Training: January

In case you missed it, January was COLD!

I didn't get in the kind of training I was hoping for this month due to a combination of the weather and getting sick during the month.

Not workout related, unless you call walking though the snow a workout.
It is pretty though.

In January I ran:
13 times
A total distance of 68 miles
For nearly 13 hours

I also did 4 core workouts, 8 rehab workouts, 2 strength workouts

Frozen lake

I'm looking forward to a more consistent February.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #15

aka The week that didn't go so well

As I write this - under three weeks to go!!

Monday

Travelling wrote off the morning. I had intentions of getting in a run in the afternoon but my leg hurt, I was tired and basically I threw a tantrum. To compensate for my lack of activity I made sure to have ice cream after dinner.

Tuesday

This week is shaping up to be a winner. Nothing today either - early start, sore leg, inner-three-year-old saying "I don't wanna! I don't wanna". More ice cream (hey, three-year-olds like ice cream).

Wednesday

AM: 4 miles (6.4km) - 41:52

Took this run carefully, straying no further than one mile from the hotel. I didn't really relish the thought of having to walk miles back in the dark if my leg didn't want to play. Luckily it worked out OK.

Nothing exciting to report. I did encounter one spider's web and I'm sure I looked like a complete freak to people driving past while I was waving my arms about trying to get it off me.

Thursday

Another early start and then travel back to Chicago that night left the day run-less.

Friday

AM: Strength session - 30:00
AM: 5 miles (8km) - 51:17

Got in a strength session followed by a run before work. Felt so good to be back in my regular routine (although, I'm travelling so much it really should just be part of my routine). The leg wasn't completely off but it wasn't right either. If I make sure to roll heaps, it definitely helps.

Saturday

Quiet day. Following my training plan I rested in preparation for the Ready to Run 20 Miler on Sunday.

Sunday

AM: CARA Ready to Run 20 miler (32km) - 3:40:45

My second 20 mile run in this training cycle (also my second 20 mile run ever) and my last "long" long run before the marathon. Hello taper!

I actually really enjoyed this run. I started off with my training group, then got separated somewhere along the way (because I can't keep a pace and shot off on my own). Then found them again after I took a restroom break (need to avoid doing that during the marathon). Finished out the run with one of the girls from my group, feeling strong and practicing a fast finish (actually sprinted to the finish line because I'm stupidly competitive (when I think that I'm ballpark same level) and just had to win).

Other than a couple of minutes after the run where I felt like I might pass out/throw up/die (I just needed to eat something), I pulled up pretty well.

One of the highlights of the day was the transportation back to downtown/start line. School buses! For this Australian girl, riding in a yellow school bus was embarrassingly exciting.

After I got home, had a shower and ate some lunch (hot soup and a grilled cheese sandwich never tasted so good!!) I took myself off for a massage. This confirmed exactly how tight my hips and left leg are (were? hopefully the massage reduced some of that). Unfortunately, by Sunday night it became apparent that I've inflamed my foot again. Luckily I have a good supply of ice packs in the freezer now, in anticipation of such events.

This Week's (less that ideal) Stats

• Total miles: 29 (46.4 km)
• Total running time: 5 hours 13 minutes 54 seconds
• Total running workouts: 3
• Total cross training workouts: 0
• Total strength workouts: 1

Chicago Marathon Training Week #14

One month out! The anticipation is really beginning to build now.

Monday

AM: 5.75 miles (9.2km) - 1:01:08
PM: Strength session - 30:00

After blathering on in my weekly recap last week about loving running and feeling so lucky to be able to do what I do, I dragged my tired self out the door this morning for a 6-ish mile run. Those Boomtown Rats had it right - I don't like Mondays. But I do like running and I remembered that about 2 miles in. This was a sluggish and slightly petulant run and came up a quarter mile short of my intended distance.

After work I snuck in a strength workout.

Tuesday

AM: 5.25 miles (8.4km) - 54:33

Too much strength work Monday night left me pretty tired this morning. Add in the summery temps and this was just hard work. Felt like I was dragging the whole way.

Wednesday

AM: 7 miles (11.2km) - 1:11:14
PM: Strength session - 30:00

Still tired. Still hot. But much better run today.

More strength stuff after work.

Thursday

Rest Day! Seriously, Thursday is my most absolute favourite day of the week!!

Friday

AM: 8 miles (12.8km) - 1:14:02

I already did a happy dance about this here.

Fab running temps and humidity today! The run was effortless, even with the application of some effort to my run. There was a decent wind coming from the north which had the lake stirred up. I saw one guy get hammered by a wave over the path at Fullerton. Felt bad for him but was kind of glad I saw it happen as it made me push my way through there As Quick As Possible!

Saturday

AM: 5.32 miles (8.5km) - 58:04
AM/PM: Cycling - 40:00
PM: Strength session - 30:00

Started off my day with my weekly long run. 14 miles on the cards.

