Marathon Training Weekly Report (MTWR)

Anyone else go to a college that used MTWRF when designating class schedules? It's kind of nice, because that's one wordy title, and I'm thinking I'll be able to remember the abbreviation easily.

Let's take a look at my first week of training...And can I just begin by saying that I'm really proud of myself? The week wasn't perfect, but I committed. And for the first time ever, I've undertaken a training plan and dedicated myself to following it.

There is no one else responsible for my success or failure. In fact, I refused to let Matt come with me on today's long run because I wanted to prove to myself that I could get up early and run farther than I've ever gone on my own.

Plus, I got myself up and out of the house by 6am even though I was busy all weekend, my sister was in town, and my mom met us today for a fun day of shopping!

New Puma running shorts? Thanks, mom!

Here's what the week was supposed to look like. (The original plan has Saturday/Sunday flipped from how I plan to work them, so I've edited the schedule to reflect that.)

HH Intermediate plan.

This week I was off by a few days because I technically started on Monday. I know next week will be off because I'll be traveling, but I intend to get in as many runs/workouts as possible. Here's what this week actually looked like.

Date	Workout
Sunday, July 7	Rest
Monday, July 8	XTrain. 10 mins stair-stepper, 5 min elliptical, 5 min rowing. Chest press (25 lbs), 2:20 plank, leg press (50), hip abductors/adductors (70)
Tuesday, July 9	3 miles. Rained some of the time, but was very muggy the rest. 8’55, 9’36, 9’53.
Wednesday, July 10	5 miles. Treadmill. Felt pretty tired/not all there. Kept the MPH between 5 and 5.5 for miles 1-4, then upgrading to 5.6-6 for the last mile. Splits: 10’23, 10’04, 10’05, 10’00, 9’47
Thursday, July 11	3 miles at pace on treadmill. Started off maybe a little too fast and had to slow it down at the end. Was feeling lightheaded. 9’54, 9’14, 9’14. Followed by leg press (35lbs x 20 rep) and hip abductors/adductors (55 lbs x 20 rep)
Friday, July 12	Rest
Saturday, July 13	Supposed to be XTraining. Instead ran the Beat the Heat 5k, 27:40 PR. New shoes.
Sunday, July 14	7 miles. New shoes. Meant to be 8, but felt tired from yesterday’s run. Foot pain in right foot, and possible beginning of a blister. Walk/run intervals from mile 5 onward. Splits: 9’59, 10’22, 10’39, 11’21, 11’42, 13’11, 13’46

I accidentally forgot that the 5 miler on Wednesday was supposed to be at pace, so I set Thursday's run to be at pace, and I think that helped me in the race Saturday.

Based on today's long run, I'm not sure how the new shoes are working out. I'm looking forward to resting my feet tomorrow so they're fresh for Tuesday and I can reassess how they feel. Why is shoe buying such a pain? (Literally...ha!)

I feel really good about the week. Because of the race Saturday, I knew I'd have to play it safe on my long run. I felt wonderful for miles 1-4. There was a nice steady sprinkle that began around mile 3.

A faint post-sprinkle rainbow.

But after I stopped to eat my Gu and get a drink at the park, I never felt back up to 100%. I adjusted my run and began doing intervals, and took a mile off the end. I was supposed to do 19 miles this week and I ran 21, so I think the cutback today was smart and necessary. Today was hard, but I'm still feeling positive about it.

As for fueling on the run...I don't think I like the Gu Gel. It was easy to carry, tasted good, and was effortless to open and eat. But it didn't give me energy or make me feel strong; I just felt kind of full. Plus, actually stopping to take it/drink messed up my rhythm. But I know learning to fuel on the run is important, so next time I'll try something else.

Next long run, I'll try the Chomps.

This week I didn't let myself stand in my own way. I'm excited to see what I learn next week!

How did your workouts go last week?
What did you do this weekend?
Have anything fun planned for this week?

ABK