I have missed this space a lot. Writing just didn't happen last week. Being a Mom to three young children got very real and at any possible opportunity to write, there were more Mom responsibilities staring at me. Evenings have been prepping for the next day, strength and core work for running, a little bit of reading and sleep.
Running 50 and 60+ miles a week and running after three kids has a way of making you exhausted. :)
Marathon training is SO much more than running - it's making sure I am hydrating enough during the day (it takes a lot of reminders to remember to drink, drink, drink during the day), eating enough protein, packing not only my kiddo's lunches, but my recovery snacks as well. Many times I complete my workout and then don't get back home before it's time to pick up my daughter. It's important that I have water and snacks to fuel my body after a run.
The workouts are getting more and more intense. I have big goals for Boston and they aren't going to happen on their own. I know I have to work hard for it.
My coach just sent me the layout of all of my workouts from now until Boston (until now I would only see 1 week at a time). I know I have to get plenty of sleep and get ready to press the gas for the next 4 weeks.
I'm running lots of hills, but ending a run at the beach makes me happy
Food is something I am always (always) thinking about. There is nothing better after a run, than a good meal...
Sweet potatoes, red quinoa, shrimp and brussels sprouts. YUM.
Most days I eat lunch at home, but sometimes (esp. after a Wednesday hard speed session) I treat myself to lunch. This is one of my favorite salads!!
Quinoa, black rice, sweet potato, arugula, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese!
My running is about finding new trails and soaking in all the beauty, plus the challenge of the hills. Hills and more hills to get ready for Boston!
This is what running is all about...
I've had a chance to take moments to be goofy and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers...
Keeping it tight!!
It's been about logging those runs, day after day after day. The easy runs are just as important as the hard runs. I embrace the easy days so much...
These last two weeks have been about my family. The beautiful moments...
Watching an amazing sunset on a school night. The kids were in heaven.
Singing songs around the campfire at our preschool camping trip. So fun!
Josh turns 9 TODAY!!!
Here are what my workouts have been like the last two weeks:
Monday February 22nd - 7 miles
Tuesday February 23rd - 8 miles
Wednesday February 24th - 11 miles. 2 mile warm up, 7 mile tempo (splits: 6:46, 6:52, 6:50, 7:20, 7:39, 7:38, 7:36) 2 mile cool down.
I have already beat myself up enough about the positive split disaster this tempo was. So, let's just move on... shall we?
Thursday February 25th - 7 miles
Friday February 26th - 7 miles
Saturday February 27th - 15 miles. The breakdown: 12 mile at 8:04 pace and then a 3 mile tempo at 7:19 pace
Sunday February 28th - REST!!!
Total Miles: 55
Monday February 29th - 9 miles
Tuesday March 1st - 7 miles
Wednesday March 2nd - 12.5 miles total. The breakdown: 800 repeats on the road! 2 mile warm up, 10 x 800 at 6:30-6:40 pace with .25 rest (splits:3:17, 3:14, 3:13, 3:09, 3:13, 3:17, 3:19, 3:16, 3:21, 3:17) Paces turned out to be 6:18 to 6:42. 3 mile cool down
Thursday March 3rd - 7 miles
Friday March 4th - 7 miles on the beautiful hilly trail
Saturday March 5th - REST. I normally run my long runs on Saturday. Today I was beat. Toast. Done. I decided to rest and just focus on my son's birthday party. Best decision ever.
Sunday March 6th - 20 miles!! First 20 miler of this cycle!
15 miles on a hilly course at 7:55 pace (my splits: 7:51, 7:38, 8:08, 7:57, 7:39, 7:40, 8:02, 7:46, 7:33, 7:50, 7:56, 8:05, 8:17, 8:12) . We had rain on Saturday and early Sunday morning. Then the winds started. It was gnarly. by mile 15, I could barely breathe, so I ran the remaining 5 miles on the treadmill.
My splits: 7:53, 7:47, 7:47, 7:51, 7:13
Total Miles: 62.5
Core, yoga stretches and PT exercises every night.
Dynamic stretching routine before every run
Weights a few days a week. Just started the Iron Strength for Runners DVD - good stuff!! Also doing a strength DVD from Be Fit - more on that soon.
Tell me something fun about your weekend!!
When is your next race?
Happiness Is Running Life!!
xo,
Natalie
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