I've gotten a few questions about where this comes from. It's a screenshot from my DailyMile profile. Add me on there if you're on there, and if not, join! It's a great motivator.
This week was the first major week of taper. I ran 19 miles, and my legs are so confused as to what is going on. Though they still burn a little after attempting to run up the stairs, I know they're resting and recovering like they're supposed to. It's an odd feeling to cut back mileage so much, and compared to a lot of marathon training plans, my mileage wasn't even that high. Here is the breakdown of my mileage this week:
I didn't do any tempo runs, and I took all of my runs pretty slowly for me (for the short runs I mean...normally I like to try to hit at least one or two at sub-9 pace). The Wednesday 3 felt very tough, but the Thursday four without music felt fantastic, even though the pace was actually a second slower. The long run on Saturday felt good for the first four miles, okay for miles 5-6, and then terrible for the last two miles. I ran straight into some serious wind for the last mile and a half, and I was considering walking, though I didn't.
I'm skipping the cross training this week because I've had such a problem sticking to it anyways that I think adding it now would probably do more harm than good. I know it's not ideal, but I'm not going to let that shake my confidence. I'm headed out to run errands and walk around, so if nothing else the miles I put out walking can count for cross training.
Up to this point, the only runs I've missed of the entire training plan I've been following were the first two, because I hadn't been cleared to run yet after the surgery that I had in August. I feel a huge sense of confidence that I'm well prepared according to this training plan. I'll blog this week about what my race goals are, because that's a post I look forward to from everyone running a marathon. I will definitely say that in the future I'll ramp up my training plan to cover more mileage and more speed work, but I'm not going to doubt the training plan that I've been using. Hal Higdon is an expert at writing a standard training plan, so I know that it will at least get me to the finish line.
I'm thinking now about how I'll pace myself. I know that I'll be disappointed if I get to the finish and feel like I could have gone faster. But I also don't want to get to mile 24 and have to walk (that's me personally...there's nothing wrong with walking). It's my first marathon, so I know it won't be perfect. I just want it to be as good as it can be for a first timer. Any tips on how you pace yourself or how you did for your first?
Here is my workout plan for this week. Finally! Sunday is the big day. One week from today I'll be running the marathon! As I type this out!
Who else is running the marathon? Who else's first is it?!
Any pacing tips?
What are you most excited about?
Grab a button to the left and linkup your workout recaps or any post you'd like about a workout or a run with me, Kat, and Genna! We're not picky! It's all about helping each other stay motivated.
13 comments:
TAPER TIIIIIIME ;)
Good Luck!
Whew hat a great accomplishment! I'm training for the Princess Half and I am so excited. And I still have over a month left - I would be jumping out of my skin if I was as close as you! :) Good luck wrapping up your training!
Exciting stuff! I obviously know nothing about pacing for big races, but I know runners world have print out pace bracelets that show the time you should be at for each mile to hit a certain time goal. I was thinking about using it for my half coming up. I can send the link if you need me to!
Houston is next weekend, too! I'm so excited for you. As for pacing, do you have a recent half marathon time? I'd plug that into a calculator like Mcmillan to see what your predicted marathon finish is and make a mental note of that pace. For a first marathon, you may want to add a few minutes (few seconds per mile) to your pace so you don't burn out and go out too fast. Start slower than goal pace for the first 2 miles or so to warm up, then find something right around goal pace and try to keep your splits as consistent as possible. You did the training, I know you're going to do great!
Your marathon is so soon! You really rocked your training...didn't even miss one!
You are so impressive! I just signed up for my first half and you are so inspiring!!
The big day is almost here!!! Oh and I just added you as a friend on Daily Mile :)
you're getting so close lady!! good luck!
I think you have trained well and will do great. Disney was my first marathon last year, and my only so far. It holds a special place in my heart.
FYI- I highly suggest eating your way around the world at Epcot to celebrate. Great bread and cheese plates at a little bakery in "France"
Best of luck on the upcoming marathon! I kind of accidentally did a half marathon this weekend (I had a Forrest Gump moment - story is herehttp://joyofsandwiches.blogspot.com/2013/01/run-forrest-run.html). Always great to meet another runner!
what an amazing week you are going to have :) Good job on taper week! You've trained so consistently and hard for your entire plan - you're goin to rock it!
Good luck for your marathon! Have a great time!
Post a Comment