get irrationally annoyed about this.
Post by lifetaketwo on Sept 23, 2013 9:28:15 GMT -5
Hi ladies! May I join you??
Where are you in your marathon training? Just starting!!! Training for Disney in January
How did this past week treat you? Well I had a complete mental breakdown on my long run. I walked so much and was just a mess. It was a loop so at least I covered the distance?? Ugh I've done this exact loop so many times before. I totally convinced myself I couldn't do it
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! Should I repeat my failed long run or push forward? I covered the distance so I'm thinking push forward...
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) I need a lot to feel confident so I think it's going to take the 20m for me.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? Cold Dominos cheese pizza is my pre-race go to
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? Because I'm actually caught up at work. It's a strange feeling...
ebeth, can you piggyback your Sunday long run off of the 10k? I'm having the same problem with two early mornings this weekend. 5k on Saturday, 22 miler on Sunday.
3 weeks left! Should be tapering now but the weather was uncooperative.
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far?
It was actually a really rough week. Felt exhausted on my weekday runs. I'm having to commute 45 min to an hour each way this month and it's wearing me out. Plus some conflict with an asshole "friend" of my husband and I just wanted to run away from the world. That said, I finished it with an amazing run last night! I'm ready to push for one more week but I'll sure as hell be ready to taper.
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!)
Well I was thinking maybe never, at least in terms of meeting my goal time. After the aforementioned great run last night though I'm feeling like there may be a chance. Once I got my 18 and 20 miler out of the way I felt pretty comfortable with finishing the distance.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs?
I get a real Coke after my long runs. It's my favorite. I take sports beans during and I don't love them but I don't want to change anything up now. I also stick with blue frost or orange Gatorade became some of the other flavors make me sick. As far as before (I'm all in the wrong order here) it doesn't matter too much what I eat as long as there's lots of it.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Sept 23, 2013 9:35:48 GMT -5
jene - I've run 2 prior marathons, and I was definitely tired during the last 10k of both of them. But I felt significantly better during the race where I started off slow and conservative. In my second marathon, I started out way too fast, and the wheels completely fell off before 20 miles, so the last 6.2 was incredibly painful. I think it's better to start slow and try to save some energy for the end.
ebeth - Can you tack on some extra miles to turn the 10k into your long run? Or are you getting up early the second day for a different reason?
lifetaketwo - Push forward. Everyone has a bad long run at some point. Try not to let it get to you!
Happy Monday Ladies! Let's hear all the good, bad and ugly of marathoning!
Where are you in your marathon training? Week 14 of 18!
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? Great!!! I had excellent midweek runs and ran my 20 miler with a negative split after mile 10. To be fair, I ran 7 miles with a friend who is a little slower than me - BUT I wanted to use that opportunity to slow down some early miles to see how I felt to crank it up for the 2nd half. And it worked! I had a little piriformis tightness afterwards, but spent quality time with the foam roller.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! FACT: I'm a steady, consistent runner - not fast. My goals for MCM are A) finish B) sub 4:30 and C) sub 4:20. My 20 miler was at a 9:28 pace - I'm wondering if i can do sub 4:20. It's the last 3-4 miles that really get me in the race!
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) After the 2nd 20 - so little less than two weeks!
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? before - part of a Clif bar & tiny amount of iced coffee. Best during? How about a mini-snickers? After? Best FOR me is chocolate milk. Best i've tasted: Champagne
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here My SIL kicked my butt in a crossfit style workout yesterday morning. I already had tired legs from the 20 on Saturday, but last night and esp this morning, it hurts to sit! (too many box step-ups, weighted lunges, wall balls)!
Where are you in your marathon training? Week 11. Holy crap, im running a marathon in 7 weeks. How the fuck did that happen!?
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? Last week was amazing. My runs were good, i had a confidencr boosting half marathon, and i swam more than i ever have. In unrelated news, i could use a nap. Lol
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! Heres one - why does nuun make me pee like a racehorse?
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) Im not stressing about this one. Ill realize the day before that im totally not ready. Ha.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? Im not sure. I happily indulge after runs.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here Im too tired to think of qnything clever at the moment.
jene it's best if we don't try to tell you about the last 10K. you just need to experience for yourself. but whatever you do DON'T GO OUT TOO FAST. that is a surefire way to end with a death march
Wines Not Whinesclseale race is Saturday, long run would be Sunday. I don't want to try to make a 10K into 16 miles. that sounds even worse than getting up early both days. it shouldn't be too hot this weekend so I can probably wait until like 8 or 9 to run. but I want a lazy morning dammit! I should probably just quit being a baby and get up both days.
