Wineglass Marathon Training Recap

Good MORNING! First off- I ran a marathon! And somehow managed a 7-minute PR! I finished in 3:44:19 (8:34 min/mile pace). I’m working on a full race recap, but wanted to recap my training up until race weekend because I actually ran the lowest mileage before a marathon ever (even before my first marathon) and didn’t have a super consistent training block (so many days with sick babies), but still was able to run faster than I ever have. I think it’s important to be transparent in training, how things get done (or don’t get done), and just keeping it real over here.

Let’s run through just some stats over my training block:

  • Peaked at 41.88 miles

  • Total mileage ran 411.57 miles

  • Race PRs: 3 (10k, sprint triathlon (first one), marathon)

  • Runs missed/altered: 9

  • Milk produced: Unknown, but- So. much. pumping!

  • Average days a week ran: 4

  • Average days strength training: 2

  • Sicknesses: 2 for me and what seems like an infinite amount for the babies

  • Peak long run: 20 miles

  • Run coach: Yes! I joined the Lift Run Perform team program where most runners were training for the Chicago Marathon

This was the least I’ve ever ran/ trained for a marathon and I somehow managed a 6+ minute PR! I modified/skipped a lot of runs (but tried hard to stay diligent on my workout days and just modify easy runs if needed)- which is something I also never used to do. I did, however, really focus on my strength before starting this training block/signing up with my training group. I loved doing the Tread Bootcamps starting around 5 months postpartum and would use those days as my ‘speedwork’. I also did one half-marathon at 5 months postpartum (just for fun) and ran a 1:58 in very hot/humid conditions for early May (I think humidity was 85% at the start line and temperatures were already above 60?). I had some of the best training runs that I’ve ever had and was the least anxious surrounding my runs than ever before (I think having basically no other free time besides my ‘window’ to run really helped with this one! #motherhood). Some workouts that I’m really proud of included longer intervals like doing 30 minutes at 8:10 pace (goal was 8:33 pace), 4 x 1 mile at 7:45/ 7:46/ 7:53/ 7:53 (goal was 7:51), and a long run of 15 miles with 3 x 2 miles at 8:25/ 8:19/ 8:24 (goal was 8:33 pace).

I also had a lot more cross-training under my belt during this training cycle to help me prepare for my sprint triathlon the beginning of July and just as a way to slowly incorporate running back into my training postpartum. I worked with a Pelvic Floor PT starting at 3 weeks postpartum (I made the appointment on my own rather than waiting to talk with my doc at my 6 week postpartum visit, but I did make sure they were ok with me seeing a PT that early). I also worked with a Pelvic Floor PT mid-training cycle to help make sure I didn’t have Diastisis Recti (separation of the abdominal muscles- which is common after pregnancy) or any other issues (I wasn’t having any, but always good to make sure)! The PT that I worked with in September really just helped me work through a lot of scar tissue that I had around my c-section (and honestly I still have a lot- so if you know what helped you with your scar tissue LMK)!

We took a few fun trips during this training cycle- mostly to Maine and our first-time camping with the girls! I love how I was just much-more laid-back with this training. I had a goal to honestly just have fun with it and that took a lot of pressure off myself. I still rode my Peloton bike once a week until 3ish weeks out from the race and took strength training away around 3 weeks out as well (I had always strength trained up until the week of the marathon)! I also somehow PR’d the 10k, which I just used as a workout. That got me really excited to see what I could do in the 10k if I didn’t follow a race plan. I was also still breastfeeding/pumping during this entire training cycle (I planned to be weaned/done by the time of the race), but we are still doing it over here. If you ask me how I managed to get it all in- I’m not entirely sure, but the girls started going to daycare 2x a week in August and that gave me a lot more flexibility (and for that month I worked part-time). Alex was also so great about watching the girls either on my days off for me to get a run in or have the monitor during their nap time while I snuck-out for a quick run. I didn’t use our treadmill for basically the entire training cycle (because our treadmill belt was broken/needed to be fixed) which I also thinked helped with my mental toughness because I went out in all of the weather conditions.

I also started to become more body-confident and wore more crop tops, which I think helped boost my confidence. And we can’t forget about my Nike 2% Vaporflys (a Mothers Day gift)- not sure if these made a difference, but they certainly helped me feel fast. Now- I’m going to start working on my Marathon Weekend Recap next!

What Training Looks Like Right Now

It’s kinda funny how different seasons of life bring different expectations, viewpoints, perspectives, and goals. I was just thinking back to this time last year where I was super vigilant on training for my 50 miler/ Eugene Marathon and honestly, I feel like maybe it was too much training? It’s funny how it takes a while to look back at something and see it from a totally different perspective. I can almost envision the why I never actually reached my goal at Eugene because my training was crazy intense during an already stressed-out time in my life. I’m so happy I decided to take a complete month off of running because it allowed my body to regenerate and honestly, I’m feeling fitter than ever right now. I’m excited to begin working with a running coach for the first-time and focus on just a few races this year. I also really want to continue to improve-upon my nutrition as well as the ‘little things’ like strength training, yoga, and maybe some cross-training activities or run groups! Speaking of healthy -> we’re still mainly eating vegan (since November!), but have been loving the vegetarian options from Hello Fresh! Last nights Mediterranean Chickpea Couscous Salad:

IMG_6134.JPG

I’m also getting stocked-up which can only mean one thing: race training season is upon us!

