The Rosy Wanderer

It’s November 25 (day after Thanksgiving), and I am writing my first training update for January’s race. I feel like I should write an update because I’m frustrated. Today was another failed attempt at mile repeats, but let’s take a look back…

Training Program

I’ve been enrolled in the Galloway Customized Training Program since spring of 2022 when I was training for Dopey 2023. Prior to that, I’ve been pretty consistent with running since November 2020. After the 2020 Chicago Marathon was cancelled, I was really lost. I couldn’t find motivation to run without a race on the calendar. Then, once I was able to secure a spot in the 2021 Chicago Marathon, I didn’t want to let these opportunities go to waste. I was going to take training seriously, but I had to start running again.

In November 2020, I started by just getting out there and just doing 1.5 miles. I was going out in the cold and dark to just do it and build the habit. Overtime, I started adding mileage and not stressing too much about the distance. It was important to just get out there. Chicago Training started in June 2021, and I wanted to do a really good job. I wanted to earn a time of around 5 hours, so I decided to follow the Hal Higdon Marathon Novice 1 plan.

Since Chicago 2021, I wanted to get better. I trained so hard for that race, and I bombed it. I did a little running before Princess 2022 Challenge, but after that, I knew I loved running and wanted to get better. Through the Rise and Run podcast, I learned about Customized Training Program with Chris Twiggs. I signed up to get professional guidance, and it has been very helpful. That’s the program I’ve been following, and I have been enjoying the feedback and friendly community.

Frustrations

Am I improving? That’s the question and the reason I am doing this. My Dopey performance was sub-par, but I earned a marathon PR at Kiawah 2022 as a training run. Then it comes down to the last two weeks – I botched by 10x Mile Repeats (could only hit my 10:30 goal pace for 6 miles and gave up after 8) and had a terrible 23 mile long run the following weekend where I walked the entire time. These two events had me really discouraged, but Coach gave some good feedback.

1. He said to try the 10x Mile Repeats again (instead of 12x) and if I did 2 miles in a row without hitting 10:30, then I should change to 1/2 mile repeats and get the total number of miles in. This seemed like a good solution to try on Saturday.
2. For my long run, he told me that it’s okay to walk (he always stresses this) as it’s important to get the miles in. He also said my walk pace is faster than normal people walking, so it’s okay.

Then, two days after that conversation, I run with my brother’s dog in the ONSC Turkey Trot and earn first place dog, my first sub-30 minute 5K, and a new “PR” (not an officially timed race). I was thrilled! Maybe things are improving. I didn’t use walk breaks on that course and was able to plow through all of the hills with the help of Daisy.

So, we get to today. I have the re-do of the 10x Mile Repeats which proceed to go terribly. I was very cold then there was a malfunction with my watch which kept pausing (I think my sleeves were hitting it) so my first mile was shot. I completed the 5 minute recovery, and then tried again. Both runs were closer to 11:00 miles than 10:30 miles. I was just frustrated.

Trying to Diagnose the Problem

If I look honestly at my behaviors, I am consistent with the runs scheduled and I started doing strength training with Run Fit Mama this year, but I am not good at recovery, yoga, foam rolling, or cross training. I’m also overweight, which doesn’t help getting faster, even though I have lost some this year.

Am I doing things the right way or is this the realization I need that more areas of my life need to change? Do my legs feel like blocks because I don’t foam roll or do yoga? Is my body not recovering appropriately because I’m only doing part of the puzzle?

I want to be a better runner; I really do. I spent sometime on the foam roller then went out for a 5K just running when I felt like it and walking the rest. It felt good to get out there, but I was tired.

Looking Ahead

This week is a recovery week before my final simulation weekend the following weekend (half marathon and 26 miles!). I need to use this week to incorporate the below activities:

• Yoga and stretching
• High-nutrient foods
• Epsom salt bath
• Foam rolling every day
• Mobility exercises
• More walks/cross training

Let’s see if this helps at all these next two weeks.