Made it 4 miles south before deciding to cut things short and turn around for home. Only managed another mile or so (OCD tendencies are so not happy about that .32) before I decided enough was enough. Caught the bus back home. My left heel had been hurting a little Friday but I iced it and had high hopes for Saturday. After I woke up it felt OK and figured I'd be good to go. I walked for a mile to join my training group as a warm and was generally feeling OK. Two miles in I was feeling a fair amount of tightness in my left leg from hip to heel. Three miles in I knew this wasn't loosening up and the pain in my heel was coming back. Four miles in I figured it was safer to skip the full run than really hurt myself. Five miles and I was so uncomfortable that catching the bus just seemed like the best option.

I foam rolled, used the stick, a tennis ball and ice at home. This seemed to help some. Then I headed to a training session with a strength coach. I rode my bike there and back (it's clearly been a very long time since I rode my bike because it was Hard. Work.) to keep me off my feet. The session was really good and left feeling nicely shaky.

Thankfully I wasn't too shaky because I finished out my day with a seminar at Fleet Feet called Run Your Best. It was hosted by Newton Running and Runner's World and had Bart Yasso and Paula Newby-Fraser and speakers. There was also a running clinic where we practiced some techniques for improving speed and efficiency. Possibly not my best move doing more running but it was pretty low key and I had felt like I got a bit out of it. xaarlin was there too and we had a chat while practicing the 'superman' and other drills in the clinic. I also got some marathon pacing advice from Bart Yasso - planning my negative split for the marathon - so clearly I'm now pretty much set.

Sunday

Was hoping I'd get in a few miles to top up yesterday's shortened run but my leg was still not up to it.

This Week's Stats

• Total miles: 31.33 (50.1 km)
• Total running time: 5 hours 19 minutes 01 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 1
• Total strength workouts: 3

Chicago Marathon Training Week #13

Ah, lucky 13!

Monday

AM: 5 miles (8km) - 52:10

Headed out later than usual seeing as there was no work to go to. It's such a difference running in daylight, I'd forgotten what the northern path looked like!

This was a relaxing run, where I just listened to the sound of the waves on the lake.

And then I got bored so decided to kick up the pace for the last half mile, just to see what would happen...
8:59 mile split. I didn't know I could run a mile in a time that starts with an eight.

Tuesday

AM: 7 miles (11.2km) - 1:08:33

Still feeling good (the denial treatment method for my calf seems to be working well). The moonset/sunrise view was pretty awesome early on in my run. My phone just doesn't have the ability to capture how amazing it was - a crescent moon low on the horizon with a thin band of vibrant pink just between the lake and some low clouds.

After getting all excited about yesterday's 8:59 I played again today. This time I managed an 8:24. These faster miles are addictive.

Wednesday

AM: 8 miles (12.8km) - 1:22:44

I can't remember if I've said this on the blog before but I'm scared of really pushing myself or trying speed workouts (or something that might resemble a speed workout). Every time I have really injured myself, speed and/or hills have been involved. So, for my Chicago Marathon training it's been running for distance pretty much the whole way. I change up the pace but only within my comfort zone. Well, you know, except for those couple of experiments I did earlier in the week.

Today was no different. I just went out and enjoyed my morning time. I love being outside, listening to the sound of the lake and the city waking up. I love watching the sky gradually brightening as the sun rises. I don't love the bug attacks but they're part and parcel of the experience and I'll gladly take them for everything else.

It's so easy to take it all for granted. But I am so lucky to be living here in this city. To be able to get out and run every day. To have the expanse of lake on one side and the convenience of the city on the other. To have a community of like-minded people around me who understand what drives me to get up before sunrise every day, run for hours, persist through random pains (btw - my calf pain has gone! I'm cured!) and discuss the relative benefits of different training plans.

On the speed thing, once I'm done with the marathon and have taken a little time off, I'm going to train with speed in mind. 2014 will have a new half marathon PR. And it's going to be a good one.

Thursday

Rest day!

Friday

AM: 5 miles (8km) - 50:29

Felt tired for the whole run. Just like everything was a little bit harder than normal. Mentally I was preoccupied thinking about my Saturday run. 20 miles - my longest run so far!

Saturday

AM: 20 miles (32km) - 3:42:08

My first attempt (successful!) at this distance in my training program.

I know there is a school of thought that says doing this run is counter-productive. And especially for a slower runner like myself. But I am so glad to have done it.

For me (and, I suspect, I lot of other people) running is a mental game. Obviously, physical fitness and training is required, but it's my mind that controls a lot of my success. Running 20 miles has given me the confidence to be able to say "I will succeed at the marathon". I know I can run the distance. And I know I can run it, even if I'm not feeling great. I also know that there is still a lot that can happen in the six miles I will never run until race day. But I got through 20 miles on Saturday, on pace, while battling continuing fatigue (what's going on here?) and an uncooperative stomach (again, what's going on here - I thought we had this sorted out?).

Despite not feeling 100% for the run, I recovered well. I felt tired during the rest of the day but not completely wiped out, like I have been before.

I am no expert on this marathon business. I do know myself reasonably well, however. And I know I need to practice, practice, practice because my mind and exceptional talent in doubting myself will always do their best to convince me I can't.

Sunday

Does watching shows on Netflix count as a workout? If so, I've worked hard today!

