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MCM Training Recap, Week 14

September 15, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC43 Comments

I’ve made it through my peak week #1 of training. And boy am I glad that week is done! Not only was the weather brutal but I developed some leg pain on Saturday (boo). Only two more “long” runs before Wineglass and I am starting to feel a bit more confident. I had a couple of tough runs that really helped my mental game. 

marathon training recap

On to my marathon training recap for this week:

Monday: I celebrated Labor Day by taking a lovely (but humid, of course) five mile run in Rock Creek Park. It’s fun to switch up the scenery sometimes! I also went to an evening Pure Barre class.trail run
Tuesday: Pure Barre

Wednesday: Track workout – this was a tough one (again). I thought that last week’s weather was awful. This Wednesday was even more oppressive. The humidity had to be just about 100%. It was so painful. We did 3×800, 3×600 and 3×400, plus a warm up and cool down to equal out to 6 miles. I had also run 2 miles at lunch to equal 8 miles for the day. I was wiped out by the end of this. Very very tough workout due to the weather. 

Thursday: Pure Barre

Friday: Rest day.

Saturday: Twenty miles. Oh man. This was an interesting one. The weather was a definite improvement in terms of temps but the humidity was high, again (ugh). Two things happened at mile ten: first, my left calf began cramping and seizing in pain. Not good. Second, it began raining. I’m okay with rainy runs (especially in the summer), so that wasn’t so bad. You might recall that I experienced leg cramps during the latter portion of the Richmond marathon last fall. Not good. I began panicking because I was really nervous that the cramps that basically ruined Richmond for me, time wise would ruin this run. I told myself that I was just getting a chance to test out my mental strength and figure out how’d I deal if it happened again on race day. So, I took an extra salt stick, ate a few pretzels and kept telling myself “I am fine. I am fine.” I kept saying it enough that eventually I started to believe it. Somehow, the cramps subsided enough for me to run a strong finish with mile 19 as the fastest of the day. Physically, my calf is still kind of tight. But mentally, I’m feeling really solid and encouraged that I can handle unexpected pain and not fall apart. 

Sunday: A slow two mile recovery run. My calf felt better but was still a bit tight. I’ve been really bad about doing recovery runs so it was nice to finally get one in. 

As I mentioned last week, I’ve also been doing the Jasyoga 26.2 readiness plan. I’ve been doing one yoga pose each day, along with various exercises they’ve shared. I’m hoping this is one more piece of the puzzle that will help me be ready for October’s racing!

This was my first peak week of the season and I ended it with 36 miles. I initially wanted 40 miles, but I only had time for 2 recovery miles. It was a solid week and I think the weather should be improving in DC soon. Fingers crossed!

When is your peak week of training? 


Comments

  1. Annmarie says

    September 15, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Way to rock your peak week!!! Can’t believe Wineglass is so soon, hope to see you there! You’re gonna do great! 🙂
    Annmarie recently posted…Recover Quicker With ISOPURE AminosMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 9:07 am

      YES! Can we please meet up?!?!

      Reply
  2. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    September 15, 2015 at 8:57 am

    WOO HOO!! Way to go, Courtney; you KILLED it this week, especially in the horrible conditions. You’re going to have a great race, even though I know it’s not the BIG one. 😉 I’m glad you had extra salt with you to help with the cramps during your long run; that’s a great idea. I keep saying I’m going to get some salt tabs, but I haven’t done it; I used one (from a friend) during my 25K last year (it was so, so hot & humid) and I think it really helped. Great job getting it done, girl!!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Tuesday Intro – Bull MountainMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 9:08 am

      Thanks Tara – I do think it helped. Also just not freaking out (too much) was helpful. It was good practice that hopefully I won’t need. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Agnes @ Aggieruns says

    September 15, 2015 at 9:11 am

    Awesome training week Courtney. Good job pushing through those 20 miles with calf pain. Did you foam roll your left calf after the 20 miler training run?
    Agnes @ Aggieruns recently posted…September GoalsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      I rolled all day and went and got it massaged and dry needled by my PT today!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    September 15, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Way to go my friend!! Thank you for sending me the salt stick link.. .just have been feeling depleted as of late even with Nuun and Cliff Bloks. Can’t wait to chat WG with you next weekend! If you like oils and balsamic vinegar there is a cute shop on Main Street called Crystal City Oils (I think).
    Jennifer recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 14 – 8/31-9/6My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      I love oils and fun vinegars!!! Can’t wait to chat. And I hope the salt sticks work for you!

      Reply
  5. Angie @ Pace with Grace says

    September 15, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Great job during your peak week, Courtney! The tough conditions are making it that much more of a challenge but it sounds like you have a great mindset and determination! Awesome!!
    Angie @ Pace with Grace recently posted…Wag Fest Fun & Running RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      Thank you, Angie – I’m really trying to prepare my mind because that always ends up being the hardest part!

      Reply
  6. Rose says

    September 15, 2015 at 9:55 am

    Way to power through your long run Courtney! Hope you are able to spend some quality time with a foam roller soon. Or get the hubs to rub your legs for you. That’s what I always do! :-p

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      I rolled all day Saturday and actually got my calf dry needled by my PT today – that should help a LOT! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    September 15, 2015 at 10:12 am

    Sorry to hear about your calf. Sounds like you have lots of foam rolling, ice, and rest in your future for this week. Hope it feels better soon!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Sometimes Running is the Best MedicineMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Yeah, it was a bummer, but being able to deal with it head on made me feel confident. I visited my PT and she dry needled it so it should loosen up a bunch!

