Wow. There are only 25 days between today and my fourth marathon. As I average 2 non-running days per week that means I have less 20 runs left until the marathon – 3 of those being long runs. #holyshit
I’m at the point in marathon training where I love and hate every run. This week I’ve had the sudden urge to push snooze each morning as I figure the real work is done already. But, after each of my runs this past week I’ve felt an amazing excitement and energy for this marathon. Many people told me I shouldn’t run a Fall marathon this year due to the move and acclimating to life in Europe. Instead of cancelling, I chose to use this marathon as a way to acclimate to Europe. I’ve learned the streets of Geneva far faster than I would have otherwise and have met London runners through training.
Now that I’ve waxed poetically about my love of running through Geneva and London, let’s get down to business and talk about last week’s training.
Monday: 30 minutes of speed Instead of our normal relaxed 4 miler to kick the week off Emily and I did an all out sprint workout, keeping an 8:51 pace for the 30 minute run. While I love our normally relaxed Monday chat sessions as a way to catch up after the weekend the pep in our step definitely helped kick off the week.
Tuesday: Mile Repeats So we didn’t follow the workout perfectly as it called for 5 mile repeats but we squeezed in 3 strong mile repeats and kept a steady pace back instead of using the final mile as a cool down. I am in love with mile repeats as I think they are a great diagnostic tool! I look forward to do this workout each week that remains in training, trying to reach 5 repeats by the end of next week. We had a hard time keeping our pace higher than 8:50 but I guess that’s a nice problem to have. This could also explain why we were dying by the end.
Wednesday: 5 miles at MP or better We hovered around a 10 minute mile on this run along the lake so faster than MP but slower than our normal morning runs. It was the perfect way to loosen the legs after Monday and Tuesday speed sessions.
Thursday: YOGA Based on feedback from Twitter, we used the 25 minute Yoga for Runners video available on the YogaDownload YouTube channel. Don’t let the woman’s voice or face scare you. The flow is perfect for tight hips and tired legs!
Friday: Emily and I crushed 20 miles together before 7:30am. Want to feel confident and on top of the world during a 1:1 with your manager? Run 20 miles before hand. I ensure you that you will feel absolutely invincible.
Saturday: Yoga + Shakeout run Gloanna Yoga Run was the perfect way to squeeze a shakeout run and yoga into a busy Saturday!
Sunday: Rest, Unpack, Rest, Repeat.
What is your favorite workout song right now? I’m going to do a music post later this week, in preparation for my long run. My favorite song is one that is slower than most of the songs filling my playlist – Royals by Lorde.
You are my heroine – FOR REAL. This is amazing that you are doing and it shows huge commitment because as you’ve shared marathon training, moving to 2 cities and traveling in between it is all possible.
I hope that after Hartford you are giving yourself a much deserve nice self-care treat!
Hey there.
I am training for my 3rd marathon which will be the day after yours! So finding it really motivational to read your recaps – if you can do it with such a big upheaval I have no excuse! I hear you about the work – I just want to race already!
Gillian
Beautiful pictures! I am LOVING Jason Aldean’s The Only Way I Know – it’s a country song that basically sings that the only way he knows is to earn what he gets. It makes me want to work harder at whatever it is I’m working out! Makes me want to EARN it!
What a great way to get to know your new cities and I agree with Laura that you are pretty amazing to keep up with all of this with the move and traveling. Good luck with the rest of your training and at Hartford! Favorite workout song right now is Katy Perry’s Roar.
WTG with training and fitting it all in! Come to think of it I don’t have a favorite workout song right now.
Good luck with the last 25 days of training and Hartford! You’ve got this!
I could not agree more about seeing the world thanks to running. I am so excited for you as i think you are going to shatter your PR based on your training!!
i still cannot believe you knocked out 20 miles before 730 am, before work, and before a one-on-one. you amaze me! the one thing i really struggle with during training is waking up early for a run, especially as the mornings start becoming darker and darker. i don’t know if i’m just a weakling or if this is something i can work on, but i’d LOVE to try!
Oh man, just saw your 20 miles before 7:30am post — you go girl! Since I’ve been having i njury struggles, my long runs have been sporadic. But if I can get it together, I think one of my 20s will be before work. Knowing others have done the same helps me do it!
Good luck with the marathon! I’ll be routing for you!