This week's stats

• Total miles: 45 (72 km)
• Total running time: 7 hours 46 minutes 04 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 0
• Total strength workouts: 0

Goals for next week

• Cross training and strength workouts

I dropped these because I felt like they were contributing to my calf pain. Hmm, calf pain has gone - maybe I was right? I'm going to add them back in but be super careful while I do it.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #12

The week the I-word reared its ugly head.

Update: I've just realized the font in this post has gone screwy. I can't fix it, so apologies to anyone who is as OCD as me. It's bugging the absolute daylights out of me.

Monday

Nothing. Flew to Atlanta first thing and didn't leave the office until late.

Tuesday

AM: 5 miles (8km) - 54:31

I chose a different hotel to stay at this week. The choices are pretty limited as my office is out in the suburbs. This hotel is in a better area - more residential and  just nearby has an approximately 4 mile long road, with sidewalks and street lights. This works pretty well as my longest mid-week runs are 8 miles.

I took my first run out with a liberal amount of caution. I had driven the route (well, I was a passenger while one of my colleagues drove the route for me) the night before so I had a feel for what was what but it's a little unnerving being out early in the morning in a new and unknown area.

Two other runners crossed my path during the run and both gave enthusiastic hellos. Early morning runners are the best!

I finished up feeling pretty good and happy to have run without incident.

Wednesday

AM: 6 miles (9.6km) - 1:04:01

Same route as Tuesday. Headed out feeling a little more relaxed than the day before. But not that relaxed, as when a squirrel (I think it was a squirrel anyway) ran in front of me, I may have squealed just a little and my heart stopped for what felt like a minute. Having found a safer and more consistent route meant I could relax into the hills more and use them as part of my training (rather than the constant start-stop routine I'd been doing previously). I have lost of perspective of what constitutes "hilly" but I think this route might be just that. It certainly has more hills than my Chicago runs (I know, it's not that hard though). Here are the elevation profiles of my 6 mile run in Atlanta versus 6 miles in Chicago. It would look better if I could get the scales equal.

Hello Atlanta hills

Practically flat Chicago

Thursday

AM: 0.1 miles - ow!

I started a run but called it quits with calf pain.

AM: Elliptical - 15:00
AM: Weights - 30:00

Took my workout inside but even the elliptical started aggravating my calf.

Friday

AM: 8 miles (12.8km) - 1:23:40

Feeling better today, so decided to give the planned 8 miles a go. All went well, my calf was quiet all run.

Saturday

AM: 10 miles (16km) - 1:50:29

13 mile run fail. This was the run where I really began to question whether there was something seriously wrong with my calf. It never really hurt but I could feel it from mile 2. By mile 8 I knew it was time to call it quits. I am stubborn so made it an even 10.

Sunday

Rest. Ice. Compression. Stretch.

This week's stats

• Total miles: 29 (46.4km)
• Total running time: 5 hours 12 minutes 40 seconds
• Total running workouts: 4
• Total cross training workouts: 1 (ish)
• Total strength workouts: 1

Goals for next week

Exactly the same as last week.

• Warm up and cool down
• Running form
• Getting up when the alarm goes off and not after I hit snooze three times

August summary

• Total miles: 153 (244.8km)
• Total running time: 27 hours 06 minutes 51 seconds
• Total running workouts: 20

Chicago Marathon Training Week #11

Under 50 days to Marathon day!

I found out this week that I'm confirmed to stay in Chicago until at least November 2014 (yay!!), so was talking to my Dad about how it meant I could now enter one of the other 'big' marathons next year - NYC or Marine Corp (or any one of the other fall marathons around). He said to me I should wait until I do Chicago before planning my next one because I probably wouldn't want to do another one. It's true, I've yet to experience the marathon but I am having The. Best. Time. training for Chicago (despite whatever moaning I may do here). So even if the marathon sucks (which I'm pretty sure it won't), it's just one day in the 126 days of my training. And I would say it's totally worth doing again.

Now onto the last seven days in the aforementioned 126...

Monday

AM: 5 miles (8km) - 52:19

Feeling a little sore from yesterday's weights session and never really settled into this run. Nothing too exciting to report but there was a lovely sunrise. No pictures as I'm not always carrying my phone with me (oh yes, safety first here!).

Note to self: carry phone with you so that you can take more sunrise pictures. No one ever gets tired of sunrise pictures. Plus you might need it for a phone call or something.

Tuesday

AM: 7.5 miles (12km) - 1:15:02

Erg! Buggy day today.

Had to cut half a mile from the plan due to some time constraints.

Wednesday

AM: 6 miles (9.6km) - 59:27

Right calf was sore today. Felt OK while I was running but starting and stopping didn't feel good. Despite this, I did some morning run photographic recording.

Run start. Just a glimmer of light on the horizon.

Turnaround.
Looks a little misty but really I think it's just sweat!

North Avenue on the way home.

All done!

Thursday

Rest day. Nothing going on here. Took a complete rest day to try and baby my calf back to normality.

Friday

AM: 8 miles (12.8km) - 1:20:15

Fabulous! Terrific!

Eight miles of just thinking how much I am loving marathon training and running and life in general. Friday runs are definitely my favourite runs.

Plus I had a celebrity sighting - spied Declan powering his way through a workout. Called out a hello and then got one back as he overtook me later on during the run.

