Week nine is in the books! This week brought a jump in mileage, both in my tempo run and in my long run. I survived – with naps and lots of rest! Each week during this training cycle, as I train for the Chicago Marathon, I will share how my training went and what the week looked like. I do this because: 1) I love reading about how other folks train and 2) it’s great for me to have a record of what I did each week. Also, honestly, it helps keep me accountable when I know I’ll be writing about it. I also post almost all of my runs on Instagram as well. I know there are a lot of us training for Chicago. Would anyone be interested in a weekly Chicago marathon training recap linkup? I love reading training recaps for people training for the same race, so thought this might be fun.
Monday: 5.5 “easy” miles. I actually was so exhausted from my travel disaster over the prior weekend, that I almost took the day off but didn’t and also ended up taking a Pure Barre class that evening.
Tuesday: 5×1000 repeats in super crazy humidity. It was a great workout and I felt strong when it was done.
Wednesday: Pure Barre
Thursday: Big jump in tempo miles – a one mile warm up, eight (!!!) tempo miles and then a one mile cool down. I was really pleased with how well it went. It was hard, but I felt good and my tempo miles were all well under MGP. I was kinda in disbelief that I’d run ten miles before work, but it got done.
Friday: Five very slow miles – my legs were TIRED after Thursday’s tempo.
Saturday: Sixteen miles! The most mileage I’ve run since my marathons last fall. This was a hard run but I actually felt pretty strong all throughout and was able to maintain a super solid pace. Average pace was 10:08 and that includes the last four miles, which were on a tough trail (Custis for you DC area folks). I felt strong…and VERY tired afterwards. I took an ice bath which helped a great deal with the soreness.
Sunday: Four recovery miles. I shared a bit on Instagram how these “easy” miles are anything but easy.
Total mileage for the week: 47 miles
Total mileage for the year: 790.75 miles
Total mileage for this training cycle: 250.26 miles
I’m pretty sure this is a record for weekly mileage – I do not think I’ve ever run this much in one week. I also do not think if anyone told me even a year ago, I’d run 47 miles in a week, I would believe it’s possible. I’ve said this a number of times – I don’t think the Hanson plan is for everyone, but if you are thinking about it – buy the book, read the science and go for it! I have consistently surprised myself while following this plan and think it could be accessible to a number of y’all.
If you are a blogger who is also training for Chicago, please link up your training recap post below!
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47 miles is way impressive!! Way to go!
Thank you!!
Great week Courtney!!! Way to go!!! How have you been with getting more sleep?
I’ve been napping like a champ on the weekends and doing a bit better during the week 🙂
Wow, those are some serious runs! I think I call an 8 mile tempo a 10 mile race. 🙂 And, yes, Custis is a beast. I honestly look forward to an ice bath after a long summer run!
The funny thing is that my body temp is so warm that the ice melts SO quickly once I get in there 🙂
Way to go Courtney! And I agree about those “easy” runs, I’ve been struggling too.
they are definitely NOT easy!
I’m training for Marine Corp but also using Hanson’s marathon method though it’s the first time with this plan for me. So I’m a couple of weeks behind you but love seeing your speed/tempo workouts because it helps me feel motivated especially because my big crazy goal is also 4:15 🙂 Thanks so much for the update 🙂
Oh awesome. I’ll be cheering at MCM – look for me on the right after the bridge 🙂
AWESOME! Great job with everything, Courtney–the speed work, the long tempo run, the 16-miler, and getting in all those “easy” runs. 47 is my current weekly mileage PR, and I remember feeling so tired when I hit it. You are doing great. Stay strong and keep it up!
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style recently posted…Marathon Training Week 5: Icebreakers
Yes, tired is SO accurate. I could just sleep for days, I think, lol. I guess 50 won’t feel too much different from this, but it seems like so much more!
What a great idea to have a linkup for those training for Chicago! I wish I were training for it, too, but I’ll settle for reading about everyone else’s training – the next best thing! 🙂
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Above The Neck Versus Below The Neck
I wish you were training for it as well! Maybe I’ll luck out and you’ll be visiting Chicago during the race!
I’m actually heading out the Wednesday after the race for a fitness conference, so I’m going to miss it by just a few days.
Debbie @ Deb runs recently posted…Above The Neck Versus Below The Neck
I’m so amazed that you have time to get as many miles in before work as you do. I don’t know how you do it!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 6
It’s helpful that I have some flexibility. As long as I’m in the office by 9ish, I’m good to go. I could not get those miles in if I were a teacher, for sure!
Your posts are inspiring! I’m planning on starting Hansons in a month and am so nervous/excited. I think I’m following the same program you are. I would also like to keep incorporating crossfit, it is nice seeing you are still able to keep up with your barre classes!
Good luck with Hansons – it’s hard but it works!
What a great week of training! You are going to be so ready for Chicago! I loved Hanson’s when I used it. I am so glad it is working for you.
It is working quite well – I’m so glad I gave it a shot!
Wow, 47 miles (with 8 at tempo) is awesome. My goal is to peak at about 45 for NYC
That sounds like an excellent plan, Abby. I’m so super excited for you.
Great job! I LOVE that red, black and white outfit you’re wearing – it looks great on you 🙂