...to the TAPER, that is!
Another 74 mile week and I can feel my legs starting to rebel a bit. It's like they are screaming at me to rest them a bit. I will, I will, just one more week!
I recovered pretty well after my 24 miler, and Monday ran a 10 miler with 6 miles progression from MP to HM to 10K (7 average). Felt great! But then on Thursday when I had my next quality run, my legs were toast. It was very hot and humid (while Monday it was cool) and I had a hard time doing 4X10 @ HM pace (OK, I did them all at sub HM pace, mostly bc I like to push the pace at the end of each interval). My Garmin would not locate satellites, so I got tired of waiting and ran the first interval by feel. I had no idea what pace I was going. I am clueless without the Garmin (something to work on, I suppose). I am pretty sure the first 10 min where more like 10K pace, bc in the second interval (with Garmin), my legs turned over a little slower for a HM pace.
Saturday I ran again with Katie. Running with her has been so good for me. It is fun to chat and the miles go by quickly. Also, Katie is an awesome runner who has been pulling me along in the last 3 long runs. We were blessed with another hot and humid day (100% humidity at 7am, don't you love it?). The first 13 miles were great (7:40 average), but then my legs were done; I had no power, I could not push and my toes where just dropping onto the ground. I knew I would slow down, so I told Katie to run, that I will have to stop and stretch. She did not. Finally, at mile 17 she did for a bit (but then she came back!), and I put my headphones on. I realized that one problem with running with someone is that when things get hard, talking messes up with my breathing. Katie had no problem with this however, which again speaks to how great of a shape she is in (are you reading this Katie????). Also, I realized how much music helps me and also how when things get hard, I need to concentrate and go into my "special place" to deal with it. I ended up putting my headphones on, and dialing in toward the end, and managed to make it to the finish (taking advantage of all the red lights for short rests..what, they don't have those at the marathon?). I gave it my all, which was not much, for the last mile (7:20), for a 7:43 average. Happy with it. Thanks Katie!
So I am tired. I realized that I can be fairly inconsistent with my long runs. I've had some excellent ones and I had some hard ones (put pushed through and got them done, that's what matters, right, right???? My legs will get some rest (and pampering) soon. Now I have to decide if I am going to run 80 miles this last week before the 2 week taper, or cut back some of the mileage for a 3 week taper. Will let you know what I decide. Need to look over my old training logs and figure this out, as well as the type of taper that works for me!
Happy running!
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10 comments:
Be careful, don't injure yourself this last week!
You don't cease to impress me. That's some awesome running.
It's interesting that you can concentrate while listening to music. Usually people use music as a distraction from what's going on with their bodies.
You and Katie are a good team! I'm sure there are days you 'pull her along' as you say.
It sounds like your legs are screaming for a break. You've put so much work in and hitting your workouts like a mad woman,I can see why your considering a three week taper. Your body might benefit more from a little less mileage than one more build week? And it's not like your going to loose any fitness by one extra week of taper. If anything, you'll probably gain.... Just a thought.
Either way, your a stud and going to kill it! (and I feel weird giving you any sort of advice because your way out of my leage)
Well, I'm not surprised your legs are screaming at you a bit:) You've surely asked a lot out of them and they are CONTINUALLY performing for you at such a high standard! A wickedly fast race and then a 24 mile long run that instead of EASY was HARD finishing with mile repeats. You practically ran a marathon here and then went on to whip out a great progression and HM intervals under pace and finished off the week with another harder effort long run..... Yes, I can see where your legs might be a little pissed off:)
Funny, as I have only once ever listened to music for a short period in a marathon but I can hardly run without it otherwise. EspECially when I'm struggling. I also can't talk well sometimes. I try to spit out too many words and then end up gasping....
Yes, you will decide on your own because it's your own body and you definitely know what makes it tick. I have COMPLETE faith that you will do what's right for YOU and line up on marathon day with your mind AND body ready to just CRUSH it:)
Hang in there ... I know what you mean, I'm so tired right now, but not much longer! And you're right - this 90-100% in the mornings is insane! Our temps in KC have dropped a little, but I'm literally cover in sweat by the 2nd or 3rd mile usually, even when it's in the low 50's outside. Good luck and great job with training ... keep it up, you're a great runner!
All great comments here. Yes, you are so lucky to have Katie here. I'm finding that I'm getting really excited to be training for a marathon at the same time as Waylon so that we can do our long runs together. Really helps to have a compatible person for this. Is Katie running the same marathon as you? forgive me if this is obvious from a previous post. Sounds like your legs will welcome this taper FOR SURE. I'm sure you'll make the right choice about mileage next week. If it were me, I'd keep it where you were this week but I'm also not winning any medals right now so you do what you think is best for AM to get you where you want to go...not that you asked us our advice. :)
Finding a good running partner is the BEST. So glad you and Katie have each other! Can't wait to see all this hard work pay off very soon :)
I'd say you're doing awesome if you can run a 7:40ish 20 miler having a bad day. ;)
I am so ready for tapering this go around and I'm only running 2/3 of the mileage you are!
Personally, I think you'll run like a rockstar whether you do an 80 miler week or a taper week. And if you feel miserable, know that it's the unseasonably warm temps!
If they hay is already in the barn, I would be cautious and take the easier road. I'm going to take it easy this week, probably get 18 miles this Sunday with the race, then really taper down for three weeks. Tapering is not my specialty so I'm going to watch your posts to get some advice:)
read through some of your earlier blogs wow you have an awesome training regime in place...made me want to be a bit more deliberate in my running..maybe then i could comfortably run a 7 something mile
; )
Again, awesome, awesome running, AM.
You have been asking a lot of yourself & you legs are obviously V WELL trained right now. My 2 cents : starting your taper now would be of great benefit- not necessarily steep- but a good sized cut. But I know you'll do your own thing. :) You have had higher weeks, so maybe you are already in slight taper mode. ?
Pampering...YES! Get a message!!
Getting excited for your SUPER fast race. You have this one tied up right now.
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