Week 21

Since my last post, I recovered from the 26 mile split run with little injury. My left foot was giving me some trouble, however with some rest and that special touch from my chiropractor, it is back to normal. The plantar fasciitis pain has been creeping back up and I think that played a role in the foot pain. I'm trying to stretch it as much as possible and I wear my boot at night. I took Monday through Wednesday off from running last week. Even though my pain was almost non-existent, I didn't want to over do it from the 26 miles. Although I didn't just lay on the couch either...I still went to TRX class and by Thursday I was running again. I'm staying very busy between my runs, TRX class 3 times a week, and keeping up with weekly personal training sessions. The last two personal training sessions have focused on my abs. It's an area that I want to totally TRANSFORM on my body and will also keep propelling me through the marathon. A strong core is imperative for a runner. I'm finding that as much as I want to improve my ab strength, I also need to focus on my low back strength. For many of the exercises, the low back muscles are crucial. As a person who never thought would be the type to exercise, much less have a personal trainer, I have found it to be very motivational. When I'm running, I constantly have to self-talk my way through difficult parts of the run. But when I'm doing a personal training session, I have someone coaching me through the difficult parts and holds me accountable to finishing the task. It is very rewarding and challenging. This past weekend I was unable to run with the group on Saturday because I was out of town. However, Leah and I ran just shy of 8 miles on Sunday morning. The weather is starting to be consistently cool on our morning runs and it really makes such a difference! It is so much more enjoyable running in the morning when it isn't so dreadfully HOT! I am really getting excited about the marathon. I can't believe it is nearly October and soon it will be count down! Looking back on all these weeks of training, especially in the last month, I am feeling really confident. I know my mental strength is a big factor in finishing the race. But I also feel that I have kicked it up a notch in my physical routine, as well as, nutritional routine. I have found that there is ALWAYS room for improvement and I have really tried to incorporate different strategies in my workout to truly challenge myself. I've never been stronger than I am today. I am in the zone and I like it here.

26 Mile Split Run - Day 2

From my last post I shared with you that I was more than likely running solo today. But, my long time friend and running partner, Stephanie, text messaged me yesterday asking about the run. When she learned that I would be running solo today, she said she would be joining me for the first hour just until the sun would be rising and she could still get to church on time. Let it be known...that SHE ran 24 miles yesterday. But, because she is a good friend and was concerned for my safety, she joined me this morning at 6am and we shared a 4 mile run together. Afterwards, the sun was beginning to peek through the clouds and she went on to church and I ventured off on my own for the remainder of the miles. The weather was once again on my side today. At 6am it was a breezy 72 degrees! During the run, I felt strong. My energy was at full performance. My only "complaint" was my left foot was giving me some pain. I pushed through and since the pain wasn't escalating, I continued. I put one ipod earphone in one ear and used my other ear to hear my watch when it beeped and/or anyone behind me. The run was not too bad on my own. I had certainly never ran that far by myself for a training run. There have been times during a half marathon that I find myself behind my pace group, but at least there are hundreds of other runners beside me all trying to reach the finish line. This morning was a big accomplishment for me. I found myself fighting back the talk in my mind of ways I could turn around early. I could have easily used my foot as an excuse, but I didn't. And it was so great to take that last step and say that I had run a complete 13 miles today!!! I actually clenched my fists as a symbol of victory when I reached the mark today. I have spent the rest of the morning resting. My left foot in particular is quite painful. I have iced it and spent very little time on my feet to give it a chance to recover. Overall, I feel great besides the foot. I will watch and see how my foot improves to determine my level of activity for early this week. I may have to take a couple days off exercise if my body requires rest. Thanks to all of you who have supported me through this weekend. Accomplishing a 26 mile weekend is HUGE! And I could not have done it without YOUR support.

