Category: Boston Marathon

Road to BQ Week #9

As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons 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.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #9, May 22-27

M Did not run
T Ran 5.95 Miles (5×1000)
W OFF
TH Did not run
F Did not run
S Ran 10.12 Miles
S Did not run

I took it easy this week.  I am moving classrooms (same grade but now will be on the 1st floor instead of 2nd floor) so I need to pack up all of my stuff.  I’ve been in the same room for 3 years and have so much stuff.  I did have a few moms help me pack but still have so much more to pack.

Tuesday’s run went very well.  I went to the gym for this run.  Goal for each interval was between 6:15-6:31 and I managed to do them in those times.  However, during my last interval I accidentally hit the lap button (did not realize till I was done) and only ran .22 miles.  I remember that when my watch vibrated to signal the end of the interval, I thought it was weird because I felt like it has just vibrated.

On Thursday I stayed at school till 6pm packing and moving boxes and had zero energy to run.  

Ticonderoga pencils – my FAVORITE!!!

Friday was a trip to the zoo.  The weather was perfect.  The kids had fun but I was TIRED.  We were supposed to leave the zoo at 1pm but by 12:30 the kids were also tired and we headed back to the front to meet the rest of the groups and wait for the bus.  I walked over 12,000 steps while at the zoo.

Beautiful day!

Saturday was the Soldier Field 10 Mile Race.  It is one of my favorite races in Chicago.  I felt great for 6 miles and then my legs were very tired.  I was happy that breathing-wise and energy-wise I was feeling really good but the legs were not happy.

In the morning I had coffee with a Clif Bar.  About 45 minutes before the race I had one serving of UCAN with water.  I have not used this in a long time and am excited to used it for my training.  I did struggle towards the end of the race but don’t know if it was because of the heat, that I was tired, or because I needed more fuel. << I only drank water on the course but with less than 2 miles to go I did have Nuun (because #nuunlife) that was offered on the course.  Overall, I am pleased with my results because my goal was to finish under 2 hours.  

Total mileage for the week: 16.07 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  204.67 miles
Total mileage for the year: 256.88 miles

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap and Courtney for her Training Recap Link Up!

Hoping everyone had a good week!

Road to BQ Week #8

As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons 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.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #8, May 15-21

M Ran 6.02 Miles
T Ran 1.63 Miles
W OFF
TH Ran 7.02 Miles
F Did not run
S Ran 6.02 Miles
S Ran 10.02 Miles

Monday’s run was awful.  I was supposed to run my 6 miles between 12:57-13:57 and even that felt tough.  On my way back I saw a new teacher’s store and went in to browse.  I am excited about school being over in a few weeks but I LOVE seeing stuff that I could use in my classroom.  I did see the best poster on the wall that made me smile and continue with my run.

Tuesday’s run did not go well either.  I was hot and just wasn’t feeling it.  Earlier that day we received our assignment letters for next year.  I was assigned to teach the same grade next school year.  That made me happy.  However, my best teacher friend was moved to another school and that made me angry.  I could not understand why.  She is a great teacher and gets her job done.  I was hoping that this anger would push me to get the workout (6×800) done but it didn’t.  

Wine in a beer glass? Why not?

Thursday’s tempo was another hot one and I did not hit my tempo pace (11:27).  But you know what?  I did not care.  I was just happy to be running.

Saturday’s run went better than I expected.  I went later in the day when it was about 60 degrees and felt so good that I ran faster than I was supposed to.  I just had this energy and just kept going.

I still felt good on Sunday and 5 of my miles were under 12:00 minutes.  According to my plan, each mile is supposed to be between 11:57-13:27.  I did pretty good!

It was hot! You can see the sweat on my face.

I know my two runs in the beginning of the week did not go well but I am happy that my last two did.

Total mileage for the week: 30.71 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  188.60 miles
Total mileage for the year: 236.79 miles

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap and Courtney for her Training Recap Link Up!

Hoping everyone had a good week!