Wines Not Whines I think you're good to go on the pace. I have to keep reminding myself that I will not be as tired on race day as I have been for most of my trainng runs b/c I'll be coming off of 15 midweek miles, not 40.
Happy Monday Ladies! Let's hear all the good, bad and ugly of marathoning!
Where are you in your marathon training? First week of a 3 week taper, but Pfitz calls for 45 miles this week. It never feels like a taper to me. I am relieved to have the longest run out of the way.
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? Good. I pushed really hard and got that 20 done on tired legs. I'm definitely stronger than 3 months ago.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them!
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) After this week hopefully. I want to do a marathon paced run or two, to find my pace. I still am not decided how to approach the 2 weeks apart thing. What are my goals?!?
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? IDK, but I like cupcakes and beer post race
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here Soooo...I"m not running Freedom's Run with DH anymore. We both decided running over a minute slower than my easy pace could cause injury. He doesn't care, and gets an "I told you so" in b/c he never thought I'd be able to run with him. Now I'm trying to figure out how to approach the race, since MCM (2 weeks later) is a much faster course. To further complicate things, there is only one GArmin in the Cinco house and DH gets it. Trusting my body, and completely running by feel, is terrifying! I've done it for shorter races, but not marathons. There are no time clocks along the way, but of course I can get a cheap watch. I'm sure I'll ramble more about this later.
1. How do you "test" stuff out to eat on your runs? Do you just bring one thing with you per week, do you bring multiple things and then see which one would be the "best"? What if it doesn't work, do you try to eat something else to calm your stomach? I've got a stomach of steel so I just throw caution to the wind and bring something new on a long run or I try it out on midweek double digit runs. if it doesn't make me sick and I like it I'll use it again. I don't think any fuel has ever made me sick though stuff I've eaten the night before definitely has.
2. How do you tell yourself that you can run *that much longerrrrrr*. I hit 15 and I was like WOW I am so accomplished! Oh shit i have 11.2 miles more to go on race day! a) it's hard, but don't get ahead of yourself. if you start getting into that 'but 15 is so much shorter than 26.2' on a long run it's going to be demoralizing. b) you have a long time left.
3. Anyone else's hormones out of whack from training? My monthly awesomeness visited me 11 days early, whee. my hormones are controlled by pharmacueticals.
2. How do you tell yourself that you can run *that much longerrrrrr*. I hit 15 and I was like WOW I am so accomplished! Oh shit i have 11.2 miles more to go on race day!
@vtcupcake my last race, I split it up into ~5mi chunks, always. So instead of "I ran 15, only 11 to go" it was "three sections down, two to go". It made it much more manageable. I've started doing that for pretty much all my longer stuff.
Post by chitownbelle on Sept 23, 2013 10:36:43 GMT -5
Where are you in your marathon training? Week 16 of 18!! WEEEE, TAPERING!!!!!!!!!! Only 69 more miles to run before race day <)
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? I had a great end to this week. My midweek 10mi was hot and slow, but I recovered with a fast TM run the next day, and a 10mi pace and 20mi run on Sat/Sun. 51 miles for the week. Probably my best week so far, thanks to the cool front coming in.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! I am just confused as to what my marathon goal is now. I think I have to wait until I get a proper weather prediction. I think I want at least 3:45.
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) I'm ready. Let's run it tomorrow. So pumped for the crowds, and I have more friends to look out for this year. I will warn them in advance that I won't be stopping for hugs and chatting, I've got time to beat ;-)
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? Ladies, I was not that impressed with the Peanut Butter Gu!! I bought 2 on Sat for my 20mi on Sun, and I only ate one, and ate my other 2 Tri-Berry's. It was nice to change up the flavor, but IDK, I really wanted to love it!
Before: I always have a PB&J on a Bagel Thin and a banana, and then Gatorade Prime (shameless plug) 15min before. During: I LOVE getting some pretzels around mile 19 in the Chicago marathon. Last year I brought my own pretzels on my fuel belt just in case, but sure enough, Pilsen neighbors pulled through and were handing out pretzels. After: Beer, of course. Yesterday, Noodle's and Co. gave out free Mac & Cheese at the post run party. I drank, in order, a CHoc milk, 1/2 a beer, then ate Mac & Cheese, and my stomach somehow survived another hour before I finally got home.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? Monday sucks, but I don't work a 9-5, so... I am studying all week before working 4 nights in a row this weekend. It will suck. Back to back 12hr shifts are awful. Let's hope I don't get sick ;-)
2. How do you tell yourself that you can run *that much longerrrrrr*. I hit 15 and I was like WOW I am so accomplished! Oh shit i have 11.2 miles more to go on race day!