26 Mile Split Run - Day 1

This week called for a long run...and from the advice of my running coaches, we decided it would be wise to split up the 26 miles over 2 days. This way, I am still feeling the effects of 26 miles on my body within 24 hours time, but not all at once. In preparation for this weekend, I decreased some of my weekday running. The combination of preparing for today and my work schedule, I only ran 3 miles on Wednesday this past week. I also did TRX 3 days. I have also continued a strict schedule of my intake of BCAA/Glutamine powder, whey isolate, and nighttime casein protein. Having completed today's miles, I am feeling golden. I can remember a time not very long ago when it took ALL I had to make it 13 miles. The combination of ZERO history of exercise, lack of training, crappy lungs, inadequate nutrition pre/during/post race, wrong pace, and simply just being inexperienced, led to a miserable run. It's amazing what a little time and knowledge can bring. The girl I used to be would never recognize me now. Even if I never run another step, I know that I have evolved into someone beyond what my capabilities used to be. I can actually find the steady deep breathing, excessive sweat, and the timing of my intervals to be quite refreshing. On a day like today when there is a cool breeze at my face, the only word that sums it up is DELIGHTFUL. On a not-so-happy note, my running coach stepped on a rock this morning and it managed to twist her ankle. She had to turn around and head back to the car about half way through the run. I just received a message from her that she will not be able to run with me tomorrow. And unfortunately, it was just going to be her and myself tomorrow. So, I may have the company of my husband riding the bike alongside me or I may be heading out solo. I have never ran that far alone, but the more I am thinking about it, the more I am ok with it. Running is great therapy for the mind and it may be nice to appreciate the silence. Meanwhile, today calls for hydration, nutrition, and REST. Stay tuned for updates on split run day 2!!

Taper Run and Dungeons!

Today was scheduled to be bridge repeats on the training schedule. However, some of the group opted to do a straight run. Leah and I set out to do just shy of 8 miles, while others in the group were doing as much as 20 miles. We specifically wanted to curtail the mileage today due to Leah's recovery from a foot injury and my 10:00am appointment at "the dungeon". Yes, you read that correctly. Since I have been doing TRX 3 days a week, I learned that the instructor also offers personal training. Today was our first session and it was intense! The training was in a warehouse gym (otherwise know as "the dungeon"), which was set up just like it sounds...there is no a/c, 2 fans, and a giant room of weights, boxing ring, football field room, and space for circuit training. But, not just the usual circuit training. Here is an outline of what the session entailed: jump-ups onto a plywood box, jumping on-into- and out a giant truck tire, pulling a weighted tire sled, swinging medicine ball, flipping 150 lb. tires, swinging a sledge hammer onto a tire, ab exercises on a mat, and pull ups on a high bar, just to name a few. WOW! I really surprised myself when I flipped 150 lb. tires! It was really hard and really amazing at the same time. Definitely something that will enhance my cardio and overall strength, while targeting specific areas like my abs. The 8 mile run was a cake-walk compared to the hour of intense circuit training. Needless to say, it was a productive day. Afterwards, I felt rejuvenated and enjoyed a day of relaxing and spending time with friends. I'm REALLY looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow! My first day all week of NO EXERCISE! This past week was intense since I increased my running days from 3 days a week to 6, along with 3 days of TRX. I also made some changes in my nutrition...I am taking a BCAA/Glutamine powder 2 times a day, whey isolate protein 2 times a day with glutamine, and a caseign protein before bed. My goal is to TONE and FIRM and not deplete my muscle strength from the increased running that the marathon training demands. Next week calls for TRX and a 26 mile split run on Saturday and Sunday. That's right...I will be doing 13 miles Saturday morning and 13 miles Sunday morning!!

7 and some change

Happy Labor Day weekend! I decided to skip Saturday's run as I was preparing to leave town for the weekend and instead I ran this morning. Leah and I met at 6:30am and had such a nice run! The weather was overcast with some mild humidity, but the occasional breeze and good company made for a really great run. We did a 4 mile loop and then headed over the Ringling Bridge. We think we did a little more than 7 miles today. It was one of those runs that could have gone on forever. I was feeling strong and all my body parts were cooperating today! My week ahead calls for TRX and running...and on Saturday, after my run, I have my first personal training session for circuit training. I will keep you posted! Have a great week!