Saturday

AM: 18 miles (28.8km) - 3:15:57

Another first time distance. I felt really good the whole run (well, except for that pesky calf) and had a great time with my training group. Once again, I ended up pacing - not the whole group but a renegade few who wanted a more consistent pace and fewer stops on the way (I personally think stopping close to every mile is overkill).

I repeated my fuelling strategy from last week with success, so I am calling it locked in as the primary marathon plan. So, what's my secret, I hear you ask. Crunchy Peanut Butter Clif Bar. For this distance I took one bar and cut it into six pieces and had one piece about every three miles. These just sit so much better than gels/chews in my stomach and I've felt so much more evenly energised during the run.

Now that I know I've got this in place, I'm going to experiment with some other solid fuel options as well. I had the opportunity to try a few flavours of Jimmy Bars recently c/- Erica.

These were all really good, although I'm partial to the Peanut Butter Clutter. I didn't really try these as a running fuel but I think they would possibly work. I think when it comes to the actual race, having a few flavour options up my sleeve will be a really good idea. I like the Jimmy Bars because the ingredients are simple and few - an approach to eating I've adopted whole-heartedly over the past month with really great results. I'm running better and feeling better and shed a few pounds in the process, which just adds to the running better and feeling better equation.

Sunday

PM: Weights session - 30:00

Just me lifting heavy-ish things for a while.

This week's stats

• Total miles: 44.5 (71.2 km)
• Total running time: 7 hours 43 minutes 00 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 0 (whoops!)
• Total strength workouts: 1

Goals for next week

• Warm up and cool down

Introduced some warm up and cool down exercises to a couple of runs this week and I think it made a difference to how I ran and then how I felt once I was done. I'm going to aim for every run next week to test it out a little further. It certainly can't hurt, can it?

• Running form

It's still a work in progress. Felt really strong over the course of the week so going to continue to make this a focus.

• Getting up when the alarm goes off and not after I hit snooze three times.

Way better this week but travelling again next week, so let's keep it on the list.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #10

Welcome to the second half of Chicago Marathon training. Less than 2 months to go!
*insert panic here*

Monday

AM: 5 miles (8km) - 50:20

Travelling again this week (boo!) but I decided that I would book my flight so that I could do my run in Chicago before I left. It kind of cut down my actual productive work time but was awesome for my running motivation. And everyone knows that running is more important than working, right?

Tuesday

AM: 4 miles (6.4km) - 44:08
PM: 4 miles (6.4km) - 43:32

Back in the Atlanta suburbs. No good running outside so I moved my 8 miles onto the hotel gym's treadmill. Buuut 8 miles on the treadmill is too much for my brain to handle. Split it into a double of 4 and 4 (my boredom is much more manageable that way).

This is very much how I'm trying to approach training while I'm traveling.

Wednesday

AM: Weights - 30:00

Just couldn't bring myself to face the treadmill again (I know, I'm pretty pathetic). Did a weights session instead.

Thursday

AM: 3 miles (4.8km) - 30:19

Wednesday's scheduled 6 miles moved to Thursday. But overslept and could only squeeze in 3. Better than the zero I was seriously contemplating.

This is Surfers Paradise in Australia.
I was chatting with my family (who live there) on Wednesday night and stayed up past my bed time.
Not good for early morning running. 

Friday

AM: 8 miles (12.8km)

Glorious!

I felt A-MAZ-ING for entire run. The temps (and humidity compared to Atlanta) were down and it made such a difference!! If only every run could feel so good. Plus, I was wearing my turbo-boosted shoes which obviously gave me an extra advantage on the path.

Saturday

AM: 17 miles (27.2km) - 3:04:23

Fantastic!

Another great run. I was a little apprehensive given the new longest distance prospects plus how bad I felt getting through my 15 miles a couple of weeks ago. As it turned out, completely unfounded.

I do my long runs with my CARA training group and we were leader-less this week which meant I became the groups unofficial pacer for the run (ie. I run with a Garmin and I had satellite connection when we started). I think I did pretty well - there were a couple of fast miles (whoops, when I'm feeling good I can't contain my enthusiasm!) and I got berated by a cyclist for not keeping my group in check (I agree that groups can be annoying on the path but just because I happen to be at the front of one, it doesn't mean I need to be yelled at).

I felt strong the entire way and felt like I could have kept going for a few more miles. OK, maybe just one more mile. But I'll take that over the "I just want to lie down forever" feeling I've had for the past few weeks.

Sunday

AM: Elliptical, Rowing Machine - 30:00
AM: Weights - 40:00

Getting so much better at doing things other than running. I pretty much deserve a medal.

This week's stats

• Total miles: 41 (65.6km)
• Total running time: 7 hours 13 minutes 02 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 1
• Total strength workouts: 2

Goals for next week

• Fuelling

Just quietly, I think I've got this nailed. I'm going to give it another long run to see before making my official announcement.

• Running form

I really feel like paying attention to this been paying great dividends. I feel better and run just that bit faster without feeling like I'm putting in more effort.

• Getting up when the alarm goes off and not after I hit snooze three times.

Travelling has encouraged some bad habits which I am determined to break this week.

Chicago Marathon Training Weeks #8 & #9

Gah! This was not how it was supposed to go!

