I hate writing training recaps, so I am going to make this one short and sweet. Training for Chicago has been really up and down for me. Unlike the near linear progression I had during Colfax, Chicago has been one step forward, two steps back. Although the training has been hard, I did have a breakthrough race last week (more about that in my recap post later).
I’ve really had a hard time finding motivation and inspiration for this race, but I’ve kind of made a decision. I have been trying to fit myself into a new category, a 6-day-per-week runner, and I am simply not that. So, I have basically abandoned the Hanson’s plan and I am going back to what I did for Colfax… because you know what, it worked. Training is about finding what works for you and sticking with it. I know what works for me and I am going back to that.
Well… this week I took things pretty chill. I was recovering from my races and Longs Peak Summit from the week before. I took a few days off and did some nice slow running.
M: Rest
T: Rest – was still really sore
W: 8 Miles Easy
T: Another Rest Day
F: Worst Track Workout Ever (4×800)
S: 10 mile Long Run
S: 6.5 miles easy
Total: 30.7 miles
Not bad for a first week back after a wild and crazy weekend. My track workout was supposed to be 6 x 800, but I just couldn’t finish it. I felt like absolute crap and called it quits. Usually track workouts are a real confidence booster for me, but unfortunately, this one was just a drag. The long run the next day was pretty great, so I guess that made up for it.
This week I am going to step it up a notch. I only have 6 more training weeks before the taper, so I’m gonna make the best of it. Things are shifting over to more marathon specific work, including a lot more time at marathon pace. I’m pretty excited to hone things down a bit and get myself feeling ready for Chicago.
I didn’t take a whole lot of pictures, so here is a pic from our paddle this weekend:
And of course, here is a pic of the cutest cat in the whole world:
How was your training? What is your next goal race?
She Runs the Wasatch 
Good call on going with your gut and doing what works for you. It shows a lot of maturity as a runner to make those kind of decisions. The things we want to be best for us aren’t always actually best for us. I wonder if all the exciting new things in your life right now and your new running passion (preparing for ultras) are contributing to your lack of motivation. I know that when something new and exciting comes into my life I have a tendency to mentally check out of other stuff. It’s not a bad thing, it just happens.
Anyway I still think you had a great week. Training is going okay for me, although I’m only a week in so it’s hard to say much at this point. It’s been a little rough though, the slowdown from this heat and humidity and early morning running have been hurting my confidence a bit, especially since most of my running friends are in better shape than me right now. But, I’m trying to be patient because it will get better!
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Yeah, I looked back in my journal to see what I did for Colfax, and I am pretty much just going to do the same exact thing. I’m adding a little more mileage for the last 3 weeks before the taper. It worked really well last time, I don’t see why it wouldn’t just work out again. Also, I kind of like designing my own training. Haha!
I can’t wait to hear how your races go. I have a 10K coming up soon, but I think I’m just going to run Marathon Pace for it.
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Sticking with what works is a wise decision — especially, I think, for the marathon distance.
I am dithering about a 10k race this weekend. First it was the weather (possible thunderstorms, and it’s an hour’s drive away and a relatively small 2 lane road.
Now I feel as though I’ve caught my husband’s crud, and I’m having to take some unplanned for rest, which I HATE. Not that I hate resting, but i hate not doing my planned workouts. I have a real problem with that!
So now it’s am I really healthy enough? Will I relapse if I push myself too hard too soon? To be continued.
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I like to air on the side of caution when it comes to sickness. Id rather do a little less and not let it get full blown than do too much. I hope you feel better and good luck if you decide to race.
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Well, right now I’m resting. And drinking lots of fluids.
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I’m enjoying watching runners try Hansons for the first time and decide one way or the other if it works for them. 6 days a week feels so doable in theory, but it’s pretty exhausting! I’m glad you’ve decided to go back to what works for you. I can’t believe it’s nearly time for taper!!
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Six days a week is doable, but for me, I think the problem was that they have you jump in to 6 days with lots and lots of mileage. I’ve done six days by adding like a 3-4 mile run on one of my rest days, but the Hansons plan calls for like an extra 10 mile run. For me, that’s a little too much.
I still have 6 weeks till taper!! That’s not too soon!! Haha!
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” 6 more training weeks before the taper” this just gave me a panic attack. Are we really entering the last phase of training already? I’M NOT READY!
The six day a week think for Hansons has worked out okay for me. If I could take six days to run the marathon I would be good to go! I just don’t feel super prepared to run 26.2 miles at race pace!
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I think I would have done a lot better with the Hansons had I just done the beginner plan, but I think I got arrogant or mile greedy or something. I may try the Hansons again, but with a little less rigor.
Seriously! 6 more training weeks before the taper… It’s insane. I really do wonder if a 3:45 is possible. Im considering going for a 3:50. I don’t know… we’ll see.
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I can’t believe Chicago is so soon. You had a very strong week considering you ran a 5k, a half, and hiked Long’s Peak right at the end of last week! I wan 12 miles last week and gave up Hansons. Go big or go home right???
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We all go through the ebs and flows and I think it’s very important to look at the process and change of needed. No sense going down a path that isn’t working or isn’t motivating. Excited to see what the next few weeks have in store.
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It’s definitely smart to stick with what works!
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