2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 7

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap1

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day. 

Week #7, July 18-24

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6 miles @11:10 average pace

Done on the treadmill.  Alternated a different song with paces of 11:32, 11:07, and 10:43. 

Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 400-800-1200-1600-1200-800 with 400m jog recovery (with 1 mile w/up and c/d) 
  • ACTUAL – Total 7.37 @10:35 average pace

A fun workout!  W/up and c/d @11:07.  Recovery @13.02.  Each interval was done at a different pace-9:23, 9:14, 9:05.  I will definitely do this one again.

I have about a month left of summer break.  Some days I feel like I am ready to go back to work; a new school year with a new a Assistant Principal and Dean, new students, and new supplies.  But then reality hits and I am not ready to go back.  🙂 Saw this and it made me smile. 

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Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

I went to get a massage and while it hurt in some parts, it also felt good.  I had some discomfort in my calves, IT band, and iliopsoas (inner hip muscles).  I did not know it (iliopsoas) were hurting till the massage.  Of course all of this is from running and not stretching like I am supposed to after each run.  I am going back in two weeks and she warned me that she is is going to dig in deep and that it will hurt.

Then, of course, I went home to rest with Lola.  No shame.

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Thursday:

  • PLAN – 7 tempo @10:18 pace (with 1 mile w/up and c/d)
  • ACTUAL – Total 9 miles @10:25 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  Another run on the treadmill.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:22, 10:10, and 10:00 and was done 1 second slower that last week.  Not bad.  I did stop after an hour to change my shirt because it was soaking wet.  It was gross!  Even my shorts were wet and my mom told me it looks like I peed on them.

Friday: 

  • PLAN – 7 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 7 miles @11:08 average pace

Done on the treadmill.  Alternated a different song with paces of 11:32, 11:07, and 10:43.  Usually I listen to fast paced music but today was a good day to listen to something not so fast.  Any “Grey’s Anatomy” fans?  This song reminded me of THAT scene and made me cry.

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Saturday:

  • PLAN – 14 long @10:29-11:05 pace
  • ACTUAL – 7.02 miles @11:52 average pace

I decided to do Sunday’s run today.  It was a HOT one.  I mean really HOT.  We were told to go 30 seconds slower because of the heat.  It was my first time pacing with the 11:00 group and we kept a good and slow place.  Not bad considering it was HOT<<did I mention that?  Plus, we walked during one of the hills/incline which was nice because I already had goosebumps/feeling chills from dehydration. 

When I got home I drank a protein shake, showered, got ready, and went to see “Ice Age: Collision Course” with my nephew.  Cute movie but this is number 4 and I think I’ve had enough of those movies.  We also picked up “Jurassic World”.  I am late to the party because within the last 2 days I’ve watched movies 1-3 of the Jurassic Park series.  The last one was definitely the best one!

Sunday:

  • PLAN – 8 easy @10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL 14 long @10:46 average pace

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I slept in till 7 and then stayed in bed deciding whether to get up or not to run.  The group from Chi City Running Club were meeting at Waterfall Glen and I knew I did not want to run outside because of the heat.  Another HOT one today.  Finally, 4 hours later I went to the gym and did Saturday’s run. I alternated a different song with paces of 11:07, 10:43, and 10:21.  I almost stopped around mile 3 because I felt a little dizzy.  I took a quick break, drank water, and continued.  Then, I wanted to quit (again) after two hours but still had 2.82 miles to go.  I began to wonder if it was worth it to keep on running.  I did continue while reminding myself that it was only 2 miles.

Week 7 went well.  My tempo run went well (again) and I’m glad I did not miss a workout.  In week 8 I have 3 mile repeats which should be interesting and another 7 mile tempo run on Thursday.

Total mileage for the week: 50.39 miles <<The most I’ve run in a week!!

Total mileage for this training cycle: 250.95 miles

Total mileage for the year: 734.01 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 6

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap1

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day. 

Week #6, July 11-17

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @12:02 average pace

A late start to my run and it was HOT.  Ran slow but faster than Sunday’s run.  Afterwards I took my nephews to see “Finding Dory”.  Have you seen it?  It is a very cute movie.  Yes, sometimes I match my socks with my running outfit.  Don’t you?