I had a shocker of a week #9  which got in the way of everything (including week #8's training report).

Week #8
Monday

PM: 4 miles - 38:56

The afternoon run of "speed".

Tuesday

AM: 5 miles - 50:57

Surprisingly good given running the evening before.

Not actually from this run but I have no pics and that makes for a sad post.
I saved this pic with the title '5 mile sunrise' so I figure it fits.

Wednesday

AM: 6.25 miles - 1:05:46

Cut this run short of the planned 7 miles with a twitchy knee. Seeing as we're playing things smart and all around here.

Thursday

Rest day!!!

Friday

AM: 7 miles - 1:09:53

Storm runner! Halfway through this run it started pouring and then the lightening kicked in. I took shelter during the worst of the lightening (because being struck by lightening was not part of the training plan) but the rest of the run was pretty much wet, wet, wet.

Saturday

AM: 15 miles - 2:43:33

This was hard work. The last mile seemed to last forever.

But I did it and I maintained my long run pace so even if it was difficult, it bodes well for the future.

Sunday

Unplanned rest day. I had to go to the airport at around midday for a work trip and that messed up my day.

Week #9
Monday

AM: 3 miles - 34:32

This was slow. I was in a new area in Atlanta and couldn't find a good route to run. Spent a fair amount of time at stop lights trying to work out where to go next.

Tuesday

AM: 3.4 miles - 40:02

Still in Atlanta. I tried a different route again today but still not a winner. The hills were hard work and did not feel good on my legs. I called it a day after 40 minutes.

Wednesday

AM: Elliptical - 40:00

I gave up on running outside and moved onto the treadmill but the previous two days of hills gave me very sore calf. I subbed some time on the elliptical instead.

Thursday

A very late night on Wednesday resulted in a lot of sleeping in today and not a lot of running. And then I had the joy of spending my afternoon and evening in airports and on planes.

Friday

This week was a disaster and Friday just was the icing on the cake.

Saturday

AM: 11 miles - 2:11:09

Thankful that this week was a cut-back week given the amount of running I got in during the week. It was a bit humid and I was feeling not great toward the end. But I'm looking forward to a better week in week #10 even if I have to travel back to Atlanta again. Boo!

Sunday

AM: Stepper and rowing machine, Weights - 1:05:00

I wanted to run today but knew that miles today would have an impact on my miles next week. So I took myself to the gym for the prescribed cross-training and a weights session.

A scientifically sound conclusion plus a rant

For whatever reason, I didn't get my run in this morning. OK, fine, the reason was I didn't get out of bed early enough. I was tired and headachy and grumpy and it didn't happen.

That meant an afternoon run. I don't particularly enjoy running in the afternoon but I had no good reason to skip it, especially after being a baby this morning. Plus I had to try out my new shoes.

So, I ran. The program said 4 miles and that's what I set out for. I felt fairly average. Tired after a day at work, my stomach was achy (balancing eating enough to not be hungry and not so much that I couldn't run - tricky!), the path was crowded. I got to my 2 mile turn-around area and listened for the watch beep. It came and I headed back home, cursing myself for not getting up in the morning.

End of run and I look at my watch: 38:56.

Um, excuse me. I don't run sub-10:00 minute miles when I'm on an easy run (I barely run sub-10:00 when I'm trying to race). But every mile was sub-10:00.

I considered what the possible cause might be:

1. Afternoon run
2. I ate a banana today
3. New shoes
4. I've 'levelled up' in my running (you know, I've now logged enough miles that I automatically get a new running power - increased speed)
5. Lower humidity

I've concluded it must be the shoes. The other options have a lot going for them but I don't have tricky photos for them so they had to be discounted.

I think they might be jet powered

On a serious note, the adidas were comfortable to run in, have a nice bounce to them and felt good on my foot. Of course, I'll need to test them out over a longer distance too.

******

Now, on an even more serious note, a quick rant.

During my run this afternoon I had another encounter on the path with disrespectful males. This time it was a graphic and personal comment made to me. It makes me so mad, frustrated and disappointed that this happens and that in many circumstances it's just accepted. That we live in a society where we just take it for granted that this is going to happen and you have to ignore it and move on.

I read an article today titled "Have a look at yourself"in the Herald Sun, a Victorian (Australia) newspaper that is on this exact issue. It was written by the Victoria Police Chief Commissioner. I think it's a great article and I'm happy that it's being widely shared around Australia. But it's also a sad reflection on the world we live in that this is such a wide spread problem.

End of rant.

******

On a scale of 1 to 10, how nerdy would I be if I actually designed an experiment to see whether I'm running faster in my new shoes? I do actually have a background in science and have studied experimental design and statistics but gave it all up for the glitz and glamour of the accounting world.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #7

Monday

AM: 4 miles (6.45km) - 41:01

Four recovery miles at a not so recovery pace. I was feeling the effects of the RnR Chicago Half for the first mile and then it all just magically went away (why couldn't that have happened during the race?). Unfortunately, my head was still feeling wonky but it was manageable for 4 miles.

Tuesday

AM: 7 miles (11.3km) - 1:12:45

It's a during-the-week-mileage increase week. My first 7 miler before work. Caught a sweet looking sunrise at Belmont that was worth stopping for.

