Chicago Marathon Training Week 6

July 21, 2019 by 34 Comments

The theme for this week was heat, humidity, run, repeat.  Week 6 of Chicago training is in the books! Here’s a recap of how it all played out.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 6

Monday — 4 miles plus plank series. A nice, uneventful early morning run.

Tuesday — Strength training. After missing my strength session last week, it felt great to get in a solid workout focusing on hips, glutes, and abs.

Wednesday — 5 miles, at tempo pace plus plank series.  Just like last week, this mid-week run was the highlight of the week. I hit my target pace and felt strong despite the rising dew point.

Thursday — 4.25 miles plus plank series. Tired, just tired – it was a slog from beginning to end. Thankfully, I had a massage scheduled in the afternoon – so needed!

Friday — Rest day!

Saturday — 8 miles on scorched earth!

Post-run deep breath!

Sunday — 8 miles on the treadmill

Total miles for the week — 29.25

Total miles on the road to Chicago — 104.15 (My son had asked how many miles I’ve logged so far so I thought I’d start keeping track)

Running 5x’s in a week

I ran 5 days this week and survived! Week 6 of @Chimarathon training is done! #weeklyrundown #mychicagomarathon #marathontraining #runchat Share on X

Last Sunday Coach Marc sent me an email saying that he wanted me to try running 5 days/week. I will admit that I was a little nervous when I saw the week’s plan, but I’ve said from the beginning that my goal with this training plan has been to 1) – trust the plan and 2) be willing to get out of my comfort zone.

All-in-all, running 5 days wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. My strategy was to just run the mile I was in and not worry too much about what was coming next.

The weather, of course, added to the challenge. Mother Nature seemed to up her game daily in the heat & humidity department and took things to a whole new level by the weekend. Overall, I feel like I managed Saturday’s run pretty well, but it was clear to me by how drained I felt Saturday night that I was just not up for a repeat performance. So, for as much as I am not a fan of treadmill running, it proved to be the lesser of two evils this morning.

Thankfully, this heatwave should break by Tuesday and logging miles should hopefully feel a little easier.

How are you holding up in this heat?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Summer running, Weekly Run Down

Narragansett Summer Running Festival 10K Recap

July 16, 2019 by 11 Comments

Last Saturday I ran my second race of the summer – the Narragansett Summer Running Festival 10K!

Narragansett Summer Running Festival

The Narragansett Summer Running Festival is a two-day event held on the Stonehill College campus. The 5K and 10K were held on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Runners also had the option of running the “Beat the Heat” challenge – combining either the 5 or 10K  with the half.

Knowing that the access road into the campus could get a little congested, J and I had planned to meet my brother by 6:45. I love that this race was just a 25 min drive from my house and we breezed in and parked with no issue. We took a short walk down the hill to pick up our bibs & t-shirts and then went back to the cars to hang in the shade & stretch.

No medal but a cute shirt design

About a half-hour before the 5K start, we made our way down to the start area. Despite having about 15 porta-potties there were just two really long lines. With the clock ticking, one of the race staff finally got the lines reorganized into multiple lines and things moved a lot better.

The Race

The 5K was set to go off at 8, with the 10K starting at 8:30. Final announcements were made, a recording of the national anthem played, and the 5K started right on time. The sun was already intense and we did what we could to hide in the shade of the buildings for as long as possible. The 10Kers were called to line up by 8:20, took a group photo (I kid you not), and we were off promptly at 8:30.

The course was a winding loop through the campus – a mix of paved road, gravel, grass, and even a couple of wooden bridges. Without any form of self-seeding, the start was a bit jumbled. To get out in the open, I knew I had definitely started out way too fast, and would probably pay for it later. J’s hamstring was giving him trouble so he dropped back to take a walk break while my brother and I continued on. As we circled back to the start area, we reached the course’s only hill which led to the finish line and the start of the 2nd 5K loop. We powered past runners on the hill and could hear the music coming from the race’s after-party.

I will admit it was tough to see many of the 5kers already done, enjoying the after-party, and knowing we had another loop to run. By now it was getting really hot, and the second loop became a game of “run for the shade”. At about the 4.5-mile point, we were once again out on an open field and I was ready to be done. We both took a short walk break before making another push. We fell into conversation with a woman named Katie who we had been leapfrogging along the course. My brother was feeling pretty good and when I took another short walk break I encouraged him to keep going. I had hoped to catch up with him but didn’t see him again until the finish line.

Katie was still with me as we approached the hill and one of the race staff told us we only had 600 yards to go. I made one more strong push up the hill and passed a couple of runners as I made the final turn towards the finishing chute. I was happy to finish 3 minutes faster than last month’s 10K. We waited for J to finish and then it was time to hit the beer tent!

All smiles post-race!

