Winter is here and it’s just going to get colder. It was 50 degrees, clear and crisp this morning. My hands were so cold by the time I finished with my run that I could barely open and close my fingers. I couldn’t pull my sleeve all the way down over my left hand because I wanted to be able to see my watch to gauge my pace and distance. I may need gloves next…
Day one of week four means I’ve moved into a new cycle in my training plan. I’ve entered the first part of the strength phase (Phase 2) and have added a second quality workout to my week. Oh, those hills! Monday runs now incorporate hills followed by kettlebell strength work. The hill I run is about a half mile long and somewhat steep. I’m not sure about the exact grade but if I were to…
This Sunday started with a little extra sleep. Always nice when I’m able to recoup a few Z’s on the weekend. I realize it’s better to have consistent rest throughout the week but there are only so many hours in a day. If I could find my way to bed any earlier or out of it any later, I certainly would. In the meantime, I’ll take what I can get on the weekends. Waking up…
It was a glorious 6 mile run today for my step back week. I felt extremely accomplished by getting out of the house at a reasonably early hour and to my running location. I decided to run at a nearby reservoir today where I haven’t run in quite a while. In the summer months there is very little shade there and it’s further away from the coast. Therefore, it tends to get really hot in…
I had an absolutely incredible run today! No pinching or pain in my back at all.It felt so good to just run and focus on my form and breathing instead of worrying about whether or not my back will seize up when I stop. Today’s run was a quick 5 miles at goal marathon pace. Although my pace was faster than my other weekly runs, it felt easy. This was a very encouraging run. My…
Woke up this morning with my back pinching again on the left side. It wasn’t too bad so I decided to go ahead and try a run. I’m so glad I did because it went away quickly as I began to move. I find it notable that the pain usually goes away or lessens with movement but when I stop it comes back. My workout today was three easy miles and my runner’s strength program…
Let’s talk about shoes. You had to know this was coming. You can’t have a blog about marathon training without a discussion about running shoes, or lots of discussions about running shoes! Personally, I’m fascinated by running shoes. I read articles about them. I watch YouTube reviews on shoes I’m interested in or just curious about or that I already own. I stop at the running store weekly to check out the clearance rack. Usually,…
The dang pinch in my lower back shifted sides. It is always on my right side and today it was in the same spot but on my left. However, it wasn’t to the degree of pain or annoyance to stop my run. Rather, it just made for a longer dynamic warm up and muscle activation. I’m carefully moving back to using my foam roller. I have learned my lesson (I hope) not to sit on…
Short day today since I’m going out to breakfast at my favorite brunch restaurant, The Naked Cafe with my husband. Two restaurant meals in two days is more than I usually have but this was a planned celebration. It’s important to remember that people and relationships matter as much as training. I got in a 40 minute spin bike ride before we went out and I’m so glad I did. There was no time for…
Long run number two for a distance of 9 miles and it was glorious! Everything just lined up in the stars and planets today. I loved today’s run. I was truly a little bummed when I saw it was the halfway point and time to turn around. My run was going so smoothly that I almost missed my turnaround. I just happened to look down at my watch to check my pace and I noticed…