 

Road to BQ Week #7


As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons 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.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #7, May 8-14

M Ran 4.02 Miles
T Ran 7.02 Miles (8 x 600)
W OFF
TH Ran 7.02 Miles
F Ran 4.02 Miles
S Ran 6.02 Miles
S Ran 10.02 Miles

Monday run was faster than I was supposed to.  My easy runs are supposed to be between 12:57-13:57. As you can see below, each mile was completed under 12 minutes.

Tuesday was at the track for 8×600 with 1 mile warmup and cool down and 400m recovery after each 400.  Total was 7.02 miles.  It wasn’t easy.  Goal for each interval was between 3:45-3:54.  A few were done faster which I am surprised but at the same time happy about it.

Thursday’s tempo run did not go as I wanted to but it was better than last week.  I actually did run the 5 tempo miles but unfortunately slower than tempo pace (11:27).  I was frustrated because at one point not only was I able to run that pace (and felt comfortable) but last year during marathon training I was running tempo miles in the 9s.  

Beautiful flowers at the turnaround point.

Friday’s run was 4 miles at an easy pace.  I was tired.  It was nice and sunny but still windy which I did not like.

Saturday’s run was hot.  I waited till about 10 and underestimated how hot it was going to be.  I did not wear a hat and did not take any water.  Big mistake.  I was very thirsty and stopped at a gym to get some water.  I wore a new Oiselle top that pretty much kept me dry. <<See picture below – only two wet spots in the boob area.

How can I get up when Lola wants to cuddle?

Sunday’s run was my longest – 10 miles @11:57-13:27 pace.  I did hit those paces (slowest was 13:07 and fastest was 11:30).  I have a race (10 miles) in two weeks and it is making me wonder how I can run the miles at a faster pace.  I know I probably won’t PR (1:41:56) but I would like to finish under 2 hours.

Total mileage for the week: 38.12 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  157.89 miles
Total mileage for the year: 206.08 miles

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the AMAZING MOMS out there!  You are seriously all beautiful!!

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap and Courtney for her Training Recap Link Up!

Hoping everyone had a good week!

 

Road to BQ Week #6

As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons 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.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

Week #6, May 1-7

M Ran 4.02 Miles
T Ran 8.02 Miles (12 x 400)
W OFF
TH Ran 1.42 Miles
F Did not run
S Ran 5.05 Miles at the Cinco de Miler
S Ran 8.02 Miles

This week was interesting.  I did my first speed workout and tempo run.  Plus, I did a race on Saturday. The week did not go as expected but overall it was still a good week.

Monday run was pleasant.  Cool and windy but felt great to run.

Tuesday was at the track for 12×400.  Total was 8.02 miles with 1 mile warmup and cool down and 400m recovery after each 400.  I wanted to quit halfway.  It took me 1 hour and 35 minutes.  Luckily it was Teacher Appreciation Week and Chipotle had an offer for buy 1, get 1 one.  You bet I went after my workout!

Thursday’s tempo was blah.  I went to the gym because I did not want to deal with the wind and rain. Joke was on me because it was worse on the treadmill.  I could not get a groove and managed 1.42 miles.  Oh, and it did not rain at all so I could have run outside.

Saturday’s race was cold and windy but still fun!!  I love it when I get free pictures but disappointed that it was only one picture. It was my first time running this race (not a fan of Cinco de Mayo) and finish time is 57:56.  

Total mileage for the week: 26.53 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  119.77 miles
Total mileage for the year: 167.96 miles

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap and Courtney for her Training Recap Link Up!

Hoping everyone had a good week!

 

Road to BQ Weeks #1-5

As mentioned in this post, I’m attempting to get my own BQ.  I am excited to be training using again the Hansons 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.  I am not sure when I will qualify but am determined to get there.

I won’t bore you with recapping every single run during weeks 1-5.  Instead, I’ll write about the most interesting runs or just give you a short and sweet weekly recap.