Wednesday

AM: 5 miles (8km) - 51:49

This run was hard work. There was a bit of wind which in addition to making running a little more difficult left the lake looking pretty cool with all the waves being kicked up. Kept myself focused by thinking about my upcoming rest day.

Thursday

Rest day!! I think I say this every week but I needed this day off.

PM: Strength session - 20:00

Friday

AM: 7 miles (11.3km) - 1:11:57

Was greeted with this at the start of my run.

Is it possible to have too many sunrise photos? I think not.

Started off a little slow. On my way back home I really focused on keeping my core stable, shortening my stride and increasing my turnover rate. It makes such a difference! The last three miles were all sub-10:00 pace (a rarity for me) but I didn't feel like I was trying to race. I am definitely going to work on this more going forward.

Saturday

AM: 14 miles (22.4km) - 2:32:16

My first run greater than half marathon distance. The weather was great for running with cool temps and cloud cover (would it be too much to ask for every run to be like that?).

I was tired at the end but that extra 0.9 miles didn't kill me ;)

However, I have worked out that I am going to have to schedule nap time in my Saturday plans going forward. Or maybe starting drinking more coffee.

Sunday

AM: Cross training - 30:00
AM: Strength session - 30:00

I spent some time on the elliptical, did a strength session and closed out my gym time with some swimming.

And then I went shopping.

My Brooks Adrenalines have more than 400 miles on them so I figured it was time to get another pair of shoes in the rotation. I had gone to Road Runner Sports in Lincoln Park the previous weekend but encountered such appalling service that I left the store without trying anything on. So today I went to Fleet Feet in Old Town (where I've never had a bad experience) with the intention of just replacing the Adrenalines with another pair of Adrenalines because I really do love the shoe. But I also love trying on new shoes, so checked out some of the new releases.

The pink ones are the adidas adistar Boost. I really liked the upper on these because it's a sort of stretchy fabric that hugs your foot. My feet like hugs. Plus, if I'm to believe the sales pitch, they will "keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy". Who can say no to that?!

The purple ones (and trust me, they are purple no matter what they look like in the photo) are Adrenalines.

I really was just going to get one pair but I quite liked the adidas and I just can not say no to a purple pair of Adrenalines. It's not like I won't use them. I'm so looking forward to running tomorrow morning and trying out my new babies!

This week's stats

• Total miles: 37 (59.2km)
• Total time: 6 hours 29 minutes 49 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 1
• Total strength workouts: 2

Goals for next week

• Fuelling - Keep practicing

I tried a few things with fuel this week and think I'm beginning to head in the right direction but need to keep working on it.

• Running form

Have started adding distance in kms so that it's easier when I share with everyone back home. It makes my head hurt with all the converting I have to do sometimes.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #6

The end of this week marks first third of my Chicago Marathon training.

Monday

PM: 4 miles - 39:52

Moved my morning run to the evening for the Burgers & Beer 5K. I did a 1 mile warm up (ie. running from my house to where the race was) and then did the race. It was a bit hot but I managed a 5K PR. I considered running home too but after consuming the burger and the beer, running was not going to work so I just walked instead.

Tuesday

AM: 5 miles - 54:02

Legs were heavy after racing the night before.

Wednesday

Away from home in an average hotel in an average area of Atlanta. Overslept in the morning. Massive thunderstorms in the evening. No running was had.

Thursday

Scheduled rest day. Decided against trying to make up for Wednesday, because that's what smart runners do.

Friday

AM: 4 miles - 41:17

Back in the sauna that is Chicago. Cut my 6 miles to 4 after remembering I was racing a half on Sunday.

Saturday

Rest day.

Sunday

AM: 13.1 miles - 2:23:33

Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon.

Not my best effort. Not my worst.

Plagued by stomach cramps and the need to take many walking breaks to avoid having to stop all together. There's a lesson in there to be had.


This week's stats

• Total miles: 26.1
• Total time: 4 hours 38 minutes 44 seconds
• Total running workouts: 4
• Total cross training workouts: 0 (why do I even bother keeping this count here?!)
• Total strength workouts: 0

Goals for next week

• Fuelling - Work it out.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #5

This was a tough week for me.

Not because of the training volume or intensity but it was a week where I mostly felt very disconnected from running. My head just wasn't in the right space. Every week can't be a great week though, can it?

Despite this, and acknowledging that it's only week 5 out of an 18 week plan, this is the best training run I've had as far as consistency goes. The trick for me is just continuing with on getting out there and giving it a go - this will be my first marathon, so really just getting across the finish line will be a win for me and I don't need to be aiming for time. Of course, need and want are not the same thing so I totally have a time that I am secretly aiming for (well, it's not really secret but I'm not putting it out there until closer to the day).

Monday

Not the start of the week I was aiming for. Didn't get my act together and missed my run.

Tuesday

AM: 4 miles - 42:15

Forced myself out the door. Aiming for six miles but only managed four. Figured it was better than Monday.

Wednesday

AM: 6 miles - 1:04:37

Feeling a bit better today, although still fighting the mental battle to get out. This was a hot and humid run.

