Despite my doubts after being so sick with bronchitis, I totally staged a comeback last week. It started with that 13 mile run in Chicago. That run was tough, but I was able to complete it without feeling too tired - and I wasn't sore the next day, which was a good sign. I decided to err on the side of caution and rested both Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, I decided to try to do my first run club workout in over 3 weeks! I had ran with the group the previous Wednesday, but I just did an 'easy pace' run instead of yassos since my lungs were not fully functioning!
The workout on Wednesday was pace work - after the warm-up, we did 2 miles at marathon pace and 2 miles at half marathon pace. When I started the workout, I really wasn't sure if I would be able to do the full workout, but I wanted to give it my all (while listening to my body). Well, it turned out to be one of the best work outs I've had all year! My goal pace for the marathon miles was 9:09 and I ran them at 8:48 and 9:00. My goal for the half marathon miles was 8:45 and I ran them in 8:21 and 8:26.
I WAS ON TOP OF THE WORLD AFTER THIS WORKOUT. Seriously. I had been seriously doubting my ability to run the marathon, but this workout really gave me a boost of confidence and showed me I CAN do it. I may need to adjust my goals and expectations, but I am definitely going to be able to run a strong marathon!
I capped off the week with an AMAZING 18 mile long run! I actually had to consciously try to hold myself back during this run as my legs were ready to GO. Next week, I will do my 2nd and final 20+ mile run. I am a bit disappointed that I won't get 3 20+ milers in, but I will take what I can get! It just feels so good to be BACK! I wanted to high five the world on Saturday!
In fact, how I felt is best summed up by this:
Here is how the training broke out:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 2xMP, 2xHMP, 8 miles total
Thursday: 4 mile recovery at 9:24 pace
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 18.25 miles at 9:20 pace
Sunday: Rest
Training Tally:
Week 14: 30.25 miles (still too low but I'll take what I can get)
Training-to-date: 403.25
I am traveling again - this time I am in Charlotte - so I will have to miss run club again tonight! And I will be traveling next Monday as well, and the following weekend for Nora's wedding (so 3 trips in the span of 2 weeks). The timing of all of this travel is not optimal, but I can't really control my travel schedule right now and I just have to roll with it and fit in runs when I can!!
When is the last time you had a workout that left you feeling like you were on cloud 9? The last workout before Wednesday's & Saturday's was probably about a month ago when I held an 8:30 pace for 4 miles (which is good for me!)!
15 comments:
Yay, so glad you had such an awesome comeback last week! I'm glad you listened to your body and everything went well :)
I have been doing a lot of workouts with friends and/or Caroline lately, so most of my workouts have left me super happy!
I looove that quote! That's exactly how I feel! Great job with the run, maybe the extra rest actually ended up helping because now you're body is rested and ready to go!
As with Kelly, I've been taking advantage of having so many friends in the area and doing workouts with them - mostly yoga and swimming. It's been a nice change of pace!
This is awesome!! I am so glad you are back and feeling strong! I had a mini comeback this week too with my long run going decent and feeling like I can run the half and be okay, but I really have to focus the next three weeks and try hard not to miss runs. :/
I cannot wait for you to be here for the marathon! I got some great feedback for restaurants in des Moines yesterday so we should have options! ;)
Have a good trip!
Yay that's awesome! I'm glad you're feeling so much better! On Friday I dragged myself out for a run (instead of going to happy hour) and managed to run another sub-8-minute mile in the middle of my run. I felt like I was on cloud nine after that!
I'm SO happy for you, and I absolutely love that photo. I know you're going to have a great marathon, and your passion & love for running just shines through in this post. You totally got this!
I'm SO happy for you, and I absolutely love that photo. I know you're going to have a great marathon, and your passion & love for running just shines through in this post. You totally got this!
I'm so happy to hear that you've been able to bounce back and stay on track- bronchitis is no joke, and I love how elated you were after being able to do your thing again! You have such strong will power and motivation to stay on track while you're traveling and I know you're going to feel the benefits in your race :)
Keep it up, Lisa!!
It was good to chat with you on Saturday after your run and hear that elation in your voice! Have a good trip to Charlotte!
I'm so glad you'll still be able to race! I need to start training again, for our half in May! You're a good motivator :)
As much as it's not fun, we have the dreadmill or I can drop you off at the high school for the boring track run if you need to get some in while you are here! Sorry all the travel is grouped together right now!
Way to go on the great runs! That must feel so awesome :)
LOVE that quote!!
I'm so glad you're back and feeling better than ever. I had a feeling that would happen ;)
Hurray! Happy dance going on over here! I am so glad you got your mojo back because I know how bad it sucks to not have it! You are back in the saddle and riding strong! I know you are going to kick butt in this marathon and I think you have nothing to worry about. Your last marathon cycle you only did one 20 (right?) so you are still one up on that one, even without that last 20!
PS 8:30 pace! That's awesome!
Also, have fun in Charlotte! I know the guys there are silly, but have fun with them anyway! :)
I honestly have not had a workout at all for quite some time. I am never motivated enough to work out ... but once I end up doing it I feel great after. It is just hard to get going.
SO HAPPY you had a good week! Great miles and you totally rocked that run club workout! I think you are back in the game lady! Keep it up!
glad your runs went well!
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