Another week done… Each day it is getting more and more real, and I can feel it. I know that I am almost ready to run the Colfax Marathon, but I’m tired and training is hard. This week really upped it a lot. I had a race pace tempo run, mile repeats, and a 20-mile long run. The rest was easy mileage, but I’m starting to feel like running is anything BUT easy. The training is pushing me to my edge, and so close to past it, I sometimes get super worried about injury. I am still hitting my paces, but I am tired, sore, and feeling ready to just go run this thing. I guess that’s just how marathon training feels, though. I’m almost (3 weeks) to the taper. This is it… this is where it counts.
Here is my week:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 8 miles at Goal MP (8:55/mi)
Wednesday: 6 miles easy pace
Thursday: 6.2 miles easy pace on trail
Friday: 20 miles Long (9:26/mi)
Saturday: Hiking
Sunday: 8 miles – 4 x 1 mile at 8:00/mi
Total: 48.2
Wow… Over 48 miles was an unfathomable distance before I started this training. I just can’t believe that I am hitting numbers like that. This week was so tough. I started off tired from Questival and had trouble even getting out the door. Once I was running, things would quickly feel better. My goal MP tempo run seemed impossible before I started, but once I got into a grove, it was fine.
The run at Konza Prairie was refreshing… it was nice to be out in nature. But the wind was blowing and making every step a little tougher and with no tree cover, wind can be rough on the prairie.
I spent the whole week dreading my 20-miler. It was my first time conquering that distance, and it was tough. Going further than 18 seemed like a stretch, and I definitely had a few moments of struggle. I think I took it a little too fast, and boy was I sore the next day. It took a lot out of me, but I got it done. But seriously, I am considering the Hanson’s method for Chicago after that torture-fest.
I ended the week with mile repeats just as the sun was setting. It was beautiful out, and it was really one of those “I’m happy that I’m a runner” moments. Say what you want about Kansas, but sunsets are the best here (and I’m from Florida).
There are only two more tough weeks ahead of me. This coming week should top out at the big-50. I have a 16-mile long run in there and a bit of tempo and speed work. The following week is a cutback with a trail half marathon in Lawrence, KS (super excited). The week after the half is my peak week. I’ll have 55 miles of running, a 20-miler, and some tempo running. If I survive that, I think I made it. It’ll be all taper, all the way to the starting line.
So, I’m almost there. I just have to keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time.
How do you feel towards the end of marathon training? How was your week?
She Runs the Wasatch 
1. I love that top in the first pic. That color looks great on you! 2. Beautiful scenery.
It’s normal to feel tired during peak weeks. And it’s normal for things to feel hard. I always have to remind myself that if our goals were easy, we wouldn’t need to train for them. You put a lot of hard work in this week, so it’s only natural to be a little worn out. Just hang in there, and remember to take care of yourself. When I’m in peak weeks I always try really hard to make sure I’m balancing the mileage load with the workouts. If I’m running sky high mileage, I try to take it easy on the speed work, and vice versa. I’ve actually been running slightly less than I planned for weekly mileage these past few weeks, so that I could get in some harder workouts and let myself recover.
Keep going Kerry, you are so tough and you’re doing a great job. You’re going to CRUSH Colfax!
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Thanks! I like that top a lot too!
Yeah, I have considered cutting back the mileage a little. I’m kind of playing it as it goes. I’ve been really stiff and sore this whole week and it certainly has me a bit concerned. Honestly, I can’t wait until the taper. I’m like counting down the days.
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YOU AND ME BOTH.
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Good job sticking with it, Kerry! So is this the first time you ran 20 miles? Like is this a distance PR for you? If so NICE JOB!!! I bet that was exciting to see on your Garmin. 🙂
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Thanks! Yes, it was my first time going that far. I spent a good amount of the run wanting to call Frank up and have him pick me up, though. I don’t know what was wrong, but I was not happy to be doing that run.
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Way to go on the 20-miler!! Such an accomplishment especially at your desired pace!
I can’t believe Konzi is just 10 minutes out of town. It looks so desolate, but beautiful! Do a lot of people run there? I think I would be scared to run there alone! It reminds me of a scary movie scene, haha.
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I do see a lot of runners, but I didn’t on Thursday because it was so windy. It has certainly occurred to me that someone could be lurking in the grass, but fortunately I would probably see them for a long way. haha!
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Wow. That is a ton of running! I wouldn’t just be tired, I’d be dead (or injured, more likely).
Most people do say that marathon training takes over their life . . . and then they can’t wait to do it again!
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Yeah, it is a ton of running. I’m padding the mileage with lots of easy running, so I imagine that is what is keeping me healthy. I am so sore though… and stiff. I’m looking forward to my cutback week next week!
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Sounds like you need a massage. 🙂
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Niiice week!!! Taper time! You got this!
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Almost! I still have two more weeks and one more 20-miler. 🙂
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Your plan is really similar to Hansons with the race-pace runs & mile repeats. I’ve been wanting to do Hansons for my first full this fall since I like the half training so much, but the beginner plan may be too much for me since my 47-mile peak week in half training crushed me. Thinking about it though! Congrats on a great week & 20-miler!
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