I got this

With just 3 days to go until I'll be running through the streets of Philadelphia, I'm feeling many different emotions. I'm excited to get another shot at the marathon, and I'm confident I had a great training cycle, but mostly I'm anxious and nervous at this point. I've been trying to keep busy and focus on other things, but my mind always ends up thinking of what's to come.

I had a good week of training last week, which helped calm my nerves temporarily. I had a couple of workouts to do and a long run on Sunday, but overall my mileage greatly decreased.

November 10 - 16

Monday: Rest.

Tuesday: 6 x 800 @ 10k pace. I averaged around 7:45 pace. Total = 6.5 miles with warm up and cool down.

Wednesday: 40 min easy, which ended up being about 4.2 miles. I keep my easy runs very easy, especially at this point.

crazy morning fog and a pond full of geese

Thursday: Rest. I had to move Thursday's run to Friday because I had to be at work at 5:30am and had an interview right after, which left no time to run.

Friday: 6 mile tempo between marathon and half marathon pace. This has been my nemesis. For some reason I have always struggled with the tempo miles. Looking back I think it's because I build it up so much in my head, which causes me to tighten up right away and struggle. I really think it's been more mental than anything else. So, obviously I was a little nervous going in to this, but I was also determined to get it done. I've been doing a lot of mile repeats and 2 x mile this cycle, so I knew I could do it. I needed to prove it to myself. I was able to stay calm by thinking of all that I've done leading up to this workout. I got through all 6 miles right on pace averaging 8:30/mile. Nailed it.

Saturday: 30 min easy, 3.2 miles

Sunday: 14 mile long run. 10 miles easy + 4 @ MP. I felt great during the easy miles, but my legs felt a little heavy during those at marathon pace.

last long run before Philly!

Total Miles = 36.6

This week I had one final workout on Tuesday, which consisted of 2 miles @ MP, 2 miles @ 10 sec faster than MP, 1 mile at HMP. This workout went very well. I hit all my paces and felt strong throughout. Now, it's all easy runs from here on out until Sunday. 

I don't think I could get tired of this

Some final thoughts... 

I'm not really sure how to describe how I'm feeling. I feel more on edge this time around. I'm not really sure why that is. Maybe it has something to do with my last marathon experience. Or maybe it's because I know deep down I'm capable of so much more. My ultimate goal this time around remains the same. I want to finish this marathon feeling good about my experience. That wasn't the case after the last two because I put so much pressure on a time goal. Of course, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to cross that finish line less than 4hrs after I start. 

Deep breaths. It's almost go time. 

thank you Amanda for this amazing card!

peak week

Last week I peaked at 50 miles. I realize for many this isn't all that much, but for me it was a huge step forward. I finally hit the big 5-0 and ran my highest mileage week ever. It felt great.

Here's how it went:

November 3-9

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 10 x 200 on, 200 off at 10k pace w/ 15 min warm up and 10 min cool down. I enjoy these types of workouts and felt really strong. All 200's were at or under 10k pace with the last one being the fastest. Total = 5.5 miles

my happy place

Wednesday: about 57 min easy. Total = 6 miles.

getting to be as many leaves on the ground as in the trees

Thursday: 4 x 2 miles @ MP with a 10 min warm up and cool down. I wasn't sure how this one would go, but to my surprise it went great! My paces looked like this: 8:50, 8:45...8:48, 8:53...8:34, 8:37...8:32, 8:26. The last 2 sets were faster than MP but I felt good so I went with it. I kept reminding myself to stay calm and picture myself running smoothly around the track. For some reason that helps me and this run was no exception. Total = 10.5 miles.

playing with the flowers in between mile repeats

Friday: about 57 min easy. Friday's are typically rest days for me, but I had to work Saturday and then had some friends visiting from NH. So I moved the run to Friday. Total = 6 miles.

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 22 miles. This is the first time I've done 22 miles in a training cycle. My goal was to keep it slow and just get through the miles. That's what I did. For the most part I felt pretty good. My legs started to feel tired about half way through, but I wasn't surprised considering this was my highest mileage week. Thankfully I lucked out with a beautiful day, which made the miles that much better. I was beyond happy when I finished this one.

beautiful day to run 22 miles

this incline is so gradual it's hard to feel, but the elevation chart always makes me laugh...
and feel a little badass 

Total = 50 miles

With two weeks to go I'm feeling prepared and ready to run the marathon I know I'm capable of, which is my number one goal this time around. I've been thinking a lot about how I plan to attack this marathon mentally as I know that's my biggest obstacle.

And now we taper.

