Committing to the Routine - Wineglass Marathon Training Week 2
Here we are, at the end of week 2! This week has been all about sticking to my marathon training schedule as I continue to build a foundation for increased mileage, strength and speed.
Since I went through marathon training last year, I am feeling much more comfortable with the marathon training schedule and prep versus last year. Before Chicago 2023, my last (and first ever) marathon was the Baltimore Marathon in 2018. The routine of building long runs, fueling, staying consistent strength is feeling more natural than this same time last year. There is such a learning curve with the marathon event and each training and race day experience provides so many valuable lessons. Doing 2 marathons in back to back years already feels like it’s paying off right from the beginning of this training cycle and I can’t wait to continue to see improvements.
Monday - June 24th - 3 mile run
The week started with the usual run, right now it’s 3 miles. I usually take my favorite route and I love running alongside the ocean - it’s a good reminder that there’s a whole big wide world out there to put things in perspective when kicking off the work week.
This run started around 7:40am and with how hot it gets in Puerto Rico, I continually promise myself that I’ll wake up earlier and get out the door sooner…and then it still usually ends up being later than I want. Definitely a lot of room for improvement here and it all starts with winding down for bed earlier.
I also made a goal of doing a little bit of core after every run this week. I am not good about setting time aside for core-specific workouts so this is my way of making sure I get it in. I usually do 3 sets of 2 moves (about 10 reps each) so it’s quick and easy to add on after each run.
Tuesday - June 25th - Gym Session (20 minutes bike + 12 minutes lower body)
Another Tuesday, another busy day! I made the most of the 35 minutes I had to get in a gym workout and prioritized the additional cardio with my usual bike session. This goes along with sticking to a routine, even when I don’t have the time to do it perfectly or when it’s not perfectly convenient, doing what I can will add up to a lot over weeks and months of consistency. Each with just 12 minutes to get in lower body strength, I could feel the work afterwards and I’m glad I got to the gym to do something. Better than nothing, right?
Wednesday - June 26th - 5 mile run
Wednesday runs are shaping up to be my second longest runs of the week. I am excited to continue to build my mileage for this day and enjoy a longer run during the work week. I still got out the door later than I would like but I know that I can work on this and I think Wednesdays have the potential to be my favorite runs. Slighter longer runs have the perfect balance of giving time to stretch out, relax and take the pressure off pace, without having to plan for an entire long run.
Also peep the full blue fit. :) I love dressing in color!
Thursday- June 27th - Gym Session (30 minutes bike) + 20 minutes bodyweight upper body
I was excited to make it to the gym for a second time this week! Since I’m still recovering from some shoulder pain, I stuck to a slightly longer bike session and then waited to do bodyweight arm exercises later in the evening.
I ended up doing barre inspired arms (even without weights it will make you feel the burn!) while I watched the US Olympic Track Trials. This was a huge highlight of the entire week and such a joy to watch. My shoulder has greatly improved so I’m hopeful that next week I’ll be able to add some weights to arm day!
Friday - 3.1 mile run
This was my earliest run of the week starting before 7am to join my neighbor for 3 miles around the lagoon. I was dragging my feet behind her - I felt fairly stiff and her pace was a bit fast for me so it turned into a mini workout/tempo run. I haven’t picked up the pace like that in quite some time and it did feel good to push myself a little bit.
As always, it was so much more enjoyable to run with company and we went for a dip in the lagoon to cool off. Overall a fantastic way to start Friday!
Saturday - 9 mile run
Another long run day! I had all the intentions to get out the door early but ended up needing some extra sleep. I was very intentional about my prep for the run by hydrating and making sure to eat something. Unfrosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts are my new long run go-to! I swear I feel better on runs when I eat these. Plus, I feel as though I can actually get them down first thing in the morning which is no easy feat.
Because I started close to 9am, it was a very sweaty and hot run but I feel consistent and strong throughout it. I used my SPIbelt clip-on bottles for the first time this cycle to take sips of water and also used a Huma Strawberry Lemonade gel. I attribute feeling fairly good on this run to the pre-run and during-run fuel and hydration.
Sunday - Rest day
The last day of the week was a rest day for me and a race day for Graham! Unfortunately, the triathlon he was training for was canceled, but Graham rallied to organize one himself, complete with mapping routes and planning the logistics. I acted as cheerleader/content creation/gear transporter. It was so awesome to watch him accomplish this goal!
I felt pretty exhausted overall this weekend so I napped both days - another reminder that my habit that needs (and has also needed) the most attention is sleep!
Weekly Totals - 20.1 miles, 50 minutes biking, 32 minutes strength
Looking back at last year’s training, I am slightly up from where I was at this same time. One of my biggest takeaways from Chicago training was that I wished I had built up to more mileage. Even though we are the very beginning of training, I know I am putting myself in a position to build up to increased endurance and speed sessions in a smart, sustainable way. Beyond just the miles, I’m proud of the little things I am doing such as at least 1 core move after every run and getting comfortable with fueling long runs. It all adds up!
Talk to you next Sunday!