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Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 4×1200, 9:04-9:27 pace
  • ACTUAL – Total 6 miles @10:44 average pace

W/up @12:00 and c/d @11:45.  Recovery @13.02.  Each interval was done at a different pace-9:23, 9:14, 9:05, 8:57.  Pleased with this workout.  I had to go slower with my speed workouts because I had been doing them too fast due to a lofty marathon finish time but now I feel much more comfortable with these paces.

Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

We had some crazy weather in the evening; check out my picture below of two rainbows.  I’ve never seen anything like it.

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Thursday:

  • PLAN – 7 tempo miles, 10:18 pace
  • ACTUAL – Total 9 miles @10:24 average pace

W/up and c/d @11:07.  I did this run on the treadmill.  I alternated a different song with paces of 10:22, 10:10, and 10:00 and was soaking wet when I was done.

Friday: 

  • PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @11:16 average pace

Ran in the new Brooks Launch 3 shoes.  Love them!  Even Lola thinks they’re cool.

Saturday:

  • PLAN – 10 easy  miles, 10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – 10.31 miles @10:46 average pace

I decided to switch my run and do Sunday’s run today because I knew tomorrow would be an even busier day.  Felt great during most of the run then during last 2 miles I could not keep up with my group. Felt bad because I made a commitment to be a pacer for that specific group and felt like I have failed.  After the run I spoke with one of the coaches and told him how I felt and suggested to move me to the 11:00 group.  He agreed.  I am afraid that as our runs get longer, I will not keep up with my group.  I was a pacer during the fall and winter seasons and did OK but our longest run was 12 miles.

I forgot to stop my watch during our water breaks but overall it was still a great run.

I did a few errands with my mom and stopped at two Office Max to buy pencils for school.  I must have bought about 30 packs. I am obsessed with Ticonderoga pencils.  If you have kids in school, please buy these pencils for them.  Their teacher will thank you.

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Sunday:

  • PLAN – 8 easy miles, 10:52-12:16 pace
  • ACTUAL – Did not run.

The plan was to get up early and spectate the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.  Did not happen.  I slept in till 8 and then did a few things around the house and got things ready for my nephew because he was heading back home to San Antonio.  We were invited to my cousin’s house for his birthday.  We had a great time but had to leave the party early to take my nephew to the airport.  It was 10:00 by the time I got home and I went straight to bed.

Week 6 went well.  My tempo run went well (again) and I missed another workout on Sunday.  Oh well, life happens.  In week 7 I have a ladder workout (400-800-1200-1600-1200-800 with 400m jog recovery) which should be interesting and another 7 mile tempo run on Thursday.

Total mileage for the week: 37.35 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 200.56 miles

Total mileage for the year: 683.62 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

Music that moves me

Linking up with MarciaPatti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

I rarely run with music.  I’ve done 20 mile runs and my last marathon without music and it was pretty amazing.  However, I will listen to music on the treadmill while also watching a show on my iPad and/or the TV.

I have a running playlist on Spotify that I love.  I have 0ver 100 songs in both English and Spanish. Depending on how I am feeling I will listen to the whole song or skip it to the next one.  I like music with a good beat that sometimes makes me feel like dancing (even though sometimes the lyrics don’t make any sense).

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A few of my favorite running songs are:

2016 Chicago Marathon Training Week 5

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap1

Chicago Marathon training is here!  I am excited (and nervous) to be training using the Hansons Marathon Method.  In a nutshell, this training is based on the concept of cumulative fatigue. You train your body to run often so that you are frequently running on tired legs.  The idea is to run this way so that during the last miles of a race you are prepared to push through the final miles. These plans are 18 weeks and have you running 6 days (easy, speed/strength, tempo, and long runs) a week with one rest day. 

Week #5, July 4-10

Monday:

  • PLAN – 6 miles easy, 10:15-11:30 pace
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 miles @10:40 average pace

Ran the Elmhurst 4 on the 4th Race.  Finished race in 41:24. Not a PR but I still did pretty good and am pleased with my time.  After I finished race I ran additional 2 miles for total of 6.02.

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Tuesday:

  • PLAN – 5x1km, 8:33-8:55 pace
  • ACTUAL – Total 6.35 miles @10:28 average pace

W/up @12:00 and c/d @11:45.  Recovery @12:30.  Each interval was done at a different pace-8:57, 8:49, 8:42, 8:34, 8:27.  Pleased with this workout.  Also, pleased with holding on to the 8:34 and 8:27 paces.  

But first I had to charge my Fitbit.

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Later in the afternoon I went to Target with my mother and saw something I was NOT ready to see.

