Week 5 of marathon training has come and gone. It was a bit of a rough week, fitness wise, so my plan is to cull out the positives and learn from the negatives.
Sunday – rest day
Monday – 3.1 miles
I loved this run. Loved. It was hot and humid and yet everything about it was wonderful. I finished strong, feeling great, and with a pace time of which I was incredibly proud. The sky made being up so early absolutely worthwhile.
Tuesday – 3.1 miles
Due to the way the week was going, I made this a late afternoon run. It was slightly overcast,
which did help me out, but I’m surprised how I loved this run more than Monday’s. I was faster, too! Funny thing is that one of my laces broke at the halfway mark.
I figured that would have thrown me all out of whack, but I was able to get it done, no problem.
Wednesday – Sunrise yoga
We were going to enjoy our practice outside, as has been our habit, but for some reason, the bugs were biting. I was able to snap this quick picture before we headed back inside.
I didn’t love yoga quite as much inside, but I definitely needed the stretching. My legs were incredibly tight and it was great working it all out.
I also got a very special mail delivery:
I do believe this will be the pair of shoes in which I run the Walt Disney World Marathon. I haven’t taken them for a test run yet, because I need to get them laced right and I don’t want to start in them too soon (I plan on alternating shoes from here on out), but their time is coming.
Thursday – rest day
I shouldn’t really consider this a real rest day, since we spent a few hours at Crocodile Crossing, working hard at the obstacle course.
But no running, so rest day it is.
Friday – rest day
I really wanted to get out there for my scheduled 11 mile long run, but I was tired, sore and there was absolutely no way to get myself properly hydrated after our adventures on Thursday. I made the decision to postpone to Saturday, although I was annoyed with myself about it. In the meantime, my stepdad, nephew and I went to see Lucy (I think I liked it, but several days later, I am still processing the whole thing), while my mom took little man to see Planes: Fire & Rescue (they loved it). Afterwards, we had hibachi for dinner and spent some time feeding the koi.
Saturday – 6 mile long run
This didn’t work out quite as planned. I was exhausted and overslept, and I was still incredibly sore in the ribs and arms. I decided all I could do was my best, and just deal with it. If I could make it to 11 miles, great. If not, I would just have to make it up another time.
In the meantime, Mr PugRunner and our nephew went out to run a 5K in historical downtown. Mr PugRunner hadn’t been feeling well for a few days, so I was proud of him for going. They said it was a nice race, although the weather was disgustingly hot.
I made a huge mistake by staying in the neighborhood. It was really too easy to let myself get mentally worn down, where as when I am in another location, I feel more motivated and am more visually and mentally stimulated. I also learned a valuable lesson about pacing. I went out way too fast, riding the high from my stronger runs earlier in the week. I realize that my long runs will be slower, but I was trying to be a hero. Note to self: don’t.
My confidence plummeted afterwards. I really, really wanted to be able to mark another successful training off my schedule, but it wasn’t meant to be. I am now going to be scrambling to fit in those 11 because of the upcoming Tour De Pain. It will happen, and I hope I can get myself back to feeling strong and prepared.
Later that night, we went to Everbank Field for the unveiling of the world’s largest video screens and new stadium upgrades. More on the event this week, but for now, a quick glimpse of what we got to enjoy.
So far, for July, I am up to 49 miles, and I still have a few days to go, including a long run and maybe another short training session. We shall see. I am a little shaken by Saturday’s outing, but I will move past it as soon as I have another good run. I know that you can’t have the good without the bad, and I am relying on that to get me through.
I am also giving myself permission to slow it down significantly when I do finally get that long run in. It will make a lot of difference and help me be more consistent. I am actually looking at getting a pace band for my next half marathon, to help keep myself on track for those longer distances.
Do you alternate running shoes or just use one pair at a time?
Have you ever run with a pace band or tattoo? Do you recommend it or not?
Wow look at that sky, just amazing.
Oooh new shoes how exciting…. Err I rotate my shoes… since I have 6 pairs (yes 6, which isn’t as bad as a friend of mine who has 20, but he runs crazy miles).
I have 3 pairs of shoes that are great for speedwork, one which I consider my race shoe.
1 pair which is great as a general training shoe, or long slow runs
1 pair of trail shoes
And last but not least my old Kayano’s which use to be my fast shoe, now they are just my general every day wear shoe.
I used a pace band and it has been really helpful, I’d def be using one of those again for sure.
Matilda recently posted…The Whole 30 That Wasn’t
I really want to build up my shoes, but it seems kind of silly since I’m not logging THAT many miles. However, two pair at a time is a good starting point.
We do, indeed, manage to have beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Are those the wave inspire 10s? I wear the 9s right now, but I know I will need another pair after all the marathon training. I am afraid to move to the 10s, but I can’t find any 9s in my size. I am curious to know how you like them.
Angie recently posted…My training plan
They are the Wave Inspire 10s. I didn’t notice too much of a difference, other than the toe box fit a little differently. I think it was because of the fact that there were seams on the front of the 9s and they are not on the 10s. I also wasn’t happy with the first generation of colors, but the next batch has some cute color combos (these are purple!) so I’m ok with them.
I see myself in your picture, I’m the little dot! 😉
Don’t beat yourself up over the 11 miles, let it go and leave it in the past. At this point, trying to fit it in is likely to cause more stress or an injury. Just keep pushing forward <3
I used a pace band at the Disney Marathon, I liked having it to be able to check in and see where I was in relation to my goal. The guys from Clif were at the expo giving them out.
Kristin @ A Mom on the Run recently posted…Beat the Training Blues
LOL! I see that dot!
I know, I know, but I really need to get that double-digit mileage hurdle behind me. It’s really getting in my head and I won’t feel good about it until I get it done. I should be ok to go tomorrow, then taking the rest of the week pretty much off in preparation for Tour De Pain.
Weird, your week really mirrored how I felt about mine! Thanks to my darn stomach, my 10 miler turned into a 7 miler with a nice 3 miles walk 🙂 I, however, did not have those gorgeous coastal sunrises! It’s amazing I’d forgotten how stunning they were!
That’s crazy you were so easily able to complete your run even with a broken lace haha!
Let me know if you ever need any routes in st. Augustine!
Anne recently posted…Writing Process Tour
We are in sync 🙂
I’m sorry about your stomach. That’s my major downfall.
Please, please email me some routes! I HATE HATE HATE doing long runs in the neighborhood. I get so drained and I would appreciate any kind of boost I can get! Especially now that we are on the lookout for bears on the loose!
It’s amazing how many different muscles are challenged completing an obstacle course. I’m sure you were not prepared for that extra soreness. I’ve been there before.
don’t beat yourself up for last week’s shortcomings. Take it step by step and you’ll get to where you need to be.
Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…Pregnancy Update – 33 Weeks
That is the understatement of the year! I’ve moved on and this week is off to a great start!
I just started alternating shoes but I’m currently running in pain (not related to the shoes) so don’t ask me. LOL I do think it’s good to do though!
As for long runs, I most certainly run them more slowly. That is one of the reasons I like them!
jan recently posted…Still Mad and Sad and Not Sure What Else
Oh, I’m sorry you’re hurting! That stinks!
I gave myself some extra minutes on my pace today. Long run + hills + heat/humiidty = take your time!