Boston Training Recap - 13 weeks Till Race Day!

How was your long weekend?!

I can't believe there are only 13 weeks left till Boston, which really means just under 12 left to train! Time is flying by!! :)

This week I incorporated more hills into my running. My coach also wanted me to run my long run on a course with some hills (I appreciate his conservative approach so much. No sudden drastic changes, still being gentle with my knee...).

On Sunday I watched a few videos on the Boston Marathon - what the course is really like and how to approach the race. I really enjoyed THIS video (it is actually only audio) - a real comprehensive breakdown of the course, how to strategize your race and what to expect.

Hills are key!


Here are my workouts for the week:

Monday: 6 easy miles (For a while during my base training, I was running my easy runs at any pace that felt good. Now my coach has me at 8:45-9:15 pace for easy runs).

Tuesday: 6 easy miles

Wednesday: 1 mile warm up, 7 miles at 7:35-7:45 pace (see my splits in the pic below), 1 mile cooldown - 9 miles total





Thursday: DAY OFF. After 7 straight days of running, I really needed this day off! I went and had a massage. Although getting a massage may seem like a luxury, it is so beneficial for runners. Massage helps to relieve muscle soreness and increases circulation + blood flow. Go HERE to read more about the benefits of massage for runners. In addition to massages, I also use my R8 roller daily after a workout.



Friday: 6 easy miles

Friday was a super fun day - the kids were excited for the long weekend! I also had the opportunity to work all morning at our church putting together baskets for young mothers in need who are expecting a baby. It was so fun and really rewarding to be a part of this service project!


Martin Luther King, Jr.


Baby baskets!


Saturday: 12 miles with running friends at 8:30 pace. It was great to run with a group - I ran 12 miles with them and then they kept going to run 21 miles in preparation for the LA Marathon next month!!
I can't even tell you how excited I am to watch the Olympic Trials!!!


The end of 12 miles along the LAM course for me and 9 miles left for them!! :)


The course had a lot of rolling hills and few steep uphills in the beginning. It was just what I needed for a long run. I also got a great view of the Hollywood sign!!


Hello, Hollywood!


Loving my new PRO Compression socks for recovery and style! :)



Aren't these so cool?! Want a pair? As an Ambassador, I am excited to offer you 40% off!!
Just use the code "PRO16" - it's good until February 28th!

Sunday: I usually take Sunday off, but since I took Thursday off, I ran an easy 6 miles.

Total miles for the week: 45! 

The mileage is slowly getting more substantial. The more miles I put in - with my 2 quality workouts per week + strength training - the stronger I will be! 

I definitely had some days of fatigue, where all I wanted to do is take a nap!!
Juggling three young children + marathon training = I am wiped out by the end of each day.

Let's talk about the Runner's Reset I am doing with a group of women led by Laura, shall we?

It was a good week of eating!

I made some delicious Asian lettuce wraps and my family was so excited about them! Everyone ate a ton! 

#successfuldinner


I had quite a few sweet potatoes...





And how did I do in terms of sugar? Really good - until Saturday. Jerold and I watched The Martian (have you seen it yet? Highly recommend!!) and I ended up having ice cream with a few chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Chocolate chips are my favorite and I really wanted to eat this dessert - so I did! Is it the end of the world? No, of course not. I know that I can start fresh tomorrow. The point isn't to deprive myself, just to cut out sugar for a short amount of time. 

So, that's it! A great week of running and many, many more to go.


Anyone race this weekend?!


What is your favorite dessert?


Happiness Is Running Life!


xo,
Natalie



No comments:

Post a Comment