Sunday, January 11, 2009

Marathon Training: Week Three Recap

First off, congratulations to all of the Disney Marathon finishers. I can't wait to read all of those race reports!

Today I completed week three of my marathon training, and I have to say I feel pretty good about it. I think I am starting to get used to the increased mileage and longer mid-week runs.

This week I ran 44miles/71K. I ran 2 recovery runs (4 miles and 5 miles), one 8(12.8K) mile tempo, one 12(17.7K) mile run, and my long run today was 17 miles(27.4K). It was -12C/10F today so I decided to complete my 17 mile run at our local indoor track. I didn't freeze and it was nice and flat, but it was kind of warm inside (I got significant chaffing - forgot the body glide), and it was B-O-R-I-N-G. I think I may be slightly dizzy from the experience. There are tennis courts on the inside of the track, so I tried to distract myself with this.

Next week the mileage jumps again in my program, but I'm not as afraid. I was really happy to get the mid-week runs done. So all in all, training is going well.

There is only one teeny problem..

I am still doubting my choice for my next marathon. I haven't signed up for Little Rock yet. What's holding me back? The course elevation. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind a hilly course (both Quebec and Nashville were hilly), but if I am going through this hardcore training plan, why should I try to PR on a really hard course? I have other harder marathons planned for later in the year, so I want to set myself up (as much as possible) for a solid run and maybe that sub 4 hour finish I am working towards.

I still want to run on a weekend surrounding my March break. On the 21st there is the DC marathon, not a 50 stater, but it looks like a good course. And of course on the 22nd there is Shamrock. Only problem I must be back in Canada the next day and it is a 16 hour drive. I think I'll mull this over the next few weeks before I decide. Who knows I may stick with Little Rock still.

That's it for me for now. In case you haven't heard, Amanda from Run to Finish is organizing a virtual race (7 on the 7th), so if you haven't signed up yet, head on over. Thanks Amanda for organizing this! You rock!

Have a good Monday. Thanks for reading!

31 comments:

Sonia said...

Good week! That's a lot of mileage!!

If you can find a flatter marathong that fits in your schedule then go for it. It's always nice to try to PB on 'fresh' legs meaning not your 4th marathon of the month ;-)

Stuart said...

WOW 44 miles in week three...hardcore!

SuperDave said...

OMG, 17 miles on an indoor track!
dedicated you are!
I'm running nashville this year. You said it is hilly? The elevation chart looks fairly level.. ughhh

joyRuN said...

That's a lotta miles, girl - good job!

Dim sum is more along the lines of appetizers in almost buffet style. They bring carts around with different trays of little goodies. You kinda have to know what you're ordering though - I'm not a big fan of chicken feet, for example. But the rest of it is YUM.

RunningLaur said...

That long on an indoor track? I'm super impressed!

Unknown said...

I've never run on an inside track, but it sounds like it takes a lot of mental effort. So yay for you for doign 17 under those conditions.

Best wishes finding the perfect marathon for Marchi-ish.

AddictedToEndorphins said...

Woah! Just catching up! I'm sure you'll find the race that's right for you:)

Great looking week! You rock!

J said...

Awesome week with all those runs and a lot of mileage!! I can't beleive you did 17 miles on an indoor track! Thats amazing!

Marlene said...

A 12-miler and that's not even the long run!? Amazing. Awesome job on week 3. I don't know how you keep up with it!

I can definitely see why you're having second thoughts about the marathon choice... you're working your butt off and should end up with a PR to show for it! I am having similar reservations about my Bluenose choice and I'm contemplating the Mississauga full instead and just running the half'er 'for fun' in NS. We'll see...

Good luck on week 4!

Denise said...

Great job on the training. Even though I'm not signed up for anything yet, I want to pretend train. I feel like I'm getting sluggish over here!

Heather said...

that's a great week - and I would be dizzy from running 17 miles on a track, too. Hopefully you didn't get hit by any tennis balls!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

that's a lot of mileage Marci! You're doing so well! Keep it up, you'll do awesome regardless of your marathon choice. :)

Marcy said...

I don't blame you for wanting to pick a flatter course. You've gotta give yourself as many advantages as possible, right? ;-)

Stacey said...

I ran 10 on the indoor track on Sat. I guess it is one step up from the treadmill...but still not outside! Great job on your week. That's a lot of mileage!

tfh said...

Wow, great job fitting in that mileage-- and it's nice to hear that you're feeling confident about the weeks ahead. I think you can do great on the Little Rock course but you should also follow your gut when it comes to how you best want to show off your hard work!

Cindy said...

i'd be dizzy too running on a track. you must have an iron will to do that. kudos!

Jess said...

That's a lot of miles in a week, and 17 indoors? Wow. That's determination!

Felice Devine said...

Really great week! Woo hoo!

I wish I had some marathon advice for you, but I don't. I do totally understand wanting to set yourself up for success, though. That's a goooood plan.

Janice {Run Far} said...

you go girl. running 17 on an indoor track has got to be almost as tough as running on the treadmill. Way to go on the miles for week three. Geesh....

Marlene said...

P.S. I tagged you. :)

Aron said...

awesome job on week 3! i totally understand the whole not wanting to waste the hard training on a hard course :) i would probably be the same way. cant wait to see which one you decide on for sure!!

Anonymous said...

Great job on the 17 miler! How on earth do you find time to do the longer weekday runs? I can't imagine squeezing those in.

Good luck deciding. There are a few hills in the DC one and it goes through some of the not as nice parts of DC, but I have heard good things about it as a race.

Jo Lynn said...

I could never do 17 miles on a track, or indoors. You're a much better person than I am!

Kim said...

You can always come visit us in Olathe, Kansas for your run in March! Not as hilly here as in Little Rock. Although, Little Rock is a ton of fun and has a more exciting medal and course.

BeachRunner said...

GREAT week. I like your thinking on the first race too. Makes perfect sense to me. Go with your gut, and whatever you decide, have fun.

Unknown said...

You seem to be right on pace and doing well. I hope I can stick to mine that well when it starts.

Frayed Laces said...

Great job on the training!

Laurel said...

I'm doing the Marathon in DC in March! You should totally do it. It's supposed to be a great race.

Either way, you're going to kill it. What an awesome week you had!

Annette said...

Hi Marci thanks for stopping by my Blog. I have run the 1/2 at the Little Rock Marathon twice but not the full yet. I did help a friend train for the full and we did a lot of our long runs on the marathon course. It is hilly but I don't think it is any worse than Nashville. I understand wanting a flatter marathon but Little Rock has the BIGGEST medal :)

Lindsay said...

nice job with week 3! 44 miles already, and a mid-week long run, whew!

Laura said...

Let me know when you decide about Little Rock! I really want to do it but haven't signed up yet due to budget concerns. However, the week after there's a possibility to do a double: the National Marathon in DC and then the Yuengling Virginia Beach Marathon in Virginia Beach (3 hours away driving). I kind of want to do that...