This week, I decided to do something different and look back at my first two months (roughly) of marathon training. We are just under three months out and I wanted to track my training thus far. The summer is just flying by and before I know it Racetober (where I run two marathons and the Army Ten Miler) will be here! Time for an assessment of where I am in my training! I hope you enjoy this comprehensive marathon training update!
I thought one of the easiest ways to do this assessment was to ask myself a few questions surrounding my training so far.
- What do the numbers say? So far, I have run 160(ish) miles during this training cycle, with the bulk of those miles coming in July. July was my first hundred mile month and it was also a month where I was out of town for about half of the time. In addition to the miles I’ve run, I’ve taken 16 Pure Barre classes and walked an endless amount of miles. I don’t track my walking miles but I walk quite a bit in my everyday life. I’m really happy with these numbers thus far.
- How do I feel? I feel good. I haven’t been as diligent as I need to be with my PT so my knee has been a little twitchy here and there but overall, I feel really good. I definitely feel slow. The heat has taken it’s toll and it’s been hard for me to ramp up speed. I know that I just need to keep at it and that the heat and humidity are huge factors but it is frustrating at times. However, like I said, overall, I feel really good!
- Where do I need to improve? Definitely my pre run fuel game has been off. I’ve regularly been not eating or eating too little before long runs and I’ve been ending long runs with a noticeably hungry tummy. It can be hard for me to eat first thing in the morning (I eat at 5:30am on long run days) but I really need to force myself to do so. Feeling weak with hunger is not the best way to end a run.
- What’s been working? I’ve been very diligent about not missing a long run – I’ve typically missed one or two during a training cycle and have made it a goal not to miss any this go round. So far, so good! I’ve had to plan ahead and be flexible in regards to my schedule but I’ve made it work and I’m really proud of that!
How is your training for your fall race coming along?
Wow! I am impressed with reaching 100 miles in one month! I just made it to my first 52 miles in a month and feel pretty good about that because I’m usually prone to injury. My running has been slow, but I’d rather be slow then be injured.
Well done!
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That’s great – be proud of that month!
Oh I definitely am proud of myself! Especially since I haven’t injured myself! Taking baby steps! 🙂
Tedi @ Running with Infertility recently posted…Things that are DIY Running Board
I was crazy militant about training for my first two 13.1s. Then the pendulum swung in the other direction for my third, and I got really casual (read- burnt out) with my training, and my legs felt it during the race. I think this fourth training cycle, I’ve really found a balance between the two. I don’t feel like a slave to my training plan like I did before, but I don’t blow off runs left and right either. I traveled a lot in July, too, and didn’t get to seriously train for about a span of 10 days, though I ran everyday. Now that I’m back home, I feel like I’m on track and have been really on point with my training the past two weeks. Keeping all of your long runs is an awesome goal! This heat & humidity are the absolute pits… I’m dreaming cool, Autumnal thoughts with you!
ahhhhh fall. can’t wait, right? and way to go to finding the balance in your plan. that’s often the hardest thing to do!
All those Barre classes have to be making you really strong! And it’s going to pay off on the road. I really believe that runners can’t live on miles alone. Great job! Looks like we’re training together…virtually…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Commitment
yes we are! you’ve had a crazy weather summer as well. one of my buddies ran the rock n roll 1/2 in chicago a few weeks ago. whew the heat!
You are doing awesome!!!!
I am with you…summer is FLYING by! I also struggle to eat early :). I am super excited for Richmond!!!!
yes! there are so many of us going – we need to plan a big blogger meetup!
you’re doing great! can’t wait to cheer you on!! and yay I made the collage 🙂 so excited to see you this weekend (twice!!!!!)
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Epic Road Trip Adventures!
i know, right?? super excited about the fun run friday!
Way to go with reaching 100 miles in July! How many miles do you think you’ll run this month?
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Road Shark Virtual 5 Mile Race Recap
this month i should be at about 110-115 depending on how my weekday runs go! so exciting! and thanks, friend! 🙂
You’re doing so great, Courtney! I agree that the heat has been a tough blow to my confidence lately; just when I felt like I was starting to make some progress…BAM! I think we’ll catch it again when it cools off, though, you know? Like a downhill? 😉 I’m so excited for you; you’re going to ROCK these races!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…2015 White River 4 Mile Classic
Thanks Tara – def helps to know its not just me! And the occasional track workout to remind me I can move faster helps too!
Awesome job. I know that personally I need to really improve my stretching.
Ahhh yes. If I make my pure barre classes, my stretching is on point! If not, it’s pretty weak.
Yay! I’m so glad your marathon training is going well. I feel ya’ on the pre-run fueling–I’m terrible about eating before my long runs. It makes such a big different, energy-wise, but I hate waking up extra early on weekends to eat before I run.
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…2015 Point Ruston Independence Day 5K Recap
Yeah I’m not about that up early life!! Hoping to get it right this weekend.
You are doing great! It’s always so helpful to evaluate everything around this point! You are going to smoke Runtober!
I sure as heck hope so 🙂
For me, I eat the same thing before every run and race (whether it’s 1 mile or a marathon). It keeps me personally happy and my body happy as well. I know a lot of people struggle with eating at 5:30 but honestly I’ve never been one of them!
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Yeah, it’s really hard for me to choke things down but I know it’s important!
You’re building a great foundation for Racetober! You should be proud of all these accomplishments, especially considering the crippling heat & humidity we’ve had this summer. Your commitment to running while traveling has made me reconsider my own vacation plans. I love following a training plan to a tee but usually give myself a break on vacation. This year I think I’m going to commit to doing more than what I’d originally planned. Thanks for the inspiration! And I love all your running pics!
I think everyone feels slower in the summer. It’s just too hot to run fast! But I’m sure it will pay off in the fall 🙂