Each runner got two beer tickets and there was a choice of 5 beers. I opted for the watermelon shandy which was so refreshing! There was live music and a small collection of vendors, including a massage therapist offering free rubdowns. With plenty of shaded areas to sit and hang out, no one seemed in a rush to leave. Katie and a friend of hers who had also run found us and the five of us hung out for a while enjoying the beers and trading running stories.

Final Thoughts

Race organizers did a great job with pre-race communications. Parking and bib pick up was super easy. And, despite the winding course, it was well marked and there were enough volunteers at all the key points to avoid confusion. The volunteers were also super friendly and encouraging.

While I wasn’t a fan of running over the gravel, the course is fairly flat, with just the one hill at the end of each loop and the Stonehill campus is really pretty which made for a nice backdrop.

My only criticisms are that it would have been helpful to have one volunteer stationed at the porta-potties earlier to avoid the long lines, and I would have preferred some form of self-seeding at the start. Post-race it would have been great to have more food options other than granola bars.

Overall, this race had a fun atmosphere and was really well organized, and I definitely look forward to running it again!

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: family running, Narragansett Running Festival, race report

Chicago Marathon Training Week 5

July 14, 2019 by 23 Comments

Could someone please find a way to slow these days down a little?! While the summer heat is making running a challenge, I am by no means ready to wish away the season.

And, speaking of days flying by, it’s hard to believe that I’ve now finished 5 weeks of marathon training. Here’s how the week went down.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 5

Monday — 4-mile run.

Tuesday — Spent all day at a conference for work so this was a “rest” day.

Wednesday — 5.25-mile run. This run was the highlight of the week! There was a break in the humidity, and everything just seemed to click.

Thursday — 5-mile run. Oh, what a difference a day makes! The humidity came roaring back and this run was just a miserable slog.

Friday — Yoga.

Saturday — Narragansett Summer Running Festival 10K (recap to come)

a total sweat fest, but so much fun!

Today was all about hanging at the beach!

Total miles for the week — 20.45

Week 5 of @chimarathon training is in the books! #runchat #mychicagomarathon #marathontraining #keepshowingup Share on X

Despite the humidity, the miles rolled along. I knew it was going to be a challenge with my schedule to fit a strength workout in, so I switched things up and went with daily core work and that worked well. Coach Marc wants to try 5 days of running this week so I may stick with shorter strength workouts. I want to keep up the core work and key exercises focusing on my hips and glutes. I’ll be curious to see how I feel running for 5 days.

How was your week? How many days a week do you typically run?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down

Chicago Week 4: Who turned on the furnace?!

July 7, 2019 by 32 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

So summer weather showed up in full force this week. Heat and humidity were on a constant high. But, until I can figure out how to train for a fall race without running during the summer, there was no choice but to get out there. Here’s how Week 4 went down.

 Chicago Marathon Training Week 4

Monday – Rest day.

Tuesday – 4-mile run.  It was tempting to sleep through my alarm since my pup had decided to alert the whole house about something he’d spotted in our yard around 3 a.m., but it wasn’t too bad once I got out the door.

Wednesday – 5-mile run. Humidity levels hit 83% – just why?!

Thursday – Spent the morning getting plants into the garden, before enjoying the holiday with family.

Friday – Strength training. I have been slacking on strength training lately so it felt good to get this one in. I had planned to hit the gym but at the last moment decided to take my workout to my back deck instead before it got too hot.

Saturday – 7-mile run. This run was such a battle both mentally and physically – just so freaking hot! It was one of those runs where you knew before you even stepped out the door that it was going to be a rough one. I had wanted more miles but considered it a win to get the 7. I’m so glad my husband J joined me – we really kept each other going!

Sunday – 3-mile shakeout run. Mercifully, the humidity broke!

Total miles for the week – 19

While my total mileage was not as high as I would have liked, the weather forecast is looking a bit better for the week ahead so that should help. I am happy that I got some strength training in,

Testing New Gear

After runfessing that I need to figure out my hydration plan for Chicago, I did some research and ordered a new handheld – the Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask.

And, since I’ve struggled with carrying a handheld in the past, I also decided to order a new fuel belt to test – Nathan Peak Insulated Waist Pack.                         I got to run with them once each this past week and will keep using them on runs over the next couple of weeks to see if one emerges as the favorite.

How was your week? Do you run with a handheld, belt or vest?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link-up.

In case you missed it:  Recapping the BAA 10K over coffee

 

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Filed Under: marathon training, Nathan hydration belt, Summer running, Weekly Run Down

Recapping the BAA 10K over coffee

July 5, 2019 by 22 Comments

I hope everyone (in the States) had a great 4th! I was so happy to get to this extended long weekend to just kick back and unwind a little. So as I laze away on my deck, it seems like the perfect time to join Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date!

