Second week of marathon training in the books, just 39 miles but definitely a different arrangement of miles than what I’ve been doing. Plus it came on top of a difficult week. Last Sunday the difficult decision was made to move my grandfather to Hospice care, so we had a busy day — long run that morning and our anniversary dinner. Monday was an off day from running, but I also had a key presentation in the evening.
Since I couldn’t visit on Monday, I went down to the hospital Tuesday morning. My grandfather passed away around lunch that day. It was a heartbreaking day. When we left in the afternoon, the most logical thing I could think of to do was to go run. My grandfather loved nature, being outside, hiking, biking — a trail run seemed like a great way to honor his memory and work through the grief. I had 11 scheduled for the day but initially didn’t think I would do it all. But I just kept adding on trail segments and was having an enjoyable run until a ground wasp stung me around mile 8. — also known as the farthest-away point, of course. But, in the end, I got the whole run in and the alone time did me well.
Wednesday was an off day, so I did a strength/flexibility workout from Runner’s World and went to stretch and abs class at my gym. I also weighed in on the Tanita scale at Milestone … could be better, so we’ll file that one and put in some more work.
Thursday was workout day — 8 miles with 4 at half-marathon pace. I’ve had better, but I also haven’t done any speed work since … er, let’s say April. I split the workout with an easy half-mile halfway. Goal pace was 6:50-7, and I went 7:01, 7:09, 7:12, 6:54. Can’t win them all. Just good to get it under my belt.
I swapped my easy run from Saturday to Friday — I took the day off work — and ran easy with a friend. Saturday I went for a couple of walks but really an off day. We had services from my grandfather most of the day.
Sunday was the big day, 15 miles easy solo. I had picked up a new pair of Boracays and threw those on. It was really humid and I kept the pace easy.
In total, 39 miles for the week plus another 2:45 of crosstraining/other exercising — altogether 8 hours of work.
This week might be a little crazy — I’ve got some weird scheduling so I’ve only got three weekday runs but may have to shuffle them around. But, we’ll see how it shakes out. Excited about a massage tomorrow, plus meeting with my Pilates instructor to make sure I can get in at least two, if not three, workouts a week. I may have to pay for some individual sessions which is something I’m not a fan of. But, I think it’s key for good running so, we’ll make it work.
Off we go!
great update; I’m in “admin” mode for my xc runners for now, so I’m looking for ideas for my younger kids to make sure they’re mentally and physically prepared for their first meet on saturday the 5th…trying to think of some ways to help them learn to set a sustainable pace without me being there to work with them in person…glad your run helped you