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Wednesday:

  • PLAN – OFF
  • ACTUAL – OFF

Thursday:

  • PLAN – 6 tempo miles, 9:44 pace
  • ACTUAL – Did not run.

One word>>LAZY.

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Friday: 

  • PLAN – 7 easy miles, 10:15-11:30 pace
  • ACTUAL – Did not run.

See Thursday. 

Saturday:

  • PLAN – 12  miles, 9:53-10:30
  • ACTUAL – 10.02 miles @10:59 average pace

This run started off so well, in the middle not so good, and then ended OK.  The weather was perfect; definitely not hot.  I was doing very well running on pace with my group.  Around mile 6 I started to get a headache.  I walked for a little bit and could not keep up with my pace.  It was at the water station where I began feeling very hot and another runner told me that I had goosebumps in my arms and therefore I was dehydrated.  One of the volunteers poured water on my head and arms.  I sent a text to one of the coaches to explain the situation.  I also her know that the other runner in my group was running alone and to be on the lookout for her.  Luckily I wasn’t too far away from the Fleet Feet Store and I walked and ran whenever I could.  I did start to feel better but still had a headache.  

Eventually I did feel better and once I got home I drank more water and had a protein shake.  Then I took a shower.  By then I was hungry and luckily my mother had tamales for me.  It hit the spot.

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Sunday:

  • PLAN – 6 easy miles, 10:15-11:30
  • ACTUAL – 6.02 @13:39 average pace

We had family over on Saturday night (we had a GREAT time!) and I went to sleep around midnight. I woke up at 4am to use the restroom and then again after 6.  I did not want to get up for my run. Eventually  I did and met a few others runners from Chi City Running Club.  I ran my SLOWEST 6 miles.  Seriously, I could not figure out what was wrong with me.  Tired.  Probably.  

I will never get tired of this view.  Love it!

Week 5 went OK.  My tempo run went well (again) but I am mad at myself for skipping two workouts.  So far I’ve missed 4 workouts in the training season.  In week 6 I have 4x1200s and 7 tempo miles.

Total mileage for the week: 28.41 miles

Total mileage for this training cycle: 163.21 miles

Total mileage for the year: 646.27 miles

Here’s how training has gone so far:

Things I’m Loving III

ThingsI'mLoving

Disclaimer:

None of the links below are affiliate links so feel free to click away!

  • Overnight Steel Cut Oats – I know I am late here but cannot get enough of this delicious breakfast.  Mine is very simple with steel cut oats, almond milk, yogurt, almond butter and chia seeds.  Sometimes I add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.  Sometimes I roll my eyes when a blogger will post a recipe for overnight oats in a jar.  I mean, really, is it that hard?  No, it isn’t.  So that is why I am not including an actual recipe but just letting you know what I use.
  • Spotify – Wow, I seriously feel like I’ve been living under a rock.  I remember years ago setting up an account and creating a few playlists but that’s it until recently.  I only listen to music while I run on the treadmill but so far my Running playlist has over 7 hours worth of music in Spanish and English.  I’ve looked into the Premium membership but not sure if it is worth $10 per month.  I will try out it free for a month and then we’ll see.  I was hoping to share my playlist but have not figured it out yet.  I did make it public so hopefully you can find it.
  • Oiselle Tops– I am obsessed with all of them.  I’ve purchased a few on Moosejaw, Running Warehouse, and on the Oiselle website.  My favorites are: Go Tank, Flyte 2000 1/2 Long Sleeve, Bridge Tank, Window Short Sleeve Tee, Wazelle Short Sleeve, Wazelle Tank, Flowy Tank and In the Fold Tank.  <<I know, so many and I cannot help myself!!!  They’re all gorgeous and love their fit and material.  I also love that they’re casual but yet nice enough to wear to work.  Happy to wear them but not yet ready to go back to work.

 

  • Road ID for Fitbit Charge – I did not want another item to add to my wrist; so this is perfect for me!  If you don’t have a Fitbit Charge, there is also a Road ID for Apple Watch, Garmin Vivosmart, Fitbit Flex, and Fitbit Surge.  I even purchased a few cute badges to add to it.

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  • I am not enjoying the weather but I am loving my summer break.  I’ve been able to relax, catch up on a few shows, bond with my cat (we nap together), and hang out with friends.  My nephew is also in town from San Antonio so it is nice to spend time with him too.

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