So as I was going for a walk last week, I started thinking about what my next race should be. And then it hit me…the Chicago Marathon is 3 months away! That is my next race and training needs to commence immediately!
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I must say that I am slightly sad to have triathlon season over. I held out hope that I would be able to fit in another late summer race, but between my trip to Israel and a few upcoming weekends in Wisconsin/St.Louis, that’s just not going to happen. I bought an old version of Hal Higdon’s book Marathon a few months ago and it was time I pulled it out and started putting together a running schedule. I wanted to challenge myself a bit and so I chose the Intermediate I plan. On this plan, you are running 5 days per week with 1 rest day and 1 cross training day. He has you doing 2 longish runs back to back (ie an 8 mile and an 18 mile run) followed by a rest day.
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For my previous marathon, my training was not this planned out. I trained for and completed my first Olympic Distance Triathlon mid August and then freaked out when I realized that my mileage was not where it needed to be. Fortunately, all of the cross training had built up a strong cardiovascular base and I was able to increase my miles each week while running ~3 days each week.
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5 days of running scares because I think it is too much for my body and my mind. I’d love to schedule in some cross training and yoga, so I am thinking I may just run 3-4 days with 1-2 days of yoga/cross training and of course at least 1 day of rest. With Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays off from work, I am just trying to determine the best day for long runs.
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This morning was my first medium distance run (in quite some time) and should have been completed at ‘race pace’. For me, the race pace goal is 9 minute miles. I got up early-ish and was out the door by 8:05am packed with my water bottles for a 6 mile run. The first mile didn’t feel too hot, but by mile 2, the sun was beating down strong and my body felt heavy and slow. I don’t know if it is the heat, my lack of training, my recent travels, the fact that I was exhausted and slightly anxious about my fall work schedule, or what, but it was a challenging 6 miles. I walked through water breaks every mile and needed that time to catch my breath. I slowed significantly on the back half stopping for water 2 times a mile. I pulled it together to finish strong, but not nearly fast enough. It was really hard not to be disappointed in this run. I get that in the big picture, grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter. But I have been struggling all week with 3, 4, and now 6 mile runs and I have no idea why. My immediate thought is the 80 degree heat that sucks out your energy as you paw through it, but I’m just not sure. Do I need to rethink my diet, sleep schedule etc.? Or readjust my expectations for hot runs?
When I got back home, I was reunited with an old friend. Note crazy amounts of sweat glistening off my legs…Yuck!
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Although I should have been moving more, all I really wanted to do was lay down and crash. In this round, I’d have to score the HEAT 1; Jen 0! Here’s to hoping I have a chance at a rematch or it’s going to be a long and painful 3 months of training.
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To avoid double disappointment, I am considering going to a yoga class with a friend tomorrow (where I’m hoping to lengthen and tone my muscles while also getting used to intense heat) and postponing my 9 mile run to EARLY Saturday morning. I’m looking for running buddies to help with the early morning wake ups if anyone is interested?!
Important Questions…
Marathoners-
How many days a week do you run when you are training?
How do you determine your schedule?
Runners-
How do you beat the heat?
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