Finishing Touches

Coming off a step back mileage week, not of choice but out of necessity, I felt this week’s training allowed me to put some of those finishing touches on my training.  The week was a bit of a renewal.  Every marathon training has it lows and I believe I’m finally over them and springing up with strength, determination and confidence.

Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race. The ( )shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible. My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule.

Week 16

Monday: (5-6 miles) Rest day for me.

Tuesday: (Strength) Typically I am an early morning runner, however I felt it better to get another chiropractic adjustment in before running again.  I did not do the 3×2 mile intervals, but kept a more steady pace for the 6 miles.  After coming in I believe those choices were best as I still nursed the crazy mid back/rib issues.

Wednesday: (Off) Kept this as a day off as I still baby those back muscles.

Thursday: (MP 10) Yeah, got my 10 miler in without incident this week.  Can’t believe how far I’ve come in just a week.  Not the MP I wanted but happy to get the 10 in and even happier the rib is staying in place. Muscles are still tight but I seem to be mending. Finished in 1:35 for a 9:31 pace.

Friday: (5-6) Another rest day playing it safe and getting ready for the big run on Saturday.

Saturday: (10 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP) Oh, the rain! Because I missed last weekend’s long run due to the rib/back issue I bumped this run to 16 miles. I was soaked to the bone, but I felt so confident after this run.  It was comfortable and I felt ready for more.   Finished in 2:30 at 9:31.

Sunday: (8-10) Followed up the 16 miler with 10 miles.  The legs were sluggish, but overall a good run to build up more endurance.  I was happy with a 9:37 pace finishing in 1:37.

Total mileage: 42 miles