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth says

    September 15, 2015 at 10:31 am

    What a great week – even with the tough workouts and weather! I am so inspired by your “I am fine.” mantra during the long run! I’m thinking about Jasyoga… just need to bite the bullet and sign up before it’s too late to help with my fall goal race.
    Elizabeth recently posted…Travel Tuesday: Alabama 2012My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      You know, I think it really worked. It also helped me calm down which is a big part of the battle for me. Jasyoga is awesome – I’d try it out!

      Reply
  9. Lesley says

    September 15, 2015 at 11:58 am

    I run with calf sleeves once I go over a certain mileage for a run, and I think those help. I know the humidity could not have helped. Rest up and recover!
    Lesley recently posted…Marathon SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      I will def be racing w/calf sleeves. I’m a big fan and agree that they can help a bunch. I got a massage and dry needling done on my calf today so hoping it’ll continue to loosen all the way up!

      Reply
  10. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    September 15, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    BOOM!!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Milwaukee Half Training Weeks 1 & 2My Profile

    Reply
  11. Marcia says

    September 15, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Very solid week, Courtney! Kudos! I just wrapped up my final peak week for Twin Cities and it feels so good to be tapering.. I say that now….
    We had a taste of fall last weekend but the heat is back. It can leave anytime.
    Marcia recently posted…Weekend Rewind: Attack of the Brown GUMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    September 15, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Running is so mental for me too! Sounds like you have turned the corner this week and hopefully the cooler temps we are having will help even more
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…How To Out Run The Flu & Zarbee’s GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Sheena @ Paws and Pavement says

    September 15, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Such a great idea to incorporate yoga into your running. So many runners are not flexible and it causes injuries. I want to add more cross training and yoga into my run training.
    Sheena @ Paws and Pavement recently posted…Shaking it up!My Profile

    Reply
  14. Jennifer says

    September 15, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Last Wednesday was horrible! Our group had a hill workout by the Mormon Temple and I could only do three of the four repeats. Great job on 20…ours is this weekend, hopefully it will go well!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 5:23 pm

      you got this!!!!!

      Reply
  15. Alaina @ thesimplepeach says

    September 15, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    Yay for a great week!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 5:23 pm

      thanks, lady!

      Reply
  16. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    September 15, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Great job Courtney! Hopefully that calf will behave!
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…My “no running” weekMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    September 15, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    Yes, praying the weather improves for us all.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…The Run that Wasn’tMy Profile

    Reply
  18. HoHo Runs says

    September 15, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    This is my peak week as I hit my 2nd (and final) 20+ mile run this weekend in prep for the Chicago Marathon. I use salt caps too and so far they’ve done well at keeping cramps away. I probably take 4-5 for a 20 mile run. That seems like a lot, but I can tolerate them so I figure why not? I hope you’ll have wonderful weather for Wine Glass. We’d love for you to link with us on the Weekly Wrap too!
    HoHo Runs recently posted…My Fitbit StoryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      Yay peak week!! Hope your run this weekend is awesome! I’ll check out your linkup 🙂 thanks for the invite!

      Reply
  19. Emily says

    September 15, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Peak week! I love getting over that hump. And it looks like you did an amazing job Courtney. Your drive and diligence as a runner is definitely inspiring to me.
    Emily recently posted…Thankful Tuesday: Why Weddings are WonderfulMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      Emily you are so sweet– thank you!!

      Reply
  20. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    September 15, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Ugh to that calf cramp! I read somewhere that muscle cramping really isn’t about dehydration, just muscle fatigue. I’ve been doing a lot more yoga after my tough runs, and that seems to be helping a ton. Great week of training. It will all pay off when the weather cools off!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Race Recap: Alpine Runners Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 15, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      There are usually a few possible causes of muscle cramps and fatigue is one of them. I got dry needling done today by my PT so hoping that helps!

      Reply
  21. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    September 15, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    Awesome job. You are killing it in this humidity! I haven’t experienced it much because I’ve been forced to be inside which worries me a lot for race day. What do you think about those salt sticks? I haven’t tried them, but I dealt with cramping at MCM last year, so just curious!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 16, 2015 at 10:45 am

      I can’t say for sure if they work or not, but I’ve been taking them religiously and I’ll continue to do so! I think they definitely helped me work through my cramp Saturday.

      Reply
  22. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    September 16, 2015 at 4:36 am

    Kudos on a great week! Running a hard speed workout in weather like that is so tough. I can see why you were wiped out! And great way to get through that 20-miler. Great mental training for race day!
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…BCHM Training with Hansons: Week 10My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 16, 2015 at 10:46 am

      thanks – the weather is finally breaking! so exciting!

      Reply
  23. TOni says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Sounds like you had an awesome week, that mileage is amazing..even if you were short by two. Hope your calf gets better, have you tried calf sleeves?
    TOni recently posted…Weekly Workout Wrap-Up, NYC Marathon Training, Week 9My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 16, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      Yeah, I do usually race in them but don’t run in them unless it’s cooler out. I get too hot otherwise!

      Reply
  24. rachel says

    September 16, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    Great job! I am not currently training for anything at the moment… well trainign seriously that is. 🙂
    rachel recently posted…What is New WednesdayMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Lara says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    I love that you include Pure Barre in your training program! I wish I had one by me, I’ve always wanted to try it!
    Lara recently posted…Kale and Harvest Grains Salad + GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 16, 2015 at 11:24 pm

      Oh man I bet there’s one coming your way – they are really expanding!! I think you’d love it!

      Reply

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