Thursday

AM: 4.5 miles - 46:10

Not my smartest move as Thursday is my rest day and I knew I'd be running Friday and Saturday. Having not run Monday and after feeling much better after Wednesday's sweaty six, I couldn't not go out though.

Friday

AM: 6 miles - 1:03:25

Feeling the effects of skipping most of my stretching this week. Didn't feel bad but let was noticeably tight on my left side.

Saturday

AM: 12 miles - 2:11:12

I want to start experimenting with pre-long run fueling but I need to work on getting up earlier to do that. I am confident that eating 15 minutes before heading out the door would be a recipe for disaster.

Did experiment with carrying water/electrolyte drink. Conclusion: Fuel belts do not work for me.

Sunday

AM: Cross-training - 15:00

Yep. That is a pretty average effort.


This week's stats

• Total miles: 32.5
• Total time: 5 hours 47 minutes 40 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 0.5 (I couldn't really count it as one)
• Total strength workouts: 0

Goals for next week

• Get through the week with my planned running intact! I'm travelling for work to a new area which tends to be disruptive. The hotel website says there's a "jogging path", so hopefully that will work out.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #4

Monday

AM: 3 miles - 30:40

Plan was 10:50 - 11:00 pace but ended up at 10:11. Got angry about it for a little while and then decided there are worse things in the world than not running as slow as I tried to.

Tuesday

AM: 6 miles - 1:01:14

Late getting out the door and generally feeling unsettled going into the run. I was overtaken left, right and centre to begin with but just put my head down (literally, it was pretty windy out) and focused on settling into an easy pace. Settle in I did - this ended up as a progression run, felt great the whole way and like I could have just kept on going. Interestingly, average pace was 10:11 again...I'm beginning to sense a pattern here.

Wednesday

AM: 4 miles - 40:51

Not the kind of run I would like to have again.

For those of you playing at home - average pace 10:12 - no, I am not planning this.

Thursday

Rest day and no work. Perfect day for a sleep in!

I made it to 5:30. Sleep in FAIL.

Friday

AM: 6 miles - 1:01:54

I had the day off work, so after my run I headed out and was a little bit touristy. Went to the Field Museum and took these pics on my walk back home.

Yet another city skyline photo. I just can't help myself because I love it soooo much!

South Shore line

Buckingham Fountain - This was my first visit.

Art Institute

Saturday

AM: 11 miles - 2:00:44

Maybe too much walking on Friday and definitely not enough good eating left me tired heading into this run. Ended up being a solid effort. Was happy to finish and get out of the sun.

Sunday

Let's not talk about exactly how little I did today.


This week's stats

• Total miles: 30
• Total time: 5 hours 15 minutes 23 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 0
• Total strength workouts: 0

Goals for next week

• Cross training and strength - need to be a more balanced runner!
• Stretch - made some good progress on this but stills needs more work

Chicago Marathon Training Week #3

Monday

AM: 3 miles - 33:14

I spent most of these easy paced miles kicking myself in the ankle. This is a sure sign that my legs are tired. But I did feel surprisingly good after Sunday's half marathon.

Tuesday

AM: 5 miles - 51:04

Aiming for 10:30 pace but ended up at 10:12. Good news is that I felt very comfortable doing it.

Storm clouds over the lake

It was cooler this morning, probably because of the storm over the lake. I love summer storms! The lightening provided a great show for my run.

Wednesday

AM: 1.16 miles - 13:13

Tried to get in my run between storms but got scared off by lightening early on.

More easily dissuaded from continuing as I was keen to get back to watch the unfolding political events back home.

Looks like what goes around, comes around
(links to an article explaining what went on, if you're interested)

Thursday

Rest day. I thought about making up the missed miles from Wednesday but then smart-runner Chris took over and reminded me that three miles is nothing, injuring myself is everything.

Friday

AM: 5 miles - 48:18

This was scheduled as a marathon pace run. I don't really know what my marathon pace is, given I've never run a marathon. But I know what time I'd like to finish in and what time is, in theory, possible based on some of my other race times. So my marathon pace runs are currently planned at 10:15 pace.

If you do the math, you can see that today's run was at 9:39 pace. FAIL!

I just couldn't seem to slow down. Must work on pacing.

Saturday

AM: 6 miles - 1:06:45

This week is a cut-back week so just a short one today. It's so weird to have a 'long' run that is only a mile longer than my mid-week runs.

And because tomorrow is a cross training day and I won't be running, I checked out my stats for the month:

OCD Chris says I should run an extra 3 miles today to take the month to 100 miles.
Smart-runner Chris says chill out - there's always July.

One of my motivational tools to develop my running routine has been to use a star system. Each day that I run, I put a star on the calendar. I knew this June had been a winner as I have never had such a starry month.

Sunday

AM: 30 minutes cross training
AM: 15 minutes upper body and core strength

This could be a new Sunday morning routine. I went down to my building's laundry and put a load in the machine. While that was doing its thing, I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, 5 minutes on the rower and a 15 minute strength circuit. Once I was done in the gym, I headed back to the laundry and transferred my stuff from the machine to the dryer. And then while everything was drying I jumped in the pool and did laps for 10 minutes.