IMG_6122.JPG

I started 3 mornings last week with some yoga and it was amazing. I really really love to begin my days like this if I have time.

IMG_6114.JPG

Epsom Salt baths are also my jam lately. I add a side of Hot Lemon-Lime Nuun & some Gilmore Girls for the background -> amazing.

IMG_6074.JPG

Last weeks training looked a bit like this:

Monday, Jan. 6th: 7.03 miles 9:33 min/mi avg in the slushy snow and yoga

Tuesday, Jan. 7th: Bike for 20 minutes & strength

Wednesday, Jan. 8th: 7.5 miles with 6 x 800m (see below for splits) and 15 minutes of strength work and yoga

IMG_6094.PNG

Thursday, Jan. 9th: 3.5 miles at 10:46 pace on snow-packed trails after a day at my mental health clinical

IMG_6100.JPG

Friday, Jan. 10th: 10 miles with a faster finish overall average 8:59 pace and yoga

Saturday, Jan. 11th: 6 easy miles at 9:24 min/mi avg and yoga in the morning

Sunday, Jan. 12th: 6.24 easy treadmill miles at 10:29 min/mi avg and yoga in the morning and 342 yard swim

Total Mileage: 40.3 miles

Total Elevation (treadmills don’t count the incline which is a bummer!): 1, 322’ up

—————————————————————————————————————————

-What’s your training look like right now?

-Ever had a point in your life where maybe you over-did it?

Training Tuesday: HOMEMADE Long Run Fuel Recipe!

Happy Tuesday! It’s BEEN A DAY. We got a crazy amount of ice and snow last night and I still had my clinical this morning (all the schools close to where we live got cancelled, but not where my campus/clinical is held), so I had to commute! My drive took AN HOUR longer than it should have and I was late and yeah…it was most certainly the Monday-ist Tuesday I’ve had in quiet some time. I can’t wait to get home tonight and do a total “day reset”. Flashback to this cute photo I took with Maples a few months ago.

IMG_4877.JPG

I thought it would be fun to share with you the recipe I use from Run Fast Cook Fast Eat Slow cookbook for their Energy Squeeze Marathon Fuel. I ended up using this for my last race day and had ZERO gut issues! It really worked so well for me. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this cookbook because every recipe I’ve had in it is amazing.

Attachment-1.JPEG

1/2 cup mashed sweet potato

1/2 cup finely chopped dates

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1/8 teaspoon high-quality sea salt

I put each individual serving (this recipe gives you three servings total) in a ziploc bag and carry it with me on the run (or pop it in my car to pick-up while out on my long run).

IMG_4873.JPG

I like to alternate an energy squeeze with a 1/2 of a banana.

———————————————————————————————

What’s your favorite gel to have on the run? Anyone else ever tried to make their own?

Loco Marathon Training RUNdown Week 10: 9/30-10/6

Running a day late for this post, but here we are! Last week was extremely busy and stressful in almost every aspect of my life, so I was grateful that it was a ‘cut-back’ week in regards to running. I was very thankful to get in those runs because they helped my stress, but also happy that it took less time than other weeks.

Untitled Design.PNG

Monday, 9/30- 2 x 2 mile repeats (paces: 7:46, 8:36, 8:26, 7:45) and strength

IMG_4934.JPG

Tuesday, 10/1- 5 easy miles at 10:04 pace

IMG_4946.JPG

Wednesday, 10/2- 30 minutes elliptical and strength

Thursday, 10/3- 10 easy miles at 10:00 pace

IMG_5024.JPG

Friday, 10,4- 10 easy miles at 10:22 pace and strength

IMG_4993.JPG

Saturday, 10/5- 4.14 easy miles at 10:52 pace

Sunday, 10/6- Rest Day

Total Miles: 35.4 miles

Total Elevation: 1, 063’ up

Lessons Learned: Seventh Marathon

I wish I could say that I’ve got it mastered from my seventh marathon. I know when things will hurt, how to push through them, the secret sauce to power through to that finish line, but I don’t. This marathon was part of my 50 miler training, so my ultimate goal was to still not get injured (among I also thought that getting a sub 3:40 really wasn’t too far off). Oh, how I still have so much to learn!

IMG_3279.JPG

You can’t train for a bad day. They will happen and it’s just a fact of life.

You also can’t train for stomach issues. You should still try to take gels in (I didn’t until much later in the race, when I should have tried to take another one sooner).

Be proud of your effort through the race and beyond. There will always be things out of your control. Show up to the start line knowing you gave it your best (or being realistic and knowing that you haven’t) and give it your best that day.

Training on hills is necessary.

Don’t slack on marathon paced miles. I slacked on these a bit (they were HARD) and paid for it.

Don’t rely on an awesome half marathon PR to pull you through on the marathon. I got a big half marathon PR 5 weeks out from race day and maybe had too much ego (that I will get my time goals) leading into the full.

Finding out what works well for you (nutrition-wise) the days leading up to the marathon is really important. I’m still working on this one.

We’re all up to date on my marathons! Cheers to 6 more weeks of training before my eighth marathon! Also shocker- I’m not using this as a build-up for anything else! It’s all marathon-focused over here right now.

IMG_3103.JPG

————————————————————————————————-

What works well for you for fuel before race day?

Anyone else find marathon (or race pace) miles super challenging?

Lessons learned from your past races- tell me what they are!?