@vtcupcake my last race, I split it up into ~5mi chunks, always. So instead of "I ran 15, only 11 to go" it was "three sections down, two to go". It made it much more manageable. I've started doing that for pretty much all my longer stuff.
Ditto, I split my 20mi yesterday into quarters. By mile 15, "I have 1/4 left to go." Once you are in the actual marathon, there are so many other fun distractions that I run on auto-pilot anyway.
Where are you in your marathon training? I will start in five weeks. Yikes!
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? I had a great week. Got 28.5 miles in and feel good!
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! Will I qualify for Boston? Ha!
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) I hope I feel ready the morning of!
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? before - mini Clif and banana before my Disney half, during - raisins, after - umm...beer and pizza? or chips. God, I love potato chips after.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here Today is weird. I kept having dreams about Breaking Bad, so I'm sleepy.
Post by blndsnbrdr on Sept 23, 2013 10:43:53 GMT -5
Where are you in your marathon training? Less than a week out from my 50K...its Saturday!
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? For the first time ever I'm struggling to stick with taper mode. That has never happened before. I think that is a good thing...minus the "training race" I accidently actually raced...
Who has questions? Am I going to be able to keep my legs in check with common sense?! Gah. Stupid question but the biggest concern at the moment. I let them do their own thing (run wild) at the half yesterday and didn't pace myself at all. Thats okay for 13 miles. Probably not a good plan for 31 miles...
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? Yes. I do. Its my first 50K so its an instant PDR and PR. I know the support will be amazing. I just need to keep my legs slow in the beginning!
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? Chocolate covered espresso beans. Best fuel ever. Plus Swedish Fish. Post-run its a free for all but I've been loving on Kraft Mac & Cheese. No idea why.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I stayed in bed until 8:30am! No real work for me today, just a house to clean that has been neglected for 2 weeks. Ew.
PS - I hope its okay I'm high jacking this marathon post with my not-exactly-a-marathon chatter. I like talking about it and people around me get tired of hearing it!
3. Anyone else's hormones out of whack from training? My monthly awesomeness visited me 11 days early, whee. my hormones are controlled by pharmacueticals.
TMI: My cycle is WHACKED. 34-46 days cycles for the last 8 months, with a lovely 7 days of spotting in between sometimes. Got my very first "positive" ovulation stick Friday, attempted to make a baby, then ran 30 miles this weekend. So yea. If a little baby was created, he'd have a hard time hanging on with all this running. Went to the doc on Friday.... after my next period, it's time for lots of tests.. blood work, some weird xray thingy, etc etc, then Clomid. So, this may be my last marathon for a little while...better make it count!
3. Anyone else's hormones out of whack from training? My monthly awesomeness visited me 11 days early, whee. my hormones are controlled by pharmacueticals.
TMI: My cycle is WHACKED. 34-46 days cycles for the last 8 months, with a lovely 7 days of spotting in between sometimes. Got my very first "positive" ovulation stick Friday, attempted to make a baby, then ran 30 miles this weekend. So yea. If a little baby was created, he'd have a hard time hanging on with all this running. Went to the doc on Friday.... after my next period, it's time for lots of tests.. blood work, some weird xray thingy, etc etc, then Clomid. So, this may be my last marathon for a little while...better make it count!
Hugs, here's hoping something stuck I have plenty of friends who have gotten knocked up in the middle of marathon training though, so it is totally possible!
Post by Wines Not Whines on Sept 23, 2013 12:34:49 GMT -5
@vtcupcake
1. How do you "test" stuff out to eat on your runs? Do you just bring one thing with you per week, do you bring multiple things and then see which one would be the "best"? What if it doesn't work, do you try to eat something else to calm your stomach?
I have a sensitive stomach, so I'll only try one new thing at a time, and I bring backups in case the new thing isn't workout out. I'll eat a small amount and see how it goes. If it's not sitting well with me, I can tell pretty quickly.
2. How do you tell yourself that you can run *that much longerrrrrr*. I hit 15 and I was like WOW I am so accomplished! Oh shit i have 11.2 miles more to go on race day!
This is the mental game. It can really mess with you if you think about how much farther you have to go. You have to trust that the training will get you there. You still have many weeks until race day, with many more miles ahead of you, and those miles will get you ready. Other people mentioned breaking up the miles into smaller segments. I do the same thing. I break them up into 5 mile segments. During the race, the first 5 miles are the warmup. The second 5 miles are where you just cruise along and stay in your groove. The third 5 miles include the halfway point, which is exciting. When I get to mile 15, I just focus on getting to 20, and after that is the "home stretch."
