Week 3

So far, I haven't missed one workout or rest day!! I can't believe we are on week 3! Let's hope for some relief in the weather!

July 26-August 1

Monday: Rest (Yoga)

Tuesday: 2 miles

Wednesday: 6.2 miles

Thursday: 2 miles and Strength

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 9 miles

Sunday: Cross train

A steamy Saturday 8.2 mile run

Another day of scorching weather in Central, MA struck again! We embarked on our 8.2 mile run on Saturday morning. While the temperature at 8 a.m. was only around 75 degrees, the humidity was about 95 percent, making it a pretty difficult run. The good news is, my legs actually felt fairly good, despite a few hills...the bad news is, about 3 miles before we were finished, I was shivering again. This is the second long run where I got the chills and felt sick. What is happening? I am super hydrated, and even used my fuel belt for the first time on this run, with sport drinks and water. I need to look it up on some of the running forums, its not a pleasant experience. I will say this over and over again, but I am SO thankful for my amazing team mates, they make running long distances in unbearable heat doable.

On another note, I saw the foot specialist on Friday and I start PT in 2 weeks to strengthen my weak inner right ankle so hopefully, I can continue training with no pain and finish this marathon!!

Another week of training is done and overall, I'm feeling pretty great. 97 days until the Cape!

Weather strikes again...

Last night we were supposed to have our team run, but Worcester had tornado warnings so our run got canceled. I was so bummed because I look forward to the Wednesday team run all week. So, I hit the gym and got in 4.5 miles in on the treadmill, while listening to the intense rain and thunder outside. I have to admit, while many people don't like the treadmill, I actually don't mind it. It pushes me and keeps me honest with my speed, plus, I love knowing how far I've gone and mentally can prepare and push myself harder.

It's all about the shoes...

Since I've started running, I have come to understand that one of, if not that most important thing needed is a great pair of running shoes. For my 1/2 marathon training I was fitted in a pair of Asics GT-2150s, and while I didn't LOVE the color (Pink! And it really is ALL about the color and look for me ;) ) I loved how lightweight and sturdy they were and from that point forward, I was hooked! They are such fantastic sneakers, how could I not go back to them for my marathon replacement?

I've read many articles and they say you should run in your shoes for anywhere from 300-500 miles before replacing them. I did the math and realized I am at about 300 in my 1/2 marathon shoes, so its time to break in a new pair. I bought the beautiful Asics Kayano 16 in blue (my fav color!) shown above. My plan is to slowly break these in, while using my other Asics, the 2150's for my short distance runs during the week. That way, when it comes time for my marathon, I will have plenty of miles left on my Kayano's for the race and they should be super comfy!

So far, so good with the new shoes. Good news is, I have 60 days to try them out and return them if I don't love them...what a deal, right?

Week 2

I'm really hoping week 2 is not as hot and humid...one can dream right?!?

July 19-25

Monday: Rest (Yoga)

Tuesday: 2 miles

Wednesday: 4 miles

Thursday: 2 miles and Strength

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 8 miles

Sunday: Cross train

Saturday's 7.6 mile group run

Saturday morning rolled around and I was feeling good about the morning run...that is, before I went outside and felt the 90 degree weather and humidity and immediately started to perspire. We had a pretty tough course ahead of us, with the infamous Beechmont and Institute hills.

I laced up my pretty new shoes (so excited) and got ready to run with my great running friends, Jill & Ana. The first few miles weren't too bad, but I could slowly feel my legs feeling heavier as the air felt thicker and my breathing was more labored. We made it fairly unscathed through the first 3.5 miles or so until we hit the first hill. At this point, it was torturous, our legs were barely moving and we made it up halfway before we began to walk. I felt disappointed and defeated. I have never, ever walked during any training run for the 1/2 marathon. I have always prided myself on that one fact, something that no longer holds true. Okay, enough sulking, I need to cut myself some slack in this weather.

I am SO thankful for Pam. She placed water at 2.5 and 5 miles for us, without this water, I would have never made it through. This just proved to me that my fuel belt can't get here quick enough...I should have it by next week's long Saturday run.

This run was TOUGH, probably my toughest yet, not because of the mileage, but because of the weather. The last 1-1.5 miles I started to feel light headed and got the chills, not something I have ever experienced before. I finished the course and after a lot of water and recovery drink (thanks Jill) I started to feel better after about 5 mins. Then, as a reward, we all went to the Nu Cafe for smoothies...that made it all worth it!

Holy Humidity!!!

We had our mid-week run last night, about 3.6 miles and let me tell you, it wasn't easy!! The humidity must have been at 95% with temps in the high 80's. Our 6 mile run last Saturday seemed way easier than getting through the run last night. Thankfully, I am not running alone anymore and had two awesome team members, Ana and Jill, to run and talk with last night, so it took some of the misery out of the run!!

On a brighter note, my new sneakers, Blue Asics Gel Kayano 16's have been ordered and shipped yesterday, so I will have them tomorrow, just in time for our Saturday run!! So excited!!

The fuel belt I ordered last week FINALLY shipped last night, but estimated delivery date is next week...not too happy waiting ANOTHER week, but such is life! I could have totally used that fuel belt last night!

I got in my short 2 miles this a.m. and it felt pretty great...looking forward to Saturday's 7 mile run!