Recapping the BAA 10K over Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I cannot believe that it’s been almost two weeks since I ran the BAA 10K! I know, I know, how many times can I mention how fast time is flying by? But it really is!

Over coffee, I would tell you that my goals were simple – beat last year’s time, conquer the long hill through Boston University’s campus, and have fun! Check, check, and check! Given how cool, rainy, and mild the temps had been, the heat on race day was super tough – especially with so little shade on the course. So my brother and decided to walk each water stop (thankfully there was one every mile!) and just try to keep a nice steady pace. We did see a couple of people go down around mile 4 – the heat was no joke!

Over coffee, I would tell you to run this race if you get the chance! It is super well-organized, and even with 10,000 runners, it never felt too crowded. The volunteers, especially at the water stops, were awesome and super encouraging! And the course itself is a great little out and back tour of Boston’s Back Bay, Kenmore Square, and part of the BU campus. The Boston Athletic Association always puts on a great race and this one did not disappoint.

Great to see Jose from @Andsoitburns working one of the water stops!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I had so much fun running this race with my brother! When we did this race last year, I was seriously hobbled and had urged him to run ahead and not let me hold him back – so it was especially enjoyable to run together this year. This was my third time running this race and I’ve already got it penciled in for next year!

Do you have races you love to run again and again? What would you tell me over coffee?

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Filed Under: BAA, race report, Ultimate coffee date

Week 3 & a Mid-Year Check-in

June 30, 2019 by 20 Comments

Is anyone else amazed by the fact that we are halfway through the year? Yep, 6 months down and 6 months to go. It feels like the perfect time to reflect on how I’m progressing with my fitness goals – and to adjust as necessary.

But first, a quick review of the week that was.

Chicago Marathon Training – Week 3

Monday – The training plan said 5 miles but coming off my 10K the day before, my legs voted that idea down in a hurry! So rest day it was.

Tuesday – The combination of humidity & tired legs made this 5-miler a fight from start to finish.

Wednesday – Yoga

Thursday – 5 miles of intervals with Coach Marc. Challenging but this run felt great and it was nice to see paces I haven’t seen in quite a while!

Friday – Rest

Saturday – Strength workout in the form of gardening. A few hours of weeding and transplanting in ridiculous humidity provided a good total body workout.

Sunday – 8-mile run. My husband J and I decided to meet up with my brother for a run. We decided to check out the course for our upcoming 10K and I added on a couple of extra miles on the end.

Total miles for the week – 18

Overall it was a good week and I’m especially happy with the way my first speedwork played out. I finished June with 74 miles.

Mid-Year Check-in

At the beginning of the year, I highlighted 4 goals:

  • Run a marathon
  • Stay off injured-reserve
  • Make sleep a priority
  • Mind what I’m eating

So far I feel like I’m on track. I’ve managed to avoid injury and I think I’m doing a pretty good job of being mindful of what I’m consuming. And…of course, marathon training is underway!

Sleep has been the biggest challenge for most of the year, but I’m starting to feel like I’m slowly turning a corner. I’ve made more of a commitment to skip late-night TV (sorry Daily Show!) and we recently retired our old mattress set for a glorious new one. Baby steps…but every little bit helps.

As I dive into the second half of the year and push for the marathon, the focus on staying injury-free via strength training, making good nutrition choices, and chasing those all-important ZZZs will continue to be important goals for me.

How did the first half of 2019 treat you? Are you on track with your goals?

I linking up Deborah and Kim for Weekly Run Down link-up.

And, with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, goals, marathon training, Tuesday Topics, Weekly Run Down

June Runfessions

June 28, 2019 by 24 Comments

Happy Friday!

The days are just rolling along and here we are once again at the last Friday of the month. Time to join Marcia for a few Runfessions!

It's Friday and I'm joining @teamarcia for the Runfession link-up! #running #runchat #runfessions Share on X

June Runfessions

I runfess that I miss hitting things! While I loved my kickboxing classes, I didn’t love how rarely I was able to make my schedule align with the studio class schedule, and with it all of the money I was wasting on my monthly membership. I recently pulled the plug on the membership, but there have been many days lately where I could really use a punching bag!

As if the Universe can sense my need to channel my energy, I keep seeing ads for Fight Camp. I runfess I’m intrigued and trying to figure out where in my house I could put this!

I runfess that I’m almost afraid to say it out loud but running and I are BFFs again. Yes, the on again, off again humidity is making it tough to acclimate and I definitely have a beef with Mother Nature over her schizophrenic behavior. But weather aside, running and I are getting along just fine.

At least this month!

I runfess that the one thing that is stressing me out about my runs right now is how to navigate my hydration. As you all know I’m a Tailwind ambassador and I just love the stuff – no tummy trouble what so ever. The downside is Gatorade dominates most road races, and will be the drink of choice at Chicago. So, if I want to run with Tailwind I’m going to have to decide how to carry it. Any suggestions?

