Do I sound a little bit excited? Maybe it’s because there will be no more Air Supply popping up on random play on my iPod during my runs. (Don’t judge.) Maybe it’s because I survived two days in a row of running for more than 3 hours and lived to tell the tale. Maybe it’s because I have two toenails that are about to part ways with my toes and that’s enough for one training cycle. Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled that training is D.O.N.E. DONE.
So, it’s quite fitting that today’s Tuesdays on the Run topic is “Spring Training Update”. Join Patty, April, and me as we talk about how our plans went/are going. We’d love to hear about yours! What are some of your highs? Your lows? Anything funny happen on the runs?
My training plan went mostly well. Mother Nature did not want to cooperate. I did many cold, cold runs. I did a few snowy runs. I ran in the pouring rain a few times. I even ran 8 miles on an indoor track that was 8 laps to the mile.
Since I was training for back to back marathons (less than 3 weeks from now!), I focused on back to back long runs. I started at about 10/8 and finished with my highest two day mileage by running 18/18. Since this was both time consuming and exhausting, I kind of let the rest of the runs fall as they did. Sometimes this meant an additional long run (hello, RNR DC, I’m talking to you.) Sometimes this meant barely any other running that week.
Am I ready? I think so.
Am I enjoying taper? Oh, yes. Instead of running for multiple hours and being unable to form a coherent thought afterwards, today I biked, went on a quick trip to Target, worked 5 hours, and cleaned my house. Amazing what one can do with some extra time!
My lowest moment: when I tripped and fell hard on my knee, leading to weeks of reduced mileage (it still hurts in the middle of the night sometimes.)
My highest moment: running a sub-10 minute mile at the end of a 20 mile run.
Weirdest thing seen on the run: a woman running in a full length down coat. And it wasn’t even one of the crazy cold days we had.
I’m still trying to digest the experience and figure out my plan for the races. Don’t worry, I’ll share it all with you.
[Tweet “The hay is in the barn. Time to taper. How ’bout you? How’s your spring training going? #tuesdaysontherun”]
Happy Tuesday! Keep up the good running!
Loading InLinkz ...
Enjoy your taper. Hope that knee gets all the way better. Congrats on that 20 miler with the fast last mile! That must have felt great!
Kelli recently posted…Running Streak Update
It was an amazing feeling. The last two times I trained for a marathon, the 20 milers finished with a mile or two of struggle.
Enjoy that taper!! You worked hard to get here. Rest, recoup and get ready for your big race days! Best of luck!!
Melanie@runnergirlinarockingworld.com recently posted…Goal Checkin’ – Spring Edition
Thanks! I’m enjoying some extra time to get stuff done.
Happy tapering! Running through rough weather and on tiny tracks build a ton of mental toughness. It sounds like you are ready!!
Leana recently posted…Spring Training Update
I keep telling myself that the mentally challenging runs are good for me…
Enjoy your taper time…back to back LONG runs, phew! I hope you kill those marathons!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Gone For a Run Virtual 10K
Thanks! I’m glad the super long back to back training runs are done – I’ve seen the streets of my neighborhood way too many times LOL.
Looks like you are having an amazing start to your season!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Rock Your Core-Week 3
Thanks! I can’t believe my races are less than 3 weeks away.
Enjoy taper! It is fun to know that the work is done and race day will soon be here. I am also tapering and unfortunately am nursing a cold, but I am being super careful and hopefully by Monday I will be back to my normal self!
Pam recently posted…Training Tuesday: Dear Alison, Boston is our victory lap
Hope you feel better quickly! Have a great race!
Congrats on making it to tapering! 🙂 Sounds like you totally rocked your training plan!
Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…Spring Training Update.. or lack thereof?
Holy training season! Those poor tonails didn’t know what was coming. Hopefully you are enjoying the rest past now and not trying to antsy already
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Mother’s Day | Best Mom Ever
I won’t be antsy for a week or two yet LOL.
Yay! Congrats on making it through a tough training cycle. Can’t wait to hear how the marathon goes 🙂
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…10K Race Playlist and 6 Tips for Back-to-Back Races
Thanks! I’m happy it’s done and ready for the races.
Tapering and all that free time! Let’s hope Mother Nature will be good to you on race day.
Lesley recently posted…Spring Season Update
Seriously!
BTW, I am unable to comment on your blog because I’m never in the right google account for commenting. I do read though!
Thanks for letting me know. I changed something in settings, which I hope helps.
Lesley recently posted…I Want to Go Back to Cartegena
Good luck in your back to back marathons! I did back to back marathons last fall & totally loved it! It’s an amazing experience! I can’t wait to read your race reports in a couple of weeks! Enjoy your taper!
Aimee recently posted…Cross Training for Runners – Upper Body Workout
Ooh, I’m going to have to go find your blog posts about that. Good to know I’m not the only crazy. (If I were, Marathon Maniacs wouldn’t exist LOL)
Back to Back Marathons…..you go girl!!! You got this!
I hope your knee continues to heal. I was diagnosed with arthritis in my a few weeks ago…I am waiting to get lubrication shots (I am tin woman)-haha!
Ugh, I’m sorry. So far my knee is mostly fine. Hopefully it will get through the races with no issues…
Taper time already? I didn’t realise your races were so close. But then I have trouble remembering what day it is so it’s no surprise that I’m a bit out of it.
Char recently posted…Only 12 Weeks To Go
I’m doing a 3 week taper because of the heavy mileage. I need some extra recovery time.
All the rough runs are totally worth it!
So true!
I’m following you to the finish here. I can’t wait to see how you do!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Taking the Long Way Home Book Club Book Review: 4:09:43 Boston Through the Eyes of the Runners by Hal Higdon
Thank you! Hopefully I finish upright and smiling. LOL
I’ve been in such awe of your training. You are going to have an amazing time, Erika! And I’m so happy you’re also running MCM 🙂
Back to back 18 milers! Holy cow! You’ve earned your taper. 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying it!
Jessica S recently posted…Book review: 4:09:43 Boston 2013 Through the Eyes of the Runners