Week 13 was my last “regular” week before I begin my taper. It was an exciting week and I’m getting nervous, excited, and ready for Boston!
I worked the Cherry Blossom Expo (congrats to all racers) and was on my feet a lot. I can always tell when I’ve worked an expo – my legs are just a little more tired than they should be. I was, however, able to run 16 miles on tired legs and still feel good/strong.
Mileage: 49
Monday {8 miles} – It was such a beautiful day and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to run with BJ before my ladies fun run. Both runs were easy, and I felt good post-21 miler.
Tuesday {track} – I was tired, and I think it may have been apparent (George stopped me after 8x800m). In my defense, and after my last 800m workout, George mentioned that “quantity is better than quality”, I deliberately ran each 800m at (or close to) the same pace.
1.5 mile warm-up and 2 mile cool-down (goal pace: 3:10)
8 x 800m – 3:06, 3:05, 3:04, 3:06, 3:04, 3:05, 3:03, 2:58
Wednesday {5 miles} – I ran 5 easy miles. I’ve really enjoyed running without music for the last 3 months (my iPod broke & I haven’t replaced it) – it allows me to really take in the run and listen to my body.
Thursday {rest day} – I really enjoyed this day off!
Friday {tempo} – Today was a first: I ran a 5 mile tempo run on the track! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, tempo runs on the track are boring – especially when the last 2 miles are run solo. But, I felt really strong (and that was really encouraging). Average pace: 6:28
Saturday {3.5 miles} – Today was a long day at the expo and my legs were exhausted when I got home. I tried to go for 5-6 miles, but my legs just wouldn’t cooperate and I opted for 3.5 instead.
Sunday {16 miles} – One of my running friends was able to snag me a Cherry Blossom 10 miler bib. I ran an impromptu 10 miler (progression run), immediately followed by +6 miles. Cherry Blossom wasn’t the ideal place to run a progression run but it got me ready for race conditions and crowds. It also helped prepare me for the “start slow, end fast” mentality – it’s really hard to stay steady when people are passing me (I still get competitive during a race – even if I’m not racing). It was a beautiful morning to run and I loved the race day energy (please let the weather be exactly the same for Boston)
13 down, 2 to go!
Please let the weather be the same for Boston!!! 🙂 Great to see you out on the course, I almost think it’s funner to not race some races!
Great week, I’m excited for you at Boston too!
I wish I saw you yesterday, but I am sure you were whizzing past me.. enjoy you taper.. your past week was impressive! hugs!!
ADORABLE!! Go get it Mel!!
Love your race photo! I get competitive in a race too, even if I am not racing. I don’t like it when people pass me, especially when I know that I am faster then them!
I get so competitive in races no matter what the occasion! This became obvious when I ran a “fun” 2 miler on New Year’s Eve with a few friends. I was so determined to pass all the young kids that I didn’t even see a famous light house that I ran RIGHT by!!! It’s getting so close!!! I’ll see what I can do about the weather!!
Enjoy the beginning of your taper. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that Boston has weather like yesterday! It was a good day to be running. 🙂
oh my goodness, you are going to ROCK boston! i said it already, but i love love LOVE this picture of you. so happy, so joyful, so beautiful, so strong! aaahhh! yay, melody!!
Yay for impromptu Cherry Blossom bibs! Congrats on reaching your taper healthy and strong!
hello, I don’t think I’ve mentioned it to you, but I’m running the Blue Ridge marathon later this month in VA. Excited and slightly concerned….we do not have the proper terrain to train for this one, in MS (“the toughest road marathon in the US”). Should be a fun challenge. Hope you enjoy the taper.
Nice week! And awesome you got to do Cherry Blossom! It’s hard to believe that after all this time Boston is almost here!
2 to go! Does that mean you can start drinking margaritas on taper week, soon? You have a great race at Boston Melody.
I try not to drink the week (or 2) before a marathon…but you better believe I’ll be drinking one at the finish 🙂 Thanks for your support!!
Hi There! I found you through Healthy Happier and love your motto! If I had one it would be “Will run to wear cute clothes!” (I blog about running and fashion…and Jesus because I like to keep it interesting!) Anyhoo…Question for your speed training…do you always do it on a track? Did you have to ask permission from your local high school or college to get on the track? I have a high school less than a mile from my house and have tried to hop on early in the morning but always feel weird and slightly disobedient doing this!
Hey Tracy! Thanks for reading/finding me – I look forward to reading your blog, too. I always (99% of the time) do my speed work on the track – typically very early mornings (6am) or during the day (I have a flexible work schedule). During the winter, it’s easy to use the track at night, too because HS sports are rarely going on but as spring approaches, the local track is usually closed around 5pm due to an athletic event. DON’T feel weird using the local HS track – especially if it’s a public school (they are usually open to the public). You’ll love doing your speed work on a track versus the road 🙂