The Rosy Wanderer

AHH! Marathon week is HERE! Mileage on the training plan is really low this week because the focus is on making sure your muscles are rested so you can power through on Sunday.

Monday

My massage therapist was available for a massage and it was so needed. I had a really tight muscle in my lower right back. I didn’t realize how bad it was until she was working it out. That is going to help my legs a lot for this weekend.

Tuesday

Running after my massage did not go well. My back was so sore that I couldn’t move my legs fast enough to run. My three miles were very much a walk averaging at 12:16/mile. I know this week I need to go slow and not push it.

Wednesday

My neighbor ran 4 miles with me today, and we practiced my 60/30 pattern. This went well, and I felt really good. I averaged a 13:00 pace because we walked a lot at the beginning. Again, the goal was to take it really easy this week.

Thursday

AHH! This was my last run at home before I flew to Chicago. I completed an easy 2 mile run at an 11:09/mile pace in the morning and then all thoughts turned to actually packing everything on my packing list. I was so nervous I was going to forget something. I couldn’t believe I completed all of my training runs and tomorrow was time to go to Chicago.

I should also note, I tried to eat more carbs this week, and while I never have a good diet, I felt really yucky this week. I know I didn’t do it right, and this was something to figure out in the future.

Friday

I flew to Chicago in the morning and took the “L” to my hotel – HI Hostel. I couldn’t have picked a better location as the start line was literally a block away. More on trip details later. After settling in, I took the Metra to McCormick Place for the Expo. I got my bib and then went to dinner before getting a good night’s sleep.

Saturday

The Abbott Chicago 5K started at 7:30 am. I wanted to experience the race and just take it easy. I ran the whole thing averaging 12:07/mile pace. Read the race recap for more details.

Sunday

Today was the big day! Bottom line, I finished the race. I didn’t meet a goal time, I didn’t PR, but I got my medal. I’m frustrated with myself, but I know the areas I need to improve. Completing a marathon is a big accomplishment no matter what the time is. I’m proud of myself because I stood at the start line feeling proud of my training and the dedication I put into this race. For more details, read my Chicago Marathon Race Recap.

Summary

It’s funny. I put in 18 weeks of effort and still didn’t do as well as I wanted to. It probably will always bother me. I’ve never stuck to a training plan as I did here. I’m really proud of myself for that. I know I must be in better shape than I was before, but I don’t always feel like it. What I do know is that I want running to be part of my life for the long term. This won’t be my last marathon, but I am going to focus on losing weight and getting strong with shorter distances. Once I feel like I have a more solid base, then I’ll work to attack another marathon – and hopefully earn a new PR.