There are four weeks until the Richmond Marathon and I am EXCITED and NERVOUS all at the same time. That’s how it goes, though, so I’m okay with that. I had another really good week of training, including an awesome long run that I’m so excited to write about! Of course, I posted about it on the interwebs, but I’m excited to share it here as well. I have to say that I’ve really enjoyed how I just tagged on marathon training after already being trained for my half marathon last month. It’s so much easier mentally! I may do this for all my future marathons. Can we take a time out and talk about how I’m now a person who says “future marathons” not ironically?? Okay, now that we’ve discussed that. On to my Richmond Marathon training recap for last week!
Monday: Pure Barre class. It was extra hard on Monday, probably because there were a lot of new moves introduced. Ouch.
Tuesday: Speed work day. 3×1600 at a 8:25 pace. This hurt, but I got it done and was so excited to finish this workout.
Wednesday: Spin class – my legs needed this workout. It had been awhile since I’d done a spin class and I loved it.
Thursday: My birthday! I celebrated by running 10 miles at a 9:59 average pace.
Saturday: 18 miles. This was my longest run since my last marathon and it was awesome. A little pain near the end, but nothing major. Julie was out of town, and most of my other run buddies are in taper mode for MCM, so I was on my own. I ran from my home down to the National Mall (and took the amazing picture above – no filter – it was gorgeous out!) and then crossed over into Virginia and ran to the airport. I stopped at Gravelly Point and watched the planes take off over my head for a minute before turning around and heading back home. This run felt strong. I felt strong. My mental game was on point – I sang Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” to myself on repeat and just took in the sights. I ran up Capitol Hill (you DC folk know what I’m talking about) in mile 16 and didn’t stop to walk. This was a good run. Splits: 10:16, 10:11, 10:03, 10:11, 10:18, 10:23, 10:22, 10:15, 10:15, 10:17, 10:01 (fastest mile), 10:19, 10:20, 10:30, 10:34, 10:48 (slowest mile – running up Capitol Hill), 10:22, 10:27. If I could run at this pace during the marathon, I’d be stoked. I took a cold water bath post run and relaxed the rest of the day. Alabama embarrassed Texas A&M, which really helped make this a banner Saturday!
On Sunday, I thought about going to barre, but ended up resting and was happy for it. Sometimes you need rest! I had earned mine. 🙂
Tell me about your week of training – how was your weekend?
Long runs like that are the best! great job Courtney!
Rose recently posted…Reflections on my DNS
indeed – it was a great run!
Damn! You are doing amazing!! Very strong week 🙂
Mar @Mar on the Run recently posted…Week 15: Motivation (+ a Giveaway!)
thanks friend! towards the end it was a bit of a struggle but i felt pretty good!
Great training week! How awesome to be able to run the the Mall from your house! You are very lucky!!
Christine recently posted…9 years ago….
yes, i am very fortunate to be able to run in DC. 🙂
Wow sounds like you were made for marathons! You are definitely ready 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Pumpkin Kale Lasagna
haha, i DEF wouldn’t go that far! i’m just really hoping i’ll have a good race next month!
Congrats on a strong week of running!
I spent the week recovering/ reverse tapering from Chicago.
Jennifer recently posted…Friends & Sushi & Bubbles…Oh My!
as you should 🙂 have a great week!
Great week, you definitely earned your rest! I had my longest run so far yesterday, 12 miles (though I did have to split it up into 2 separate sessions). I think I’m going to be ready for the half at Richmond 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly Review
it sounds like you definitely will be! awesome job 🙂
Sounds like you are ready to go! Great week!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Marathon training: Lessons learned
i sure hope so!
Great job on your long run and happy belated birthday! My long run was about 15 miles on Saturday, it should have been 17 but I’m coming off of two weeks of no running due to severely inflamed shin splints…thankfully the second of the two weeks I was allowed to cross-train all the miles I should have been running. I’m currently training for the Philly marathon on Nov. 23 so if you ever need a running buddy let me know! I live in D.C. and typically like to get my long runs out of the way early in the morning so I can spend the rest of the day being as lazy as possible! 🙂
congrats on being back to running. i’ve heard philly is a great marathon – have you run that race before? i’ll probably see you one morning on the mall– if you do see me, be sure to say hi! 🙂
Good job on your long runs! Your training looks good. I haven’t been running as much just cause my feet have been hurting. I see a podiatrist today. Wis me luck!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Silent Sunday: My Weekend In Pictures
oh, good luck. fingers crossed the podiatrist can help you out!
Awesome that you had such an amazing solo long run! It’s also interesting to hear that going right into marathon training from half training helped you out so much. Will definitely consider that when I go for my first full!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Race Recap: 2014 Buffalo Creek Half Marathon
well, i took a week off, but having the mileage built up was nice mentally! it cut the “marathon” portion of the training in half.
Great job on your workouts for the week. Those speed workouts are a brutal. Id rather do a long easy run then speed ones. Though I am in taper mode for MCM I was feeling very motivated yesterday and did one more long run of 15 miles.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…A Peek into Some Miles and Who is working at PetSmart
wow, look at you with 15 miles the week before the race!!
Sounds like a great long run Saturday. I’m coming back from injury, but I did do 2 separate runs of 1.5 miles each.
Lesley recently posted…Monday Musings 10/20
oh that’s great! glad that you are back at it!
Way to go, Courtney! What a great training week! I’m excited for you…I think you are going to have a fantastic marathon!!! EEEEEKKK!! 😉
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend Update
thanks tara – it was a really good week. i’m getting excited for the race!
you definitely earned that rest day saturday! so jealous of your smooth and mostly pain-free 18 miler – and what a day for it! can’t wait to hear you kick ass at richmond.
nevie recently posted…It’s race week.
thanks girl – saturday was absolutely beautiful.
Nice job Courtney!! Can’t believe 4 weeks to go already! Coming by quickly. I was thinking if I made it to barre today – I totally would have had a plank fail – would have resembled downward dog hehe.
Jennifer recently posted…NYC Marathon Training 10/13-10/19 – Week 18
I can’t believe this is the first time you’ve run to Gravelly Point!! It’s such a great run. I love running Capitol Hill, it’s such a challenge and it feels great when it’s done. You killed that long run girl, way to go!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Week 16 Recap
I am so excited for your marathon. Your training has been amazing! Great job on that 18!! Not long now. 😀
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a birthday than going for a little run. 🙂
Salt recently posted…Race Recap: The Baltimore Running Festival Half