My Biggest Week of Training So Far, Marathon Training Week 15 Recap
And just like that it is TAPER TIME. I really can’t believe that these eighteen weeks of marathon training are almost over. Part of me is super excited because that means the marathon is only a short, THREE WEEKS away, while another part of me is sad, because I have loved having a training plan and nailing all my workouts.
While this season is almost over, I look forward to a new season, post-marathon, and I can’t help but dream up all sorts of goals for this next, upcoming chapter. But, I won’t get ahead of myself. I still have three weeks of tapering left and then it is RACE TIME! So, so encouraged and excited to be this far into training and this close to the big day! I feel like it’s Christmas that’s coming.
Week 15 of training (this week) is my highest mileage week yet. I remember looking at this intense weeks of training, months ago and feeling a little freaked out. A 10 mile run and a 20 mile run IN ONE WEEK? How? But, now, as I am in the midst of the training, with miles and miles in my ‘marathon bank,’ I feel less overwhelmed and more inspired. Less scared and more confident. Less unsure and more determined. I know that, through Christ’s strength and with finishing my training, I will finish this marathon. After all, a marathon is simply the victory lap after months of laborious training, right?
So this week of training involved my normal, four runs per week (at the rate of these miles, having an extra rest day than I would typically take feels reallly good to my body right now.) for a total of 40 miles! Here’s the breakdown:
Sunday – Off. Landon and I ran 14 miles on Saturday, which meant we spent Sunday lounging around and walking. Easy recovery is my favorite.
Monday – Benaiah and I ran an easy 5 mile stroller run, around our new, favorite loop. I finished just around a 9 min/mile pace, which I was okay with.
Tuesday – I woke up really early, in order to finish 10 miles before 7:30. Since it was dark, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill and 6 miles outside for a total of 10 miles and an average pace of 8:55/mi.
Wednesday – I took this day off running and instead focused on my core, glutes, and arms. I used some of my favorite workout videos and went to town. Sometimes a good strength training session is just what my body craves!
Thursday – 5 stroller miles again and last run before my 20 miler!
Friday – off. Complete rest.
Saturday – 20 mile run, planned for tomorrow morning! Wish me luck!
I can’t wait to report back to you how the 20 miler goes. It will be the longest I’ve ever run and the longest run this training cycle. Make sure to keep an eye on out Monday for the results!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. After our 20 miler (Landon is running it too!) we are heading to finish celebrating our anniversary at our honeymoon spot. I am so excited. What do you guys have planned for this weekend?
Questions of the Day
- What are your weekend plans?
- Anyone else have a long run this weekend?
- Are you working toward any fitness goals this season? If so, what are they? I want details!