It's Almost Over

So this is almost it. Did my last long run today. That means training is just about done and all that's left is the marathon itself. I'm always a little sad around this time of year knowing that my training is just about at its end. That's not to say that I'm not excited about the marathon. What saddens me is that I lose my goal. Along with it goes my drive to do something better. But it is what it is. There will always be something else to put my energy towards. I'm hoping it'll be Boston! :-)

This final week before the marathon is mostly going to be a waiting game. Day off Monday and Wednesday, a mild Tuesday night workout, maybe a short run on Thursday, striders on Friday, and stretching on Saturday and lots of crunches up 'til Thursday. Lots of crunches 'til Thursday, and thankfully, lots of eating!

Feeling beat

Still feeling the effects of yesterday's workout. After a pleasant run/walk with Kavita this evening and another hearty dinner (loco moco, anyone?), I fell victim to a cozy nap. I think I bit off more than I could chew yesterday. Found it incredible that my muscles ached more today than after a 20+ miler. Come to think of it, I think I'd rather run an easy 20 than 2x Tabata again.

Anyways, it's now 9 days and counting. It's still early, but I did have some difficulty sleeping last night thinking about the marathon. It could also have been due to yesterday's workout. Regardless, time is nigh and I'm getting very anxious. Tick tock tick tock tick tock.

Let's start already!!

Last long training run for the year

This was probably one of my more painful long runs for the year. Adding to still being sick, I hit the wall today. Didn't take any gels, relying only on water. I figured an easy pace would make it doable, and for the most part it was.

Below is the breakdown. The first six miles was with Sara. I was lucky enough to find more company with Nicole from approximately miles 11-15. I picked up the pace from miles 18-21, and the rest was a painful cooldown on the way home. It was a solid, final long run given my condition.

Lap

Time

Distance

Avg Speed

Avg Heart Rate

Avg Cadence

Calories

1	00:09:50	1.00 mi	6.1 mph	111 bpm	--	100 C
2	00:10:54	1.00 mi	5.5 mph	121 bpm	--	109 C
3	00:11:19	1.00 mi	5.3 mph	116 bpm	--	104 C
4	00:10:11	1.00 mi	5.9 mph	126 bpm	--	106 C
5	00:09:57	1.00 mi	6.0 mph	127 bpm	--	105 C
6	00:09:33	1.00 mi	6.3 mph	127 bpm	--	108 C
7	00:08:31	1.00 mi	7.0 mph	131 bpm	--	107 C
8	00:08:46	1.00 mi	6.8 mph	137 bpm	--	107 C
9	00:08:37	1.00 mi	7.0 mph	141 bpm	--	105 C
10	00:08:01	1.00 mi	7.5 mph	141 bpm	--	106 C
11	00:08:00	1.00 mi	7.5 mph	151 bpm	--	108 C
12	00:08:14	1.00 mi	7.3 mph	144 bpm	--	105 C
13	00:08:42	1.00 mi	6.9 mph	143 bpm	--	102 C
14	00:08:36	1.00 mi	7.0 mph	142 bpm	--	104 C
15	00:08:34	1.00 mi	7.0 mph	146 bpm	--	106 C
16	00:09:02	1.00 mi	6.6 mph	139 bpm	--	102 C
17	00:11:05	1.00 mi	5.4 mph	129 bpm	--	97 C
18	00:07:51	1.00 mi	7.6 mph	150 bpm	--	104 C
19	00:07:39	1.00 mi	7.8 mph	153 bpm	--	106 C
20	00:07:33	1.00 mi	7.9 mph	166 bpm	--	110 C
21	00:08:30	1.00 mi	7.1 mph	153 bpm	--	103 C
22	00:09:14	1.00 mi	6.5 mph	141 bpm	--	105 C
23	00:10:57	1.00 mi	5.5 mph	136 bpm	--	110 C
24	00:04:48	0.57 mi	7.1 mph	127 bpm	--	58 C

For the most part, I'm proud that mile 20 was my fastest. It was the uphill mile from 110th to 90th. In addition, I'm glad I didn't do the Staten Island Half Marathon today. I don't think I would have been able to keep up a 7:25 pace for the entire race today, and I didn't want to risk anyone getting sick on my account.

For this week, I managed to amble some 55+ miles Well short of the 70 I had hoped, but I did the best I could with a cold. This is the most I think I've trained since I started doing marathons, and I think I can do better next year. See image for my mileage this week.

So now comes the best part of marathon training - the taper. Mileage will reduce drastically from here until marathon day, but training miles will be just a little more intense. Time also to recover from injuries and to sharpen my mental preparation.

Lazy day

I've decided to take off today and make this a true easy week so I can allow my body to recover. It's said taht half the battle for marathon training is getting to the starting line healthy. Been battling sore lower calf muscles and newly sore heels the last four weeks, and also a tender achilles tendon. I spoke with a friend and she told me it might be achilles tendinitis. I've been ramping up my mileage the last month, so I think this rationalization is well deserved :-)

Just so I can post an image, here is my mileage for this month so far: