Boston Results

Had a great time in Boston today! Will write all about it tomorrow when we are home... It was a crazy hot day in Boston, it was 87 at the finish!
I ran a 3:20:23 which is 7:39 pace.
My half was in 1:41:23, so I was able to negative split through the Newton hills!
The B.A.A. site says I was 1860th overall and 167th woman.
Time to get on the plane to Charlotte, they are letting anyone who ran the marathon board first! So awesome!

The Boston Decision

So unless you have been living under a rock (or don't watch the news, read the paper, go on Facebook, or just don't care one bit about the Boston Marathon) the temperatures tomorrow will rise into the 'danger zone' for participating runners. The temperature seem like it will hover between 78 at the start and around 84 or higher at the finish for me. These temperatures put runners at a much higher risk for heat related injuries.
The B.A.A actually sent an email telling participants they could defer their entry to next year, due to health concerns. All day yesterday I thought about what I was going to do. I was upset because I trained to get a PR for this race, which is something you should not try for when the temperatures are this high- plus, it's totally unrealistic. Two of my friends, who are ridiculously fast runners, suffered heat related injuries in Chicago 2010 when it was super hot, and I did not want to go through what they did. I went to bed sure that I was going to defer and try another race in a few weeks.
When I woke up, I magically had my answer. I really, really wanted to earn a Boston marathon jacket. We spent all this time, money, and effort trying to get to Boston, which included switching our plane tickets from Pittsburgh to Augusta. Penny and Bruno had to spend the trip in the kennel. I spent everyday since December 10th preparing for this day. Above all else, I felt that going on that plane without a medal in my purse, around all those other runners that did get to race, would really, really, really make me upset.
My new plan tomorrow is to race, but race smart. I will be running a pace that challenges me, but does not overheat my body to a ridiculous extent. Fast racing does that to you. I might feel cool and comfortable the first 10 miles, then really have to slow down as the temperatures rise. That will be okay. This race will probably be the most challenging one I complete, ad I will be very proud to take my medal home to Georgia.
By the way, if you are running Boston and decide to defer, I totally 100% agree that you are making the right decision. I hope I run in such a way that makes my personal decision the right one for me!
Because of all the drama regarding the weather forecast, the trip has not been the most relaxing time. In fact, I think this is the most nervous I have felt before a marathon! But I know once I finish tomorrow it will all be worth it!

Some pictures of our trip below. We had an awesome dinner at P.F.Changs last night! Got to see my twin who flew in from D.C. and of course, my parents. We went to the expo today where I purchased the coveted Boston Jacket - there is no turning back now! They gave us really awesome fitted technical shirts in our bags, too.
Oh, and those weird pictures of running heaven and people play harps was from the Brooks "running heaven" it was pretty sweet/ridiculous.
We also took a walk around the harbor after the expo, so pretty!
If you would like to track me via text message, text "RUNNER" to 345678 then when you get the auto reply, text 7149 for my bib number.
Good luck to everyone running and remember to take care of yourselves tomorrow!


(my pics aren't loading up... Will add them in when I'm home!!)

Important Race Decisions

One of the most important decisions for any race is what to wear.  For me, the item of most importance is to wear lots of pink.  I find that the more pink I wear, the more fans I get to cheer for me.  Usually, they refer to me as Pinky or Blondie and the lady spectators especially seem to like my outfit.  I have a pink sports bra top, pink spybelt (for my 4 vanilla gus) and either a pink visor or pink, glittery headband - TBD.  I will be wearing new, Nike Dryfit shorts that are gray with pink trim.  Jordan gave me these for my birthday.

In addition, I will be wearing the Newton MV2 racing flats for this race.  I wore them for the Augusta half marathon, and they worked out great.  The only thing is that they are built for 10ks and half marathons.  I really wanted a lighter Newton to race in, since I wear them on my training runs all the time.  THe shoe guru that I purchased them from told me I should be okay based on my size to wear them for the full marathon.  I definitly feel faster in them!

If you are running Boston and are anything like me, you have been checking the weather every 7 minutes to see if there is a cold front moving into Boston Monday morning.  Right now, the temperature could get up to 88 degrees on Monday!  I personally love running in brisk weather, but am trying to be optimistic about this forecast.  Obviously, I will have to adjust my PR goals and focus on running a strong, smart race where I can place well in my age group and have the luxury of passing others the last part of the race.  I also will be aiming to NOT to visit any medics.

 Any race temperature over 60degrees negatively affects race performance.  I found this neat calculator online that calculates, based on the temperature, how your goal time will be affected.  I was surprised that for a goal time of 3:10 in 80 degree weather my time would only slow by 6 minutes.  I will be putting this theory to test.

Check out the calculator HERE

After doing my extensive research today, I realized I have two things going for me regarding running a race in the heat.

1) I have lived in Georgia for a whole two weeks and ran two speed workouts and one long run in over 80degree weather.  Today it was 72 when Jordan and I ran and I hardly broke a sweat - of course that was only 3 miles at 8:25 pace!
2) I am small, and female.  I read that taller, larger males have the hardest time in the heat - more body surface to heat up, I guess!

I will be spraying myself with sunscreen before the race and of course take care to stay hydrated - while avoiding over-hydrating - which can lead to death!  I will be wearing a sports bra so I can get a cool breeze on my belly and am thinking about wearing a visor, I still can't decide if it will help me by shading my face, or if it will add more heat to my body.

I will still be hoping that the weather changes, but am very excited to run Boston for the experience of it.  And I will certainly be pushing my hardest, even if it isn't reflected by a PR. There is always the jacket to look forward to!

2012 Boston Marathon Jacket

Sadly, we had to take our puppies to the kennel today since we are leaving early in the morning.  I am not worried about them, I just miss our little buddies!  Its so weird not having them follow us around.  Mister Bruno was very upset to go to the kennel, while Penny was so happy to meet new friends.

Poor, unsuspecting pups

Tonight we will be relaxing (which calls for me checking the weather every 15 minutes) and having day 2 of our homemade meatballs and sauce, one of the best things about tapering!!

Cooking balls of meat

Any thoughts on running marathons when it is HOT?  Visor or no visor?  Ohhh the important decisions I have.

Believe in the Taper

Monday kicked off taper week and my running has really slowed down in preperation for Boston, which always has the side effect of making me feel lazy, tired, and cranky.  It seems like this happens to everyone, but it never will stop me from tapering.  I really believe that progressively backing off your miles and intensity over the last three weeks will help start the race rested and fresh, and you will have the endurance to finish strong!

This is what my week has looked like so far:

Monday: 5 miles easy
Tuesday: 4 miles easy
Wednesday: Workout totaling 6 miles 1.5 WU, 3x1200 with 400 meter rest.  These were faster paced (around 6:40) but did not feel bad because there were only 3 of them.  Ran them on the road in : 4:59, 4:57, 4:54.  Felt great to run fast in my marathon flats.
Thursday: 3 miles easy

For the rest of the week:
Friday: 3 miles easy (on grass) with some striders after to make sure I don't lose my turnover
Saturday: Complete rest
Sunday: Easy 2 miles, a few striders
Monday: MARATHON!

For the last two weeks, I have stopped lifting but continued with ab work.  I have felt a few aches and pains in my legs, which always happens when I taper.  I have been making more of an effort to run on grass and stretch and ice.

Starting today, I will be eating pasta or other high-carb foods for dinner.  I feel most prepared for a race when I each so much pasta I vow to never eat it again.

 

Have been studying the course and telling myself those uphills are just little speedbumps!

The weather forecast has been very scatteered for Monday.  At one point, Monday was predicted to reach 80 degrees.  Not nice marathon weather.  I run well in brisk weather, so I am hoping for a colder day.  Right now, Monday has a low of 51, high of 70, a 30% chance of rain, and scattered thunderstorms.  I'm thinking of wearing a sports bra top instead of the usual tanktop.  The only thing I hate about that is you have to awkwardly pin your number to your shorts!