NYC + training last week

Cheering for all the incredible runners who ran the NYC marathon this past weekend was one of the most fun and inspiring experiences I've had recently. I made the trip with Stacey and we spent the weekend with Beth in her apartment (a huge THANK YOU to Beth for letting me spend this amazing weekend with her). I'm not sure I can capture the incredibleness of this weekend in words, so I'll try to do so with pictures. 

Let the good times begin...enjoying some wine on the train on the way down with Stacey.

We spent the first night ordering dinner, chatting about all things running, planning our route for our long runs Saturday morning, and enjoying some wine in Beth's apartment. Saturday morning we got up early to run. I had 20miles to get through before noon when we planned to go to the Oiselle team meet up. It was so fun seeing some familiar faces, and finally meeting so many fellow birds. 

I loved running around central park

Beth, myself, and Stacey at the start of 20 miles

I got to see the infamous Little Red Lighthouse

Oiselle meet up
So many fabulous women in 1 room

After the meet up, we went and checked out the expo for a bit, and then finally made out way back to Beth's to order dinner, enjoy some more wine, and put our feet up in preparation for some serious marathon cheering the next morning. 

We woke up Sunday bright and early to squeeze in a recovery run before breaking out our cowbells.

love these ladies

yay running!

After our run we made our way over to 100th and 1st to cheer for everyone running the marathon.

lead pack of men

heading to the next spot to cheer

Enjoying central park one last time before catching the train back to Boston.

I had so much fun cheering and ringing a cowbell until my arm hurt. Experiencing the NYC Marathon as a spectator was amazing. Seeing everyone who ran in the incredibly windy and cold weather was inspiring. I definitely feel the fire burning a lot stronger after this weekend for the Philadelphia Marathon. With three weeks to go I'm feeling pretty confident that I'll be prepared to do my best. Training last week went really well and it was capped off with a great weekend of running in New York.

October 27 - November 2

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 2 sets of 1000 @ MP, 800 @ HMP, 600 @ 5k pace, 400 @ mile pace w/ 3 min jog recovery between everything plus 15 min warm up and cool down - 7.2 miles total. I felt pretty good throughout the whole work out. I hit all my paces except 5k. For some reason I tend to struggle to hit that pace. But otherwise I felt strong.

Wednesday: about 58 min easy - 6 miles. Easy recovery run. 

Thursday: 70 minutes on hilly terrain - 7.2 miles. 

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 4 miles easy, 4 @ MP (8:48, 8:52, 8:46, 8:51), 5 miles easy, 3 miles @ HMP (8:03, 8:03, 8:03), 4 miles easy - 20 miles total in NYC. I was super nervous for this run and about hitting the half marathon paces from miles 13-16. I was beyond happy when I finished it exactly where I wanted to be. I am also so grateful for the ladies who helped me get through this one. I couldn't have done it without them.  

loved having the opportunity to run around NYC

Sunday: 5 miles easy along the Hudson River 

Total Mileage: 45.5 

I can't believe there's only 3 weeks of training left until the marathon. I'm feeling more ready after this weekend and inspired by all the runners who finished the NYC Marathon. Here's to an amazing weekend and another great week of running! 

thanks for a great weekend, New York

 

  

four weeks to Philly

Four more weeks until I will be running around the streets of Philadelphia. This is both exciting and terrifying. While I don't feel ready yet...I do think I will be with a few more weeks of miles under my legs and Hokas. I finished this week at 47.4 miles total. While I'm not 100% sure, I am pretty confident that is my highest mileage week ever. It definitely is the highest of this training cycle. I felt pretty good all week with the exception of Saturday's long run. I managed to catch a pretty good cold at the end of last week, just in time for a planned 20 mile run. Other than that small set back, I had a really great week of training. I'm hoping more miles will equal more confidence come race day.

sometimes you just have to stop and take a picture
of the leaves and your matching hokas

I haven't been posting a whole lot about my training lately, but I thought with four weeks left to go, I'd post a recap of each week leading up to the Marathon. So, here we go:

October 20-26

Monday: OFF

Tuesday: 10 x 1 min on, 1 min off @ 10k pace with 15 min warm up and cool down - 5.4 miles total. I always like this workout. I did all 10 slightly faster than 10k pace.

Wednesday: 40-50 min easy on the schedule. I ran 56 min easy for a total of 6 miles. My coach told me if I feel good on these easy days that I can go a little longer than what's on the schedule. I've been trying to do this whenever I feel up for it.

