Week 15

Less than four weeks until my next full marathon.... I'm not really nervous about the marathon, I'm really getting excited to go to Alaska and enjoy myself.  What I am nervous about is this coming weekend's run - 20 miles.  I haven't done a 20 mile run since my training for LA.  Before Nike last fall the longest training run I did was 16 miles (and I PR'd by 22 minutes, with an injured ankle).  I swore I wouldn't do a 20 again, because I feel like it just kills my body.  But, its been so long and I really want to get a gauge on how I'm going to fare in Alaska.  So, here I am, getting ready to run 20 miles this weekend.  I think its going to be warm on Saturday, so I'm already starting to hydrate now.  I am not taking any chances.  But, no matter what happens on Saturday I do think I have a good chance of achieving a PR in Alaska.  (Setting a PR in Alaska is not a far fetched idea, my marathon times have been slooooow...)

So training last week was way off.  But, in my defense I was feeling exhausted and crummy all week - explained by the stupid head cold that appeared on Friday.

Monday - I went to Disneyland with a friend to celebrate my birthday, which was the day before.  And, I'm pretty sure walking around Disneyland all day is like a workout.  Although, it is probably negated by the junk food I consumed.  Meh, totally worth it.  =)

Tuesday - My body was completely wiped out from Sunday/Monday. I chose to rest.

Wednesday - I tried going for a run and was only able to complete 2 miles.  SO damn exhausting.  Had to keep it short.  My body wasn't cooperating.  I didn't even log the exact mileage/time.  It was just not a good run.

Thursday - I tried running again, this time I was able to go a bit further and it felt better.  Ran 3.04 miles in 32:09 (10:34 pace).  Not bad.  And, I was able to stop by Runnergy and pick up a couple of GUs.  I grabbed two new flavors of Roctane, Cherry Lime (nasty) and Chocolate Raspberry (pretty good).

Friday - Rest, long run Saturday and I left work early, as I was not feeling well.

Saturday - Long run with the team.  We were scheduled for 13 miles for full marathoners and 10 for half.  I only did 10, but only because my head felt like it was going to explode.  Stupid head cold.  But, I got through the 10 miles at a good pace.  I tried the Chocolate Raspberry Roctane and liked it.  So, yay for another new GU flavor I like.  I wound up way in front of my pace group and ran alone mostly and really enjoyed myself.  I think I do better not running with people than I do with people, in general.  My pace was good and steady throughout.  I felt mostly good until the end when I thought my head would explode.  Stupid cold.  Mileage: 10.24 in 1 hour 58 minutes (11:31 pace).  I am super excited about this time, I'm happy I got through 10 miles in under two hours.  It's giving me hope for a good marathon in Alaska.

Sunday - I went back to the park with my mentor, Tara, and ran another loop.  While I like running alone there is pretty much no way that I would have gone for a run on Sunday without knowing that I was meeting Tara there.  Glad I got in another few miles.  Mileage: 4.97 in 59:09 (11:54 pace).

Now, on to this week.  Hoping for a good 20 miler this weekend.  And a couple of good runs before then.  I'm closing in on 100 miles for the month of May.  As long as my body cooperates and this cold goes away soon I'll hit that goal.

I have hit my fundraising minimum for Team in Training/LLS, but I can still use your support.  My marathon is less than four weeks away and I can use all the support I can get!  Please donate, even just a dollar or two helps!  You can donate here:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/anchor11/ewallersco