Click below to track anyone running the Boston Marathon, my bib number is 7149 if you would like to track me!
Boston Marathon Runner Tracking


Besides tapering and obsessing over the weather in Boston, I have been out and about Augusta.  Have been doing some fun outings, as well as applying for and interviewing for different jobs.  Tuesday night, Jordan and I took the dogs to my favorite park to run at.  There is a big dog park there as well.  Bruno was ridiculous and barked at everyone at first, then finally calmed down.  He was very friendly to all the kids who came to pet him.  Penny made me look like a fool.  We were walking together so nicely on the trail when she decided to start her laying-down-in-the-middle-of-the-walk routine.   She did this in front of a huge crowd watching peewee football practice and they were laughing hysterically when I had to carry her on the rest of our 'walk.'

the two most intimidating dogs at the park

Have any magic tapering tricks for me???

Hoppy Easter

Hope everyone had a great Easter and that you have 9 pounds of leftover ham like us!  I hope eating excessive amounts of ham this week is just as beneficial as carbo-loading is for Boston next week.  Ham is a carb, right??

Although we were away from our family in Pittsburgh this Easter, it was a lovely time of year to be in Augusta.  We spent a lot of the day watching the Master's and cheering Bubba on.  I really wanted him to win as well, after Jordan showed me this video showing off his talents:

We went to our new church for Easter Mass at 9:30 am.  It was super sunny and gorgeous out.  The church was packed, and we were lucky to get a seat.

wearing a dress I got in 7th grade, probably should give that away.... but it seems so Eastery to me!

the girls

the boys 

Afterwards, we came home and I popped our egg-cheese-biscuit-sausage casserole in the oven and made some coffee.  We had a nice  brunch on the patio while the pups played with the toys the Easter Bunny brought them.

probably not the healthiest breakfast... at least I served fresh pineapple on the side

After letting our food digest, Jordan went to the driving range and I went for a run.  I ran 7 miles total, with 2x10 min at tempo with three minutes rest.  The goal pace was 6:51, but I was able to run 6:44 and 6:37.  I felt great, and didn't even get sick after eating sausage only two hours prior.  Another highlight of my run was when a family offered me a fried chicken leg when I ran past their get-together in their front yard.  I did not want to ruin my dinner, though.

We did a little egg dying....

...and by that time, dinner was ready!

We had:
Ham
Biscuits
Cheesey Crockpot potatoes
Sesame Asparagus
and Banana Cream Pudding for dessert

we definitely ate some Saturday night!

I was a fan of all of it...I really liked the biscuits and pudding!  At least I know biscuits are a carb.  :)  And now we have 9 lbs of ham to go through.

Hope you all had a great Easter like we did!  One week until Boston!

Weekend - Pre-Easter

Jordan had Thursday and Friday off this weekend, so we have been busy getting our house together, and exploring Evans!

On Friday, I ran five miles easy in the morning around home while he slept in.  I decided to be nice and let him have a rest day.  I felt a little stiff from the speed workout Thursday, and was glad when the run was over.

We worked around the house during that day, and after eating dinner we headed to the Evans theater to see.....

The Hunger Games!

I recently read all three books and was a huge fan of them.  The entire concept of the series gives you so much to think about (I may have had nightmares after staying up late reading), and then there is my girl Katniss.  After being disappointed with the Twilight series, it was awesome to see such a tough, kick butt heroine in the story.  The love triangle was really interesting and both guys were so adorable and in love with her, but she wasn't like wimpy Bella pining away for Edward and just taking up air.  Katniss got it done!  I also related with her strategy in the arena.  I would totally run away and live up in a tree until everyone else killed each other.  

