It's safe to say that I have entered unchartered territory in the private universe of marathon training. During this cycle I'm stretched myself more than I ever have, challenged my mind and body and pushed myself into a whole new realm of running. I've waited for a long time for this phase to happen and it's totally exhilarating.
I really think you have to trust the process and trust your coach to enter into this phase. This week, specifically yesterday, was the first time ever that I thought: "I don't know how much more I can do." The exhaustion was at the brink, the kids have had every project under the freakin sun due THIS WEEK (book reports! English quizzes! States and Capitals - we're now up to 42! Thanksgiving feasts! read to my daughter's class! parents teacher conferences!... PLEASE STOP already.). This along with the absolute peak of training had me feeling like I needed someone to loan me a turbo engine to get though it all.
I need a haircut, mani pedi, massage, more sleep and whatever luxurious form of self care you can think of - I need it, want it, need it. I live in a running hat, some form of running clothes and the most comfortable shoe I can find at all times. It's so not glamarous or exciting, but I love it. I love nailing a workout, feeling on top of the world when the training absorbs into my body and I hit paces like I've never hit before. I look in the mirror (cringing at my unkept eyebrows and yet who has time to get to an appointment?) and think: "Yes. It's worth it."
Heck yes, it's worth it. Cause when I cross that line, there will be such a huge sense of pride and accomplishment - knowing that I did everything I possibly could to make myself ready for the moment. Crap, I know I'm going to be nervous... until the gun goes off and I will then run like I've never run before. It will hurt, I know I will experience pain at some point, but I know that I am prepped to take it to the edge. I will dig so far, so deep into my inner bad ass and she will come out, kicking and screaming, ready to fight for every step.
Hey you. Yes, I'm talking to you reading this. Just know that if you really want something you have to do more than commit - you have to become that goal. Close your eyes and visualize the victory - your own personal joy. Then go back and work for it - work harder than you ever have and when you think you've worked hard enough - work more (safely of course, be smart, listen to your body and never to the point of physical pain or injury.).
Want to know what a 70 mile week looks like at this point in my training?
Monday November 6th - REST DAY ( 18 miles on Sunday 11/5 - 67 total miles the previous week)
Tuesday November 7th - 8.7 miles
She's almost too big for it - the days are numbered... but we had so much fun!
Wednesday November 8th- 12.75 miles. A hard workout broken up like this:
1.5 mile warm up, 3 x 3 mile repeats (times for these were: 20:14, 20:15, 20:11), 3 minute jog in between, 1.5 mile cool down.
Thursday November 9th - 8 easy miles
Friday November 10th - 10 miles with 10 x :30 second pick ups at 5:50/6:00 pace
Saturday November 11th - 8.2 easy miles
Sunday November 12th - 23 miles (7:39 pace). GU and Nuun on hand (practicing with Nuun as that will be on the race course). Pumped to have Jerold there for support - our one and only long run together.
Sunday long run to the max.
Total Miles: 70.65
Then everyone was like: "Yay! You are tapering now!"
Um, yeah... NO. Not yet...
Monday November 13th: REST DAY
Tuesday November 14th - 7 easy miles
Wednesday November 15th - 2 mile w/up, 6 x 1 mile repeats at fast (for me) paces and faster than the same workout last month.
6:16, 6:15, 6:15, 6:17, 6:15, 6:15 (with .25 jog in between), 2 mile cool down.
11.5 miles
Thursday November 16th - 7 easy miles.
Friday November 17th - 10 miles
And now onward to the weekend.
Want to know what I'm doing to stay injury free, sane and ready for the next workout?
1. Core every night including pushups EVERY day. Most of the time I will break them up - some during the day, the rest at night. Usually 6 sets of 15
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate = pee, pee, pee
3. Epsom salt bath every single night
4. Roll muscles every day
5. Yoga every day (pigeon, legs up the wall, downward dog, happy baby)
7. All the PT exercises (I'll have to do a post on this)
8. Dynamic stretching before every run and heel raises/stretch the calf
9. Roll and massage my feet every day
10. Sleep in compression socks.
11. Eat like a champ. (Carbs, protein, organic, fruits, veggies, potatoes... nothing processed - cook my own food.)
12. Run easy on easy days
13. Treat the hard work outs like it's your job - give it your all.
14. SLEEP
In this season of giving thanks, I have so much to be grateful for. I'm learning so much about how far you can soar, how strong you really are and BELIEVE isn't just a word - it's a lifestyle.
Do awesome things.
xo,
Natalie
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