Thursday: 8 x mile @ MP with 1 min rest - 11 miles total with warm up and cool down. I was a little unsure of how this one would go. I had to work early that day (5:30am-2), which meant I'd have to run after work. Running after work is not something I enjoy, and typically feels pretty sluggish. It was also rainy and super windy that day. I told myself I have no idea what the weather could be like on race day, and if I got through this workout in unfavorable conditions, it would only help me if the weather on November 23 isn't the best. I've also been feeling like I've had a bit of a mental block or something during marathon pace workouts. They always feel harder than I feel they should, and I'm usually left questioning myself and my ability. I've been doing some longer track workouts this cycle at MP, which have been going really well. I told myself if I could do 1200's I was capable of doing these mile repeats (just one more time around the track is how I mentally prepped myself). In addition to everything mentioned above, Thursday was when I started feeling my cold coming on. I planned to start slow with my warmup and see how I felt. I knew I could stop at any point, and I would if need be, but I wanted to give it a try. After a lot of mental prep, I slowly ran out to one of my favorite places to run, Horn Pond, and started my workout. I felt amazing. Every mile felt better than the last. Even as the wind and rain continued to soak me from head to toe, I was so happy to be out there, killing this workout. Huge confidence boost after that one.

one of the trails at Horn Pond...it never disappoints

Friday: OFF - Friday's are typically rest days for me, but I was especially happy for this rest day because I woke up feeling pretty sick and run down. I stayed home from work and spent the day on the couch.

sick day on the couch made better by the delivery
of these amazing moto lesley tights 

Saturday: I wanted to do my long run on Saturday because we were going to a wedding in NH Saturday night. I knew a long run on Sunday would be out of the question. I got up at 5:30 to try and get through 20 miles before we needed to leave. I hardly slept that night for some reason and woke up sneezing and sniffling like crazy. I took some DayQuil and prepped like I normally would for a long run. I figured I'd give it a try and if I wasn't feeling it, I'd cut it short. The first few miles felt tough, but then I got in to a bit of a groove around miles 6-12. Then suddenly at mile 12 I knew 20 would be a stretch that day. I slowed my pace way down and got through 18. I was disappointed I didn't make it to 20, but my body forced me to listen.

Sunday: 40-45 min easy on the schedule. Thankfully I felt much better today, though surprising considering I danced the night away Saturday night at the wedding. I wanted to run a few extra miles to make up for what I couldn't do Saturday, so I would still end the week around 47 miles. I felt a little tired, but generally good. I kept the pace slow and enjoyed a beautiful fall day in New England.

Right now I'm feeling ready to go in to the next 4 weeks. I'm excited to get another shot at a 20 mile run next weekend (IN NEW YORK!) and 22 miles (YIKES) the following weekend. I feel like I'll be more prepared for this marathon and I'm loving the training process. I really feel like some good things are to come.

Sunday funday beautiful rainbow

running in South Korea

Marathon training means having to run many miles even while on vacation.  I knew the hotel we were staying in had a treadmill, so I could do the shorter runs there, but there's no way I could do my two long runs on the treadmill.  I searched for places to run and asked my friend who's living in South Korea what she would recommend.  She told me nobody really runs on the streets in and around Seoul, but there is the Han River that has a bike path along most of it where many people go.  Sounded good to me.

While not all runs went exactly as planned, or hoped, I would say overall I was pretty successful in maintaining my training while in South Korea.  Here's what happened:

Friday:  35-40 min easy was on the schedule.  If you read my last post, you know that we left Thursday morning and did not arrive in South Korea until Friday night due to the time change.  I was exhausted when we got there and went straight to bed.  No run.

Saturday: I woke up before my alarm went off...around 4:30 I think it was.  My body just didn't want to sleep any more.  I went to check out the gym at the hotel and use the treadmill.  The gym was small, 3 treadmills, a bike, some dumbbells, and a massage chair.  There was no fan, or air conditioning.  It felt warm before I even started running.  I ran 45 min easy + 4 x 100m strides.  I was drenched from head to toe when finished.  Oh how I love running on the treadmill (sarcasm).

at least the view wasn't so bad

Sunday: The plan - run 20 miles along the Han River while my mom, brother, and Ryan entertained themselves for a few hours.  The plan did not go quite as planned.  The food in Korea is very different than home.  There are not as many gluten free options, so my dinner Saturday night was very small (chips and guacamole).  Sunday morning I woke up starving and had a Picky Bar I brought.  We went to Dunkin Donuts and I had a couple eggs with cheese (no bread), coffee, and water.  I hoped it would be enough, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be.

eggs served on a real plate
Dunkin Donuts in S. Korea > Dunks in the US

We took the subway to the stop we thought was the right one for the river.  We ended up walking in circles for probably 20 minutes before we found it, only to realize another stop was right next to it.  Live and learn.  When we first saw the river my first thoughts were excitement and awe.  It was beautiful.  I was pumped to have the chance to run in such an amazing place.  

waiting for the subway

do I really get to run here??

