I think I’m on bit of a runner’s high. Last week was my highest mileage to date (bonus: I felt good) and it ended with a perfectly executed 21-mile progression run. This week I felt strong & rested (finally) and ended my week with a perfectly executed 16.5-mile long run with marathon pace pick-ups sprinkled throughout.
To add to the high, I received an email from Boston Athletic Association. I’m 6 weeks out but the reality of Boston is starting to set-in – and I couldn’t be more excited. Plus, I have (most of) my favorite people coming to support me, and I’m thrilled to have my mom and sisters with me on race day (it’s been since December since I’ve seen them).
Mileage: 48
Monday {4.5 miles} – Coming off of a 21 miler, I took this run really easy. One of the benefits of co-leading my women’s fun run, is that someone has to bring up the rear – and it’s usually me. I get the opportunity to take it easy, shake out my muscles, and chat with some really wonderful women.
Tuesday {track} – I was well rested going into this run, and was ready to add more repeats to my run (I typically run 6 repeats). I felt good, and ran a little faster than my target pace (Coach George “yelled” at me on more than one occasion – “volume is more important than speed”). I finally (kind-of) got it right by #6.
8X800m, 1 mile warm-up and 2 mile cool-down (goal pace: 3:12/800m)
3:05, 3:05, 3:06, 3:06, 3:06, 3:10, 3:08, 3:06
Wednesday {5 miles} – Mother Nature couldn’t make up her mind. It rained when I needed it to stop, and didn’t rain when I wanted it. The rain made for a very wet and cold 5 mile run, post-run, in the dark. 2 things to note about runs that suck:
a) They make me stronger mentally
b) I feel like a bad@$$, because I usually the only fool person on the trail
Thursday {rest day} – Mother Nature made up her mind, and gave us glorious 70 degree weather! BJ and I went for a short, but awesome, bike ride. It was fun to hang out with BJ and enjoy the beautiful day.
Friday {7 miles} – Coach George nixed the tempo run, and instead suggested we run easy, long miles. It was a really nice morning, and I enjoyed running 7 miles in the sun. I felt good (and ready for my long run on Sunday).
Saturday {7 miles} – I conned suggested that BJ run 7 miles with me. These runs are conversational, and easy, and I love running with my hubs. It worked! The morning started out terrible and gray – but by the time we laced up our kicks, the sun was shining. We had a great run, and it was fun to run with BJ (it doesn’t happen often when I’m marathon training).
Sunday {16.5 miles} – I felt excited going in to this run – 16.5 miles is so much easier than 21 miles (wink). I turned down a night out (Chris Franjola from Chelsea Lately was performing at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse – and I LOVE Chelsea Lately) but I’m glad I did. I felt rested and ready to run. 16.5 miles with marathon pace pick-ups sprinkled throughout – 4 miles at MP, 3 miles, 2 miles, 1 mile; 1 mile recovery run between each set. My goal pace is 7:45/mile, but I was able to consistently run around 7:35/mile. The head wind on the way back was nearly unbearable – but I pushed through and felt really good when I finished my last pick-up. {2 long runs in a row, and I feel good – now, I just need this to last for 6 more weeks}
9 down, 6 to go!
Great job Melody! I can’t wait to see how Boston goes for you!
Such a solid week for you! You are going to rock Boston. I too had a good week and it makes you feel so confident. Great job!
Great job rocking your week Melody!! You are totally going to kick it in Boston!!
Holy cow! You did my february monthly miles in one week!!! I wanna be you when I grow up!
Seriously, fantastic job Melody – you are going to awesome at Boston!
Great week Melody! The next 6 weeks will fly by!
You are awesome. Marathon training does require a bit sacrifice and discipline- especially socially. One of my favorite quotes by Jeff Fisher (head coach of the TN Titans): “Discipline is doing what you don’t want to do so you can do what you want to do.”
That wind was crazy yesterday! I’m very impressed that you were still able to hit your goal time on the MP sections. Definitely a good way to end a strong week!
Nice job on the # of intervals! And major props for the long run on Sunday — that wind was miserable. I debated curling up like a ball next to National Airport.
Killer week! You are nailing all of your runs!
I love reading your blog because it reminds me to get on a treadmill!!
You are going to be so perfectly prepared! Yay for back-to-back awesome training weeks!
love reading your stories it keeps me motivated, you rock good luck on your quest for boston
Thanks Annica! Appreciate the kind words 🙂