The Hunger Games, in a strange way, kept bringing me back to thinking about the marathon.  We all reach a place in the race where you need to focus on maintaining your pace and just surviving.  I usually get into the 'survival mode' at about mile 18.  Up until then, I have maintained my goal pace and,have felt pretty comfortable.  At this point, I don't want to blow it due to some stupid mistake (compare it to dying of dehydration during the hunger games).  I become very aware of taking care of myself - drinking enough fluid, taking in enough calories, keeping my form, hitting my splits, drafting if it is windy, and playing mental tricks to stay in the game.  Hopefully, I can channel some of Katniss's survival skills on April 16th. :)

Saturday, Jordan and I ran at the Evans Town Center Park during their Easter Egg Hunt.  He ran/walked 4 miles and I did a pretty easy 5.  I felt much less stiff.  We had a post-workout breakfast at Panera after, and shopped at the best grocery store in the world, Publix.  Publix is the bomb.  We literally had THREE very pleasant teenagers waiting on us.  One polite young man actually insisted on unloading our cart for us.  A girl checked us out, and kept asking us how we were doing, did we find everything okay, etc.  Another guy bagged our groceries and offered to walk us out and unload our bags for us.  The Dirty Bird (Giant Eagle, my highschool employer) should take notes.

I spent the afternoon cooking up a storm for our Easter feast today.  Although it is just us, I really wanted to cook a nice dinner - and have lots of leftovers.  I made Banana Cream Pudding, Sesame Asparagus, a Breakfast casserole, and prepped our cheesy crockpot potatoes.  Tomorrow I will make the ham and homemade biscuits.  I will have to post some of these recipes, nothing is too tricky and the pudding is especially delicious!

I love my Easter Apron my mother got me!

After a day of slaving away in the kitchen, Jordan and I went to Salsa's Bar and Grill just down the road .  I was ecstatic to see that they had half pitchers of margaritas for only $8.49.  We split it, and didn't even finish the whole thing, haha.  I have a special place in my heart for margaritas after honeymooning in Mexico.

I wasn't super hungry, so I chose to get a combo for only $7.95.  I picked a Chile Pablano and a chicken burrito.  I loved the pepper because it was spicy and NOT FRIED like most are, so I could actually taste the pepper.  Fried food can be good, but it covers up the pepper taste too much.  The Burrito came with a spicy, red sauce so of course I liked it, and of course I added some Mexican hot sauce to it.  Jordan ordered chicken fajitas and decided they were the best he has ever had, besides the ones in Mexico.

 It was still light out after dinner, so we decided on an after dinner photo shoot at the Woodbridge.

He may or may not have chased down the geese after this photo...

Hope you are thinking of us if you are watching the Master's!  Happy Easter!

Yasso 800s Take 2

It was an exciting morning here. We had our new washer and dryer delivered! Can't wait to get started on the mountain of laundry piling up in the laundry room, thank goodness there is a door I can close to that disaster of a room.
After the delivery men left, Jordan and I left to check out the nearby highschool track. It was only a few miles away from our house, and it is apparently always open to the public. Sometimes tracks are hard to get access to, which annoys the heck out of me - aren't our tax dollars paying for these tracks? That means I should be able to run on it!
Anyways, I didn't start my warmup until around 9:30. It was 75 degrees and sunny. About two weeks ago, I completed the Yasso 800s wrkout, but only 8x800 at 3:09 pace. I wanted to run the same pace today, but to complete 10 repeats. Since Jordan was with me, he did the last 400 of each repeat to help me along. It is my goal to get him to participate in a series of races this summer that start at 1.8 miles and finish the season with a 10k. So this was a good workout for him as well.
After three repeats, I was already thinking of how to quit the workout early. I really had to focus on one repeat at a time and stop to take water (and dump it on my head) after each repeat. It is hard to go from running in chillier temps in Pittsburgh to over 80 degrees and direct sun on a black track that reflected every bit of sun durectly on you. The funny part was that while I was dying and sweating profusely, a local track team didn't even break a sweat wearing dark gray cotton tshirts and heavy basketball shorts. I was practically naked and felt like my body was on fire.
The first 5 repeats: 3:11, 3:12, 3:10, 3:11, 3:12. I felt very uncomfortable, but it was a relief mentally to get to the halfway point. After that, I started counting down backwards and it was a lot nicer that way.
I think we all have those workouts where you are just trying to hold on and play mental tricks on your body to get through it, and today was one of those days. I would have loved to run my intervals a couple seconds faster, but hanging on when you feel like quitting is a great mental exercise that you need to practice to race well. At least I told myself that when I wanted to stop.
The last five intervals:
3:11, 3:11, 3:13, 3:12, 3:10
Again, would have liked to run a few seconds faster, but was happy to run consistent times.
The workout totaled 10 miles for the day ( a shorter then average warmup and cool down because I'm tapering) and we rewarded ourselves with going to the Evans Diner, conveniently located right around the bend from one of my other favorite running parks. It was yummy as usual, but felt a little sick still from the workout.
On the way home, we took a drive around some of the neighborhoods. I am blogging from my phone on the E network so I'm not sure if it is going to show up or not, but we took two pictures from those pretty bridge my parents liked looking at while they were visiting. Looking out over the water, I felt really lucky to be living in such a pretty town. I also felt lucky to be do e with speed work for a few days!