My plan was to run 5 miles one way, run back to where I started, and then run 5 miles the other way, and back to where I started.  As soon as I started running I felt off.  I felt like I hadn't had enough to eat and I could feel the intense humidity immediately.  I tried to take it slow and focus on the views around me.  I ran 5 miles, turned around and headed back.  I felt hot and thirsty and had drank a lot more than usual for how far I had gone.  Around mile 7 or 8 I decided to take a few chews to see if it helped my energy.  I ate three, had some more to drink and continued on my way.  It didn't help.  As I approached the area where I started and reached 10 miles, I knew it just wasn't going to be my day.  My clothes were soaked from sweat and I didn't have anything left in the tank to continue.  I planned to meet my mom, brother and Ryan 3 hours after I started.  I tried to walk a little more to kill some time while I waited for them, but even that felt difficult.  I sat on the steps and waited.  After only a few minutes I heard Ryan yell my name.  They had come back early thankfully and were having something to eat close by.  I was happy to see them, but bummed it was much sooner than I had hoped.  I felt defeated and upset that I didn't have a long run in me that day.  But I knew the reasons, which helped keep my frustration at bay.  I knew I could give it another shot the following weekend.

Monday: Woke up early again and ran easy on the treadmill for 40 minutes

Tuesday: Back on the treadmill, 15 min warm up 10 x 1 min on, 1 min off @ 10k pace, 10 min cool down.  The treadmill pace was kilometers/hour, so I didn't really know what pace I was running.  I just ran harder for a minute, and then easy 10 times.  This workout typically isn't too hard for me, but this day it felt tough.  I was still struggling to find enough food to eat and it was taking its toll.  Being able to eat the foods I need and fuel the way do for running is something I took for granted before this trip.  I definitely realize now, more than ever, how important it is.  I was definitely feeling the effects of lack of fuel.  

Wednesday: 40 minutes easy on the treadmill, felt ok

Thursday: The sky was pretty hazy most of the time we were in S. Korea.  However, Thursday morning the sun decided to show its face.  What's worse than a run on the treadmill in a warm gym with no air?  A run on the treadmill in a warm gym with no air in the sun.  It had to have been 80+ degrees in there.  Not fun.  I did a very slow 15 min warm up and 4 sets of 1000/400 (1000's @ 10k pace - 7:55, 400's @ 5k pace - 7:09 with 30 second rest in between and 3 min rest between sets).  Other than being extremely warm, I felt pretty good.  I went extra slow on the rests and drank as much water as possible.  I was happy to have my last treadmill run in S. Korea done. 

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 20 miles along the Han River, take 2.  This time I made sure to eat a decent dinner the night before, and we went to the buffet in the hotel for breakfast so I could have more than just eggs.  In S. Korea they have rice, or would have rice, with every meal.  I love sticky rice, and it was a great substitute for my normal pre long run breakfast.  I had rice, an egg, some fruit, and was ready to give it another go.  This time my mom, brother, and Ryan were going to rent bikes and bike along the path close by.  Ryan carried some extra water for me, and they checked in with me every now and then to make sure I was doing ok.  It was a huge help.  This time I started out going the other way, ran 5 miles, turned around to look for my family.  When I met up with them, I turned around again and ran a few more miles before heading back.  The weather was beautiful.  It was a little warm, but the sky was clear, there was a nice breeze, and most importantly, there wasn't much humidity.  I took my time, enjoyed the views, and finished all 20 miles.  It was perfect. 

beautiful views...obviously pretty happy

me running, my brother and Ryan biking by my side
loving it

Sunday: Rest - traveled home 

Overall I feel pretty good about how training went.  I didn't feel as well as I have been, but considering the conditions, I think I managed ok.  We walked constantly while there as well, which I think contributed to some of my fatigue.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to run along the Han River.  It was definitely a highlight of the trip for me, and one of the most beautiful places I have had the opportunity to run.  

updates on training and life

Is it spring yet?  I guess technically it is, but it certainly doesn't feel like it yet on the east coast.  I know many people are with me when I say I am craving some warm sunshine ASAP.  This winter has really been testing my patience.

C'mon sun, please melt the snow and ice

Despite the relentless winter weather, I've still managed to get most of my runs done outside.  Most days I would still rather run in the cold than run on the treadmill.  I've been feeling some fatigue in my legs that doesn't seem to want to let up, but I've still managed to get through my runs and hit my paces.