What are you runfessing this month?

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Filed Under: hydration, Runfessions

Chicago Marathon Training Week 2

June 23, 2019 by 26 Comments

I swear I blinked and this week disappeared! For as crazy as I thought last week was leading up to my big event for work, sometimes post-event can be even more hectic! So last week’s theme of long days continued, but so did the workouts.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 2

Monday – 3-mile run. The humidity hit with a vengeance and 3 miles felt like forever!

Don’t let the smile fool you!

Tuesday – After 4 straight days of running and event planning, my body was waving the white flag so this was a rest day.

Wednesday – 4-mile run. The humidity continued to be oppressive – too much to take the pup along, but he was happy to greet me afterward.

Thursday – Yoga & a much-needed trip to the massage therapist. I had started to feel a little niggle in my hip after Wednesday’s run so I was happy I already had the massage scheduled!

Friday – 8-mile run. The yoga and massage did their jobs and I was able to get my run done between rain storms.

Saturday – Rest.

Sunday – BAA 10K – Recap to come.

21.2 miles for the week. A solid week – while I missed my strength training workout, I think it was a better choice to listen to my body and take the extra rest day. Fingers-crossed this week will be a little quieter!

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link-up.

In case you missed it:  Summer Running Plans

 

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, Weekly Run Down

Summer Running Plans

June 18, 2019 by 28 Comments

Though it is clear Ma Nature has clearly not gotten the memo, summer officially kicks on Friday. While I’m usually first to whine, er…um…express my lack of enthusiasm for summer running, I’m going to do my best to embrace the season. In fact, I’ve even got a couple of races on the calendar…I know, right?! Who am I?!

2019 Summer Running Plans

Marathon Training — Well no big surprise here! First and foremost I’ll be logging summer miles with one key goal in mind: making it to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. When dealing with challenging situations, it always helps to remember your “why”  – so when the heat and humidity become unbearable, there will be no bigger “why” for me than this one!

 BAA 10K — On Sunday I’ll be lining up with my brother once again to take on the BAA 10K. This race features a nice out and back course through the heart of Boston. We ran this race together last year, but I was seriously hobbled so it was a grin-and-bear-it affair. I’m looking forward to enjoying the run this time around.

Narragansett Running Festival – Somehow I let my brother talk me into another race – this time the Narragansett Running Festival in mid-July. There are 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, plus a “Beat the Heat Challenge” which involves running a combo of either the 5K or 10K and the half marathon on back-to-back days. While I haven’t officially registered yet, I’ll more than likely join my brother for the 10K. I’m hoping we can turn it into a family affair as my oldest son and husband are also thinking of running. There will be music and beer, and it’s a 20-minute drive from my house…so really, what’s not to love?

An August race, too? — I’m toying with the idea of going for the trifecta and running a race in August as well. While there is, of course, no shortage of 5Ks, I am intrigued by a race called Triple Threat. The Triple Threat features a 1-mile, 5K, and half marathon, with the choice of running one race or all three, back-to-back-to-back for 17.2 glorious miles along the beautiful coast of Cape Ann. I’ll have to check in with Coach Marc and see where I am with my training plan, but it could be a more interesting way to get a long run in. Plus, race day happens to fall on my birthday – a fun (or insane) way to kick off another trip around the sun!

Any races on your summer calendar? Do you use races to break up marathon training?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: marathon training, race calendar, Summer running, Tuesday Topics

Chicago Marathon Training Week 1

June 17, 2019 by 14 Comments

Happy Monday!

Last week was just crazy – I was prepping for a major event at work which went off on Saturday. The days were long, but I’m happy to say that somehow I managed to get my runs done and the first week of marathon training is in the books!

Chicago Marathon Training Week 1

Monday – After running both Saturday and Sunday, I woke up Monday feeling very sluggish. I knew I had quite a full workday ahead so I made this a rest day.

Tuesday – Strength training (upper body)

Wednesday – 9-mile run. Given the work event I had coming up on the weekend, I decided to get my long run for the week done.

Thursday – Brief yoga session.

Friday – Spent most of the day at event set-up, but still managed to get a 6-mile run in. My legs were fried!

Saturday – Work event! I was on my feet all day playing race director. The event went really well!

Sunday – 5-mile run.

It was just me and a little wildlife on this run!

All-in-all a pretty good week! I was especially happy with the way Wednesday’s run went – while I won’t make a habit of it, I must admit it did feel nice to have the week’s long run done before the weekend.

For this coming week, I’ll be moving to up to 4 runs per week – this schedule should still give me enough time for at least one strength training day and hopefully, some time on my yoga mat.

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link-up – this is a great link-up for accountability and motivation so if you write a weekly training recap, be sure to join the fun!

In case you missed it:  Five Tips to Become an Early Morning Runner

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down