Last week before taper

Last week, I had my biggest mileage week before my taper began! What perfect timing, the extra time will give me more time to pack up and move.  But I would MUCH rather be running then putting boxes away.

This past week:
Monday: lift, 7 miles easy
Tuesday: 9 miles, abs
Wednesday: lift, 11 miles (Yasso 800s)
Thursday: 9 mile hilly run - got to run with Kate!!!
Friday: 6 miles easy
Saturday: 22 miles with Leslie and Moira at the Montour Trail - av. pace 7:55, last 7 miles closer to marathon pace 7:40 - 7:10
Sunday: 8 miles with Dad, easy - very sore

Last night, Jordan suddenly got very sick.  He has a fever, sore throat, and stomach bug. He called off work and I decided to as well because he looked so miserable and we really needed to get a lot done in the house. I had a ridiculously productive day cleaning and packing. My fingernails are disgusting from all the cleaning products and my hands are dry and cracking. It wasn't very smart to pack away my cleaning gloves, but that is the story of my life right now. Everything I want is all packed up. My nail clippers are also packed away, and most of my nails are missing big chunks and falling off!  This is why I never get my nails done, I ruin them immediately.

The doggie seatbelt harness

Since I am such a wonderful dog mother, I packed a travel bag for the pups today and also did a test run of how they would be riding down to Georgia. I got each dog a safety rider harness that allows them to sit safely on the seats while buckled in with the regular seatbelt. Their leashes also attach to it, which will make it easy when we take them out for potty breaks. However, some people think it is very ridiculous my dogs have seatbelts! But they are so cute in the back together!

all pooped out from watching me clean

Moving truck is coming tomorrow and we will be packing everything up! I have a feeling I will be very, very sore.

Big Changes!!!

I have missed blogging so much these past few months!  I have kept up with reading my favorite friend's blogs during this time, but I have been very, very preoccupied with my changing life since my last post!  However, I really missed talking with and commenting on everyone's blogs and I am so happy to get back into it!

Running wise, I am still training for Boston and it has been going very well besides the few times (like this past week when I got the stomach bug and still struggle with running 1 mile two days later) I have gotten sick.

I am very excited for all the new changes in my life, but it has my mind going a million miles a minute trying to figure it all out!


Big change number 1:

I left my job teaching Kindergarten at the charter school I was working at.  My last day was last Friday and although I needed to leave the position (you will see why!), it was sad and stressful at the same time.  Sad because I will miss the great friends I worked with there, sad because I love teaching 5-year-olds, and stressful because I need to find a new job!

Big change number 2: 

We put our lovely, first home in Pittsburgh up for rent and found two fantastic people to rent it from us.

I love this house and will miss it a lot!

We put a lot of work in this house over the past two years..... renovated the kitchen, both bathrooms, painted every room, put new doors on, decorated, etc.  Jordan and his dad did all the work themselves!

gutted this whole bathroom!

I love fake granite!

Big change number 3:
We found a fantastic house I just LOVE to rent for the next few years.....  love the fenced in yard and kitchen best!

Driveway is a little scary...I may be parking on the street!

Pups can run free!!

More counter top space!!!

Lots of room for ice baths!

Big change number 4:
Jordan got a new position within his company.  He will now be an on-site engineer at a new nuclear power plant.

Jordan at work

Leading up to....
Big change number 5:
At the end of this month, we are moving our house, Penny, and Bruno to Augusta, GEORGIA!

Augusta National Golf Course - home of the Masters.  Lots and lots of golf courses here!

We will be living just outside of Augusta in a suburb called Evans.  I am thrilled to be living in the south, as it has always been my dream to pretend my life is a country music song.  I have been watching Paula Deen's cooking show, downloading lots of country songs, and have been practicing making my hair big and fluffy to prepare for the move.  I have also been packing boxes and filing out paperwork, not really as important.

Who doesn't think her hair is great??

Anyways, I hope to blog more regularly during this time to a) help me to not lose my mind during the big transition and b) keep in touch with my friends and family we are leaving behind in Pittsburgh!

What do you think of the South?  Have you ever been to/lived there?  Would you like living there?

Boston Training - Week Two and Three

FIRST of all, I just booked my trip to Boston!!!!

We will be there through the weekend and coming home later Monday - and I took the day off work the next day to recover :).  Can't wait!!!

The past two weeks of training have went REALLY well. 

Week 2:
Monday: 6 miles easy, abs
Tuesday: 8 miles with 5x1000s in a dark, rainy, windy storm.  Times were HORRID 4:22-4:29 but I was glad I pushed myself, lifted that AM
Wednesday: 6 miles easy
Thursday: 6 miles easy (half day at work, break begins!!!) lifted that AM
Friday: early AM 15 mile run with Leslie, 8:17 pace, legs tired
Saturday: 8 mile easy
Sunday: Christmas AM run w/dad, 7 miles with two 1.5 mile tempos (1 mile rest) - 7:27, 7:21


Week 3:
Monday: 7 miles easy, abs
Tuesday: 9 mile workout - 4 x 1 mile repeats with 800 rest in another rainy, windy mess (at the track)
6:39, 6:45, 6:42, 6:37, lifted in the AM
Wednesday: 7 miles easy, soo icy! abs
Thursday: 9 miles 6 x hill repeats 2:50 - 2:59, abs
Friday: 7 easy, lifted
Saturday: 16 mile progression-type long run
7:59, 8:12, 8:17, 8:00, 7:57, 8:02, 8:00,  7:58, 7:43, 7:39, 7:41, 7:35, 7:24, 7:16, 7:17, 6:55 - felt good and really pushed it at the end
Sunday:8 miles easy at Schenley park, abs

This week is a 'cut down' week for mileage, which works out well since I am returning to work.


Happy New Year, Everyone!  In 2012, I resolve to get CLOSER to the 3 hour mark in the marathon!

Happy New Year!

Boston Training - Week One

Although I didn't run according to plan every day this week, I am very happy with the days I felt up to running. 

Monday : It was AMAZING to run again after having not ran at all the previous week, due to being sick.  I felt so fast and speedy.  I ran 7 miles in the dark around my neighborhood after work and afterwards felt so much happier.  It amazing what running does to make me felt normal after a stressful day at work.

When I got back from my run, we discovered that our furnace was broken - not the best news.  The next 12 hours we focused on staying warm and getting a repairman over to fix it up.  I left for work at 6:30 am and got home at 9pm, because we had our winter concert.  I was very tired after the long, busy day and did not get a chance to run.

Wednesday I had intense sinus pressure after work (my bronchitis turned into a cold, which is much easier to deal with) but the sinus pressure gave me such a headache I came home and actually had to lay down in bed.  Not a good day, and I was even more miserable that I didn't get my endorphin fix.  However, I did get to lift weights in the morning at least!

Thursday I returned to my normal level of happiness by doing hill repeats in the dark listening to rap and Taylor swift.  Weird combination, but it is pretty much like therapy for me.  Of course it is dark, but all the houses were light up with Christmas lights.  It was a great workout and I ran 8 total miles and pulled in my best times ever on that particular hill.  I was in a fantastic mood after.

Friday morning the alarm sounded at 4:40am and after feeding the dogs and getting changed I was on the treadmill for an easy 5, while watching Desperate Housewives reruns.  I LOVE watching reruns of the show while running. 

Saturday I went out to the lake and ran 14 miles.  I averaged 7:50 pace with the last mile a 7:06.  I felt fantastic the first few miles, felt kind of blah the middle miles when the snow and wind picked up, but was able to pull it together for a fast last 5. 


Saturday night we went to the our favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh, Legends of the North Shore and went to the Symphony at Heinz Hall to see the holiday concert.  It was a great night out and was very approrpiate for this time of the year!

Legends of the North Shore - great Italian food AND BYOB

Heinz Hall Christmas Tree

Jordan

This morning we had some snow so my dad and I ran together in the early afternoon.  I ran a relaxing 8 miles with him and spent the rest of the day baking, cleaning, and making a yummy dinner.

Baked Pasta with Spinach, Lemon, and Cheese - from my favorite magazine, Cooking Light!  Jordan liked it, too.

Sunday night is always kind of sad knowing that the weekend is over and you have to be at work early the next day, but tonight I don't even care.  I only have 3.5 days of work until a long, long 10.5 day break and I already have so many fun plans/get togethers in the works.  I am like a seven-year-old when it comes to Christmas and I can't wait for everything to start.  My two little friends are also very eager for Santa to arrive with new bones and toys.  Here is a flashback from last Christmas!!!

Visit with Santa

Our tree and both pups this year

Week 2 Training Goals:
Monday: AM lift, PM 5x1,000 total 8
Tuesday: AM or PM easy 5
Wednesday: AM lift, PM hill repeats total 8
Thursday: AM easy 5
Friday: 15 miles
Saturday: 8 miles
Sunday: 7 miles easy

Eve of Boston Marathon Training!

I am going crazy.

Monday of this week, I went to the doctor's after school because I could not breathe without discomfort.  It was pretty tough to teach/speak all day and I couldn't even think about running.  Turns out, I had bronchitis.

I probably should have taken Tuesday off to recover, but I went to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  I took my inhaler every couple hours and felt miserable.  Thursday after work, I stopped by target to get some wrapping paper.  I had such a horrible coughing fit I almost passed out!  I took Friday off and went to the doctor.  I was happy to find out that my lungs were almost back to normal, but I should be taking it a little easier - meaning not hanging out with 20 needy 5-year-olds.

I have been trying to 'take it easy' since then, but it is really hard to keep still.  So instead of exercising, I have been cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and running Christmas errands.

In my boredom we watched two movies (I cannot believe I actually stayed awake for them both, maybe my sleepyness has to do with running?) and read a book from the library.

It was as good as the book...probably my favorite book!

Almost better then the book, if that is possible

I am addicted to this author

I am hoping that tomorrow I am feeling good still....because tomorrow begins Boston Marathon Training!!!

I am feeling a little ambitious this season and am going to attempt to run a peak of 70 mpw and lift twice a week.  I am going to follow Daniel's Running Formula plan, since it worked well last year for me.

What's up for this week:
Monday: PM 7 miles
Tuesday: AM 6 miles total, 5x4 min hard, 3 easy
Wednesday: AM lift, PM 8 miles
Thursday: PM 8 mile hill workout
Friday: AM 5 miles
Saturday: 14 miles
Sunday: Easy 8, lift

We will see if all goes to plan...I am really excited to start training for something and having something to look forward to after the holidays are over.  I LOVE this time of year, and always find it sad when we take the tree down and put the decorations away.  Boston training will give me something 'fun' to do.

Being sick stinks...the worst part is not being able to run.  But on the bright side, I had my special friends to take care of me!!!

Making sure everything is under control