Marathon Ramblings and Training Updates

My marathon training begins in less than three weeks, and I still don't know which marathon training program I will use.  I did find one possible program,  I kind of like the Hal Higdon Intermediate two program.

I like that it tops out at 50 miles a week
and there are cut back weeks after a
50 mile week.

I like this program because there isn't any focus on speed or tempo runs.  Just putting in the mileage required to race 26.2 miles.  I feel like I run a lot of my shorter stuff at Tempo pace,  and I'm not going to change that either. I'm usually really in a hurry in the mornings. If I want to run 4 instead of 3 miles, I have to hustle to get that additional mile in sometimes.    I think once my volume increases my legs will be telling me to slow down (especially the day after  a 20 mile run).

One of the reasons I have been dragging my feet about a training plan, was because I didn't want to think about my marathon goals just yet.

For the Hoover Dam marathon I would like to run a 3:40 marathon.  That is a BQ for my age group and just an overall benchmark that I would like to set for my self.  This course is pretty hilly, and if I"m not 3:40 ready, then I will still race and try to get as close to 3:40 as I can.  I would also like to place in my age group if possible.

Last year, I really thought that my lifetime base, and previous marathon experience would let me piggy  back my training off of a half marathon.  

I used the Hal Higdon Advanced half marathon training program, and I ran a great half marathon, but then I fell short of my marathon goals.

Honestly, looking back at everything.... I know that I didn't really train for that marathon properly, and I also had an unrealistic goal of trying to break 3:30 and PR....I only had about six weeks to get some long runs in, and  while I finished the marathon, I didn't come close to what my McMillan calculator prediction had set for me.

So... This year I have had a much different approach to running and racing.  Last year I really wanted to smash the half marathon distance, and I just wanted to get faster period. I did a lot  more speed work and tempo paced workouts,  I had two big training cycles (Mustang Half Marathon & Saints & Sinners+RNRLV) and then after the marathon at RNRLV, I just kind of got burnt out.  I had a minor injury scare at the beginning of this year... But, I still had my heart set on running a quality marathon.  

I made a promise to myself (and my family), that I wouldn't race much at all during the spring, and I won't be racing any half marathons this year.  My goal was to arrive to the start line of the Hoover Dam Marathon healthy and ready for redemption.

But, before I get to the start line, I need to build a solid mileage base-  I am a little worried about trying to fit all of the mileage in around my work/family schedule.

Last Weeks Training Updates

This was a weird taper week for me, I had plans of racing a cross country 5k on Saturday, but instead we are taking a road trip to So Cal, to visit family.  I would love to count on a beach run while I'm there, but I have a feeling I'm going to be spending most of my time traveling.

Monday 7/27 I ran 3 miles easy around my work, and at lunch time I did some circuit training.  I performed each circuit three times.

For the first circuit I used a 25lb EZ curl bar for the following exercises:

Bicep Curls

Shoulder Lifts

Shoulder Presses

Hamstring Dead Lifts

Squats

Single Leg Lunges

For the next circuit I did the following exercises:

Flat bench press with dumbbells

One Armed Rows

Step ups onto a bench with a back leg raise

Sit-ups

For my last set of exercises:

Shoulder Taps from a plank position

Mountain Climbers

Wall sit for 30 seconds

Handstand up against the wall for as long as possible

And Then I stretched

Tuesday 7/28 Ran twice 6.8 miles total

I ran three miles in the AM with some 25-50 meter strides at the end.  At lunch time I only had time for another short run.  I had killer PMS earlier this week, and running helps me to not be such a bitch.

Wednesday 7/29  Short run of 2.2 miles, I tried out my New Balance 890V4 shoes, I don't hate them, but I know this shoe is suited for someone who is more biochemically efficient (not a heel striker). This shoe will be great for 5k racing, and speed work. These will not be everyday trainers for me.  I wanted to see if theses shoes were going to work for the weekend's 5k- that afternoon I found out we are going out of town.

Thursday: 7/30 by Strava or 3.0 by my Garmin, another short run before work.   

Friday 7/31  Ran twice 6 miles total.  In the morning, I ran 3.5 miles.  Nothing too exciting to report.  At lunchtime I ran another 2.5 miles on the treadmill and I also lifted some weights: Flat bench-press with the bar, back rows with 45lb bar, Hamstring dead lifts with bar, step ups onto a bench with a knee lift, and some Roman Chair leg lifts.

I would love to go for a long run this weekend.  But, I don't think we will be in California long enough....
Saturday 8/1-Rest
Sunday 8/2-Rest
I spent about 9 hours in the car traveling and it wiped me out.  We visited our extended families an the visit was very brief.  :(

Monday 8/3 6 miles total.  In the morning I ran 3 miles outdoors, and at lunchtime I ran another 3 miles on the treadmill.  I didn't have my phone with me today, and I thought I would be bored on the treadmill without any music.  But, it went by quick.  I feel a slight tickle in my throat.  I hope I'm not catching a summertime cold.

Thanks for reading!!