I am so lucky to have a gym and pool in my building and I haven't really made the best use of them. Especially the pool. I actually like swimming (even if it's really hard work) but do it so infrequently.

All in all it was a very efficient morning - cross training and strength done PLUS sheets and towels are clean and dry (FYI, folding was surprisingly difficult after my workout). And it took a grand total of 90 minutes all up.

This week's stats

• Total miles: 20.1
• Total time: 4 hours 17 minutes 33 seconds
• Total running workouts: 5
• Total cross training workouts: 1
• Total strength workouts: 1

Goals for next week

• Get in second strength session
• Stretch!!!

Random items that made me smile

I spend most of my working week sitting in an office where the walls are effectively just glass. This means that there's not a lot of privacy and anyone walking by can easily look in and see me working. I have got pretty good at just tuning out people walking by, so don't notice when people are looking in. One of my bosses commented to me the other day that I always look really stressed/angry when he walks past. This is not the first time someone has made a similar comment to me. I am generally not stressed or angry or anything like that.

I came across this during the week and it made me laugh. I can totally relate to it. Apparently I'm not the only one who has this problem.

Chicago Marathon Training Week #2

Monday

AM: 3 miles - 30:34

I don't like Mondays. Getting out the door for my run always seems so difficult. But it's worth it!

Tuesday

AM: 4 miles - 41:08

Doing my semi-regular travel to Atlanta for work and this was my first (and last) run in Piedmont Park. My office is relocating so I won't be staying downtown anymore, unfortunately.

I picked my route from the Atlanta Track Club website. No matter where you are, there is probably someone who has recorded a running route you can take if unfamiliar with the location.

Wednesday

Was supposed to do 5 miles but it didn't happen. C'est la vie.

I blame it on dinner the night before. I went for Italian with a few of my co-workers to a recommended restaurant. We arrived to discover it was a little more fine dining than we were dressed for (us: jeans, t-shirts; everyone else: jackets, ties). Not to mention that we brought down the average age quite considerably. We got a few looks during the evening from the other tables but the food was good. We didn't end up leaving until late and I missed my morning alarm as a result.

Thursday

Rest day!!

Friday

AM: 5 miles - 51:43

Just managed to squeeze in my miles before my daily morning meeting. One of my co-workers (an ultra runner, so you know he's mental dedicated) suggested that I join the morning call during my run because in our role we don't really participate in the meeting. While I didn't do that, I did take my phone and dial in on my cool down walk home.

Saturday

AM: 7 miles - 1:16:53

Warm and humid morning left me very sweaty at the end of this run. I was going to skip my group run as I was running a half marathon on Sunday but decided that marathon bonding was too important.

Sunday

AM: 13.1 miles - 2:29:23

Chicago Women's Half Marathon. Race recap to follow but suffice to say it was quite warm and humid. I set a new PR in water drinking during a race.

Sunrise from Grant Park on my way to the race.

This run was very hard work. But it's the hard ones that make it even more worthwhile.

This week’s stats:

• Total miles: 32.1
• Total time: 5 hrs 49 mins 42 secs
• Total running workouts: 5

Goals for next week:

• Add at least one cross training session (attempt #2 as failed miserably this week)
• Add at least two strength training sessions (see above)

Chicago Marathon Training Week #1

Monday

AM: 3 miles - 33:59

I got in from New York at about 11:30pm Sunday so did NOT want to get up with the alarm. But there was no way I was missing my first official training run. Tired body and tired legs from all my vacation walking made this a straight out slog fest.

Tuesday

AM: 5 miles - 52:59

Out with my sister the night before to celebrate our birthdays (which were in February and April but better late than never) care of our Dad. Thanks Dad for a lovely dinner!

Unfortunately, the cocktail and rich food did leave me a little short on quality sleep so I was once again not feeling 100% for the run. Then, I spent the first 1.5 to 2 miles battling a side stitch. It all came good and this ended up being a progression run of sorts - 11:20; 11:12; 10:22; 10:06; 9:53.

Wednesday

AM: 4 miles - 41:38

Went to watch the Cubs the night before which meant yet another night of not enough sleep to make me happy. I slept through the alarm but luckily jolted awake at 5:15, giving me just enough time to get 4 miles in before I had to be on a call for work (don't ask).

Thursday

Rest day!!

Friday

AM: 1.5 miles - 15:36

Planned 4 miles at marathon pace but things did not go to plan. Bad stomach and some clothing issues left me stopping and starting and generally feeling uncomfortable. I made the decision to call it a day and mark this work out as "something is better than nothing".

Saturday

AM: 7.5 miles - 1:22:26

Long run for the week.

After much internal debate, I decided to train with CARA. I had success training with them for the F^3 Half Marathon - I don't think I've felt so good running a race as I did with that one. And because I detest running in the heat, the accountability of running with a group will be a great help to keep me honest. I want this race to be great, so any help I can get is fine by me.

Felt great all run, the miles slipped very easily by getting to know some of my new training group.

Sunday

Rest day!!

This week’s stats:

• Total miles: 21
• Total time: 3 hrs 46 mins 37 secs
• Total running workouts: 5

Goals for next week:

• Add at least one cross training session
• Add at least two strength training sessions