Week #1, March 27-April 2

First week of training.  For weeks 1-5, all of my runs were at an easy pace (12:57-13:57).  This is the pace for a 5:00 marathon finish time.

M OFF
T OFF
W Ran 3.02 Miles
TH OFF 
F OFF
S Ran 3.02 Miles
S Ran 5.18 Miles at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

I ran my fastest mile of 12:18 on Saturday.  I need to remember to run my easy runs at a slower place.  

On Sunday I ran the Bank of American Shamrock Shuffle and was pleased with my time.  It was my first race of the year.  I wanted to enjoy and finish the race since I hadn’t been doing a whole lot of running since my injury.  Secretly my goal was to finish under an hour.  Done in 56:26.

Love my shoes!

 

Total mileage for the week: 11.22 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  11.22 miles
Total mileage for the year: 59.41 miles

Week #2, April 3-9

M OFF
T Ran 2.02 Miles
W OFF
TH Ran 3.02 Miles
F Ran 3.02 Miles
S Ran 3.02 Miles
S Ran 4.02 Miles

Another great week of running.  Ran with my nephew on Saturday and Sunday and it made me happy.

Total mileage for the week: 15.11 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  26.33 miles
Total mileage for the year: 74.51 miles

Week #3, April 10-16

M OFF
T Ran 4.02 Miles
W OFF
TH Ran 4.02 Miles
F Ran 4.02 Miles
S Ran 4.02 Miles
S Ran 5.03 Miles

Spring Break!  Pleased that I did all of my runs.  On Monday I went to see a friend.  She lives almost 45 minutes from me and I made sure to stay there pretty much all day.  We did some errands, talked, and ate.  

On Thursday and Friday I went to two breweries, Lagunitas Brewing Company and 5 Rabbit Cerveceria.

Got some new shoes, Brooks Pure Flow 6, and wore them on Saturday.  They’re light and feel soft.  Love them!

Total mileage for the week: 21.10 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  47.43 miles
Total mileage for the year: 95.62 miles

Week #4, April 17-23

M OFF
T Ran 5.02 Miles
W OFF
TH Ran 3.02 Miles
F Ran 5.02 Miles
S Ran 5.02 Miles
S Ran 3.63 Miles

I watched the Boston Marathon on Monday.  I was rooting for Desi to win but overall she did great.  It wasn’t easy going back to work on Tuesday but fortunately it was a 4-day workweek.

On Wednesday I went to see “Boston: The Documentary”.  Did you watch it?  I thought it was a great movie and would love to see it again.  I enjoyed listening to the history of the marathon and the Boston Marathon.  Plus, it was great seeing Meb winning the 2014 Boston Marathon.  Of course, it got me excited for one day I hope to run it too.

I fell during my run on Sunday.  There was a piece of wire on the sidewalk which I did not see and I tripped and fell.  Luckily I used my hands to break the fall but still scraped my chin, knee, and hand.  I am feeling better but it definitely freaked me out.

Saw this on my way back from the movie theatre. Love this view!

Total mileage for the week: 21.71 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  69.14 miles
Total mileage for the year: 117.33 miles

Week #5, April 24-30

M OFF
T Ran 5.02 Miles
W OFF
TH Ran 4.02 Miles
F Ran 5.02 Miles
S Ran 4.02 Miles
S Ran 6.02 Miles

I was nervous about my run on Tuesday.  I was extra careful with every step I took and I might have been over reacting.

My mother swears that everything is cured with Vicks VapoRub.  Mothers know best, right?  

Mother Nature is being a pain.  Rain and cold weather (at least for April) this week.  I want it to be warm again so I can wear tank tops and shorts.

Total mileage for the week: 24.10 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle:  93.24 miles
Total mileage for the year: 141.43 miles

Today was my last run for this month.  I am proud for running 90 miles in April.  I am feeling good.  My legs do get tired but make sure to stretch and foam roll on  a regular basis.  I look forward to see how it goes in May.

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap and Courtney for her Training Recap Link Up!

Hoping everyone had a good week!