Here's what last week's training looked like:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 12 x 100m on, 100m off @ 5k pace (7:00 min average) with 15 minute warm up and cool down

Wednesday: 40 min easy

Thursday: 2 sets of 1000 (HMP), 800 (10k pace), 600 (5k pace), 400 (mile pace) with 3 min jog recovery in between everything and 15 minute warm up and 10 min cool down.  My paces looked like this - 1st set: 7:59, 7:49, 7:14, 7:01 2nd set: 8:04, 7:49, 7:11, 6:49.  I was really happy with this work out.

Friday: Rest

Saturday: I was supposed to do 35-40 min easy and 4 x 100m strides.  My legs felt tired and my butt was super tight.  I felt off.  I ran 35 min easy and only did 2 strides.  I wrote it off to lack of sleep the night before after working until midnight, followed by lots of tossing and turning all night.   

Sunday:  15-16 miles on hilly terrain.  I was a little nervous for this run since Saturday didn't go quite as planned.  I mapped out a hilly route, and went on my way.  To my surprise, I felt much better than expected and enjoyed the views at the top of my climb.  15 hilly miles done. 

hills hurt, but the views sure don't

Some pretty exciting, non running related news, is that Ryan and I are moving.  He was offered a job he couldn't pass up in Boston, so come June we'll be packing up and heading to the city.  I lived in Boston a few years ago, for a couple of years, and have always loved the city of Boston.  I am so very excited to go back.  This weekend we're going down to look at an apartment and do some exploring.  I'm very fortunate in that my job will allow me to transfer to another clinic closer to where we'll be moving.  I've been feeling a little trapped in the small town we live in now, so I am really looking forward to this new adventure, complete with many new running routes to explore!

Boston, I'm coming for you.    

hashtag I love fall

In case you haven't seen this...you should.

Happy October!  It seems like people either love or hate fall.  I am definitely one of the lovers.  It is absolutely my favorite season, and October is by far my favorite month.

This past weekend was a great confidence building weekend for me.  I am now less than two weeks away from running 26.2 miles around Newport, RI.  I feel like I'm at a great point in my training and am really starting to feel (almost) ready for this race. Don't get me wrong, I'm still scared as hell, but in a kind of a crazy excited way.

Here's how the weekend went...

Saturday: 5k in Brookline, NH.  The race is called Jordan's Walk for Wishes Dash for Dreams.  From the website: "Jordan's Walk is an annual FAST 5K run and walk in memory of Jordan Coffey, a 14-year-old former student at the Richard Maghakian Memorial School, who lost his battle with brain cancer in September 2005. All proceeds from Jordan's Walk benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NH."  I had been looking for another shorter race before the marathon, and this sounded like a great one to do.  This was my 3rd 5k this year, as well as my 3rd ever.  My goal was a new PR and to finish under 23min.  I was ready to push hard, feel the 5k pain, and give it all I had.  

Pre 5k Oiselle photo shoot...ready to race!

gotta love the outtakes

Honestly, the race itself is a bit of a blur.  It was a small race, with people of all ages, including many small kids lined up at the front.  I found a spot near the front of the pack and waited for the green light.  Everyone took off pretty quickly.  I found myself near the head of the pack and tried my hardest throughout the race to hold on.  It didn't take long for the group to thin out.  I found myself behind a man in a bright yellow shirt, who I followed (probably a little too closely) for the remainder of the race.  I really don't remember much else.  A couple hills, lots of heavy breathing, the finish line, and the clock.

Ready to run

Where's waldo?

my yellow-shirted friend and I looking for the finish

Official time: 22:19.  I was pretty damn happy with that.  I was the 10th person to cross the line, 3rd female overall, and 1st in my age group.  I realize placement doesn't mean a whole lot, especially in small races.  But I was and AM very happy with my accomplishments.  I worked hard for that one. 

Sunday: 18 miles.  I had no idea what to expect from this long run.  I have to admit, my legs felt tired from the 5k when I woke up Sunday morning.  I was also doing this run alone, so the motivation had to come from myself.  I mapped out a new route, put on some compression socks, and was out the door by 8. 

I was an absolutely beautiful day for a run.  The temp was near 50 when I started, and got up in to the low 60's when I finished.  The sky seemed extra blue.  It was pretty much the definition of a perfect fall day in New England.  I felt much better than I expected throughout most of the run.  The only exception was around mile 10-12 when I wasn't sure if I was going to need to get a little too friendly with the woods.  Thankfully, things settled and I was able to leave nature's bathroom for the animals.

Less than 2 weeks, 11 days, two 12hr work days, 3 weekend days, 1 week of vacation, 9 or 10 runs, and 2 or 3 rest days separate me from running my second marathon.  But really, who's counting?!