3. Anyone else's hormones out of whack from training? My monthly awesomeness visited me 11 days early, whee.
I'm another person who relies on pharmaceuticals for this.
3. Anyone else's hormones out of whack from training? My monthly awesomeness visited me 11 days early, whee. my hormones are controlled by pharmacueticals.
TMI: My cycle is WHACKED. 34-46 days cycles for the last 8 months, with a lovely 7 days of spotting in between sometimes. Got my very first "positive" ovulation stick Friday, attempted to make a baby, then ran 30 miles this weekend. So yea. If a little baby was created, he'd have a hard time hanging on with all this running. Went to the doc on Friday.... after my next period, it's time for lots of tests.. blood work, some weird xray thingy, etc etc, then Clomid. So, this may be my last marathon for a little while...better make it count!
Good luck! My youngest is a taper baby, and I managed a marathon PR It was my first time ovulating in years, so wasting a cycle was not an option!
3. Anyone else's hormones out of whack from training? My monthly awesomeness visited me 11 days early, whee. my hormones are controlled by pharmacueticals.
Got my very first "positive" ovulation stick Friday,
This is awesome news!! I know this has been trying for you. Lots of fingers crossed that you have an overachieving lil' embryo who can't wait to run Chicago with you!
Where are you in your marathon training? week 2 of 18. Still in the blissfully unaware phase
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? So far, so good. I banged out 5 miles at race pace last Monday when I thought I might have to adjust my pace for the lingering heat and humidity. Then late last week the temps cooled ever so slightly (like, highs are *only* in the low 90s now instead of upper 90s) and it has been an incredible boost. I did 5 miles this morning with the stroller at just 0:30 above race pace!
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!)
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? Before morning runs I always have a bagel thin with either cream cheese or PB and banana. If I'm doing an evening run, I try not to eat for about an hour before I head out, but I do have a stomach of steel, so I can pretty much eat and go and not be bothered by it. During my runs all I consume is water and Gu. Post runs...anything goes. After a really hard/long run I love a burger.
Got my very first "positive" ovulation stick Friday,
This is awesome news!! I know this has been trying for you. Lots of fingers crossed that you have an overachieving lil' embryo who can't wait to run Chicago with you!
Where are you in your marathon training? 10 weeks away
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? Best running week ever. I already AWed so I'll spare the details. It was a 10.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! Was last week a fluke, or am I going to actually brutalize my PR?
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) Hmmm. Self doubt creeps in the minute I have the ultra shitty long run. I'm sure it's coming. As of now I'm too far off to tell.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? I like an over-easy egg and slice of american cheese sandwich on toast. This is the only time I like american cheese - I had it in the house for some reason and I gobbled it up!
Where are you in your marathon training? Week 16 of 18! WOOHOOOO!!! TAPER TIME!!!
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? It was pretty much fantastic. I already AW'd my 20 miler (still don't know where that came from), and I had some solid midweek runs. I switched out my shoes last week for a fresh pair, and they feel amazing.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! No questions from me today.
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) I am ready. If I could go run it right now, I would. I am getting pretty excited! Taper madness is going to be a bitch.
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? H and I ALWAYS go out to a big brunch after a long run, so I guess breakfast food in general is my fav post run food. I am also a big fan of popsicles and fudgesicles after a run. Before = just water and plain mini bagels. During=gatorade and gu, nothing too exciting.
I will always remember my first half marathon though... there was a really old guy running next to me and by mile 11 or so I was totally dying. I didn't know anything about gu and fueling at that point, and he offered to share his jellybeans with me. They were the most amazing thing ever at that point in time, and he was super encouraging and nice. Sometimes when I see someone having a really tough run, I remember how much he helped me through those hard miles and I try to do the same for that person.
Post by wanderlustmom on Sept 23, 2013 21:58:10 GMT -5
Where are you in your marathon training? about 3/4
How did this past week treat you? Where would you rate this week against all of this training cycle so far? my paces have been the best yet, logging the most miles, sometimes it can be a drag and sometimes I am sore--but mostly I am excited to have this hobby.
Who has questions? We've got answers! I know I've got a few so let's hear them and help answer them! It's hard to know how to recover properly after a long run.
When do you think you'll feel ready for your marathon? (repeat question, but many weeks later!) I am hoping by November 9, marathon day
What was the best thing you've ever eaten/drank before, during, after your training runs? before, banana and peanut butter toast. Perfect fuel. And one cup of coffee.
Why is this Monday already so off-kilter? I blame the equinox yesterday. Freestyle something MMM or NMMM related here got nothing