St George Marathon Training Week #1 Review

I knew it was possible I'd get picked so, obviously, I didn't think it was that crazy to attempt 26.2 10 months post-baby. Maybe I'm delusional, but as of mid March, when I ran a 1:56 half under hot and hilly conditions, I figured it was possible I could BQ on the St George course. So I tossed my name into the hat.

Plus, I love Zion and we haven't gone to Bryce Canyon yet, so I figured worst case it was going to be a good trip to some very beautiful places.

As soon as I got that email, I did a quick Googling of marathon training plans and decided I'd stick with Runners World SmartCoach. I like the marathon plans it spits out - the half plans I don't like as much, but I'm usually in agreement with what it recommends for 26.2. And it doesn't have fixed weeks like 12 or 18. It's whenever you want to start, which means it's a 21 week training for me.

Also, I despise plans with lots of speed work. I've seen that I make really good progress with just running more miles. One day of speed work per week is plenty for me.

Monday
The day I got the email. I had already run 5 miles at lunch which was not on the training plan, so bonus miles. 5 miles easy @ 8:56 pace.

Tuesday
Training plan: 6 miles @ 9:32
Actual: 5 miles @ 9:10.

Since I had run 5 the day before, I cut it down to 5.

Wednesday 
Training plan: Rest

Thursday
Training plan: 7 miles with 5 miles at 8:10 pace.
Actual: 7 @ 8:30

I like to do speed work on the treadmill (lately I do a lot of runs on the 'mill because of time) because of the control over the pace, but I know it's easier to run on it, so I ran the 5 tempo miles at from 0-1%, varying the slope as I ran, and I also kicked up the speed a bit in the last 1.5 miles to 7.4 ending at 7.7. I know, tempo is the same speed, but it felt pretty easy and finishing a bit faster didn't feel that much harder.

Friday 
Training plan: 6 miles @ 9:32.
Actual: Rest.

Since it was only 6 and it's easier to run on the weekends with the baby, I decided to shift it to Saturday morning.

Saturday
Training plan: Rest
Actual: 6.27 miles @ 9:06

I ran down and then up the massive hill by my house (it's like 200+ feet gain in less than a mile - it's pretty steep. Not the steepest, though. There's another hill about a mile away that some cars would definitely scrape the front bottom bumper. Part of me wants to try to charge up it and see just how horrific it surely will feel).

Sunday
Training plan: 12 @ 9:32
Actual: 12 @ 9:08

Decided not to run The Hill again, and started at Mission Bay, ran around Fiesta Island, and then added some more miles, running around Sea World.

Total miles: 35.28

Other things to note, my Garmin Forerunner 110 went mammaries up yesterday, so I had to use Map My Run on my phone for Saturday's run. I picked up the Garmin 220 from Road Runner Sports on Saturday because I have no retail patience, and after quickly researching, it was the best price, anyway, with my VIP discount.

I've only done one run with it, but so far it's pretty sweet. It's much lighter feeling than the 110. It vibrates on the mile splits, it locked on a satellite very fast (less than 30 seconds) and I apparently it can sync via Bluetooth? I don't care that much about the sync'ing though maybe I should try it. I need to do more research on all its nifty, snazzy features.

[In case anyone is wondering about the whole breast feeding thing.. During the week, if it's an hour or less, I run on the treadmill at work, or outside. It's usually about 90 minutes after I last pumped to empty, so it's totally comfortable. On weekends, for a shorter run, I will pump enough that I am comfortable (because normally in the morning, it's like a milk bonanza going on). For longer runs, I try to pump close to empty since I know I'll be gone longer. The Husband has the baby while I'm gone and feeds her if she gets hungry, otherwise, I feed her when I get home.]

Comments

  1. I can't believe you're still breastfeeding/pumping AND running. I have a vague recollection of all of that nonsense just exhausting me.

    You're so badass :D

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  2. Bold move, I like it! I love the idea of a 21 week training plan. I always procrastinate registering for races and then cut myself short on the training... 21 weeks leaves a lot of cushion for life events - which are sure to come up with a new baby! Kristen

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