13 Weeks to go: What is *supposed* to happen

Mon: Rest / cross train
Tue: 60 min or 4 miles
Wed: Rest / Cross train
Thur: 6 mi
Fri: 4 mi
Sat: rest
Sun: 12 miles

I changed training programs. Can't teach an old new tricks, I just didn't like the program in the Dawn Dias book. Loved the book - "The non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women". I laughed and laughed at her sarcastic view of training, running and racing. My husband has thought I'm off my rocker - cracking up as he's driving down the road. It's heavy on the marathon training, light on the women's stuff, and just really funny.

Back to the training program, I'm switching because I'm very injury-phobic. Hal has guided thousands of people through the training process over the years, he's one of the experts.

Meanwhile, I'm going to take some of Dawn's advice and go get some Cheetos and a nap.

14 Weeks to Go

What's supposed to happen:

Mon: 55 min run
Tue: cross train
Wed: 60 min run
Thu: Rest
Fri: 45 min run
Sat: Rest
Sun: 115 min run

What really happened:

Mon: 90 min run
Tue: cross train w/ family
Wed: 60 min run
Thur: Rest
Fri: 45 min run
Sat: Rest
Sun: 2 runs, 30 min & 60 min

With the trip to KY last week, my long run got moved to Monday. The first three miles were great. The 2nd three miles went OK, the last three miles really hurt. I ran to the track and worked out a system for getting in those last 3 miles. I ran one lap in each lane clockwise, then one lap in each lane counter-clockwise. With 6 lanes, that's 12 laps = 3 miles. Then I loped home with blisters on the arches of my feet. Tuesday was Motrin day. Wednesday's run was tough. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Thursday was GREAT!! I love rest days! I ran on Friday in the evening, showered and went out to play some poker. (the poker didn't go well, but I got to meet some great players and the father-son team running the poker room!)

Saturday was a really hot and humid day. I'm thankful that was a rest day.

Sunday is when I really started questioning the training program I'm following. 115 min of running equals approx 11.5 miles. It's pretty darned early in my marathon training to be running 11+ miles. Next week's long run is 6 miles, the week after is 7 miles. Last week's 9-mile run really kicked my butt too, so I backed off a bit, and cut the run down a little.

15 Weeks untin the Marathon

What's supposed to happen this week:

Mon: 40 min run
Tue: Cross Train
Wed: 45 min run
Thu: 40 min run
Fri: 40 min run
Sat: Rest
Sun: 90 min run

What really happened...

Mon: 40 min run
Tue: cross train w/ family
Wed: 45 min run
Thur: little cross-training w/ the family
Fri: 2 mile hike through the hills of Kentucky, swimming
Sat: horse-back riding, 50 min trail run
Sun: LONG car ride - have to do long run on Mon

We had a family reunion over the 4th of July holiday in Kentucky. Vacations always throw off the running schedule a bit. With an 8+ hour car ride on Sun - there was no way to schedule in a long run. I'm feeling pretty good - the trail run was incredible!

16 Weeks Until the Marathon

What is supposed to happen this week

Mon: 60 min run
Tue: Cross Train
Wed: 50 min run
Thur: rest
Fri: 50 min run
Sat: rest
Sun: 60 min run

What really happened this week...

Mon: 60 min run
Tue: walk/run with husband & kids
Wed: missed the 50 min run
Thur: 50 min run
Fri: Rest
Sat: 60 min run
Sun: 60 min run

Think I may have written the schedule wrong in my calendar. After starting out for the 3rd 60 min run of the week, it just seemed like too much. Looking at next week, it just doesn't seem right either! Maybe I ran too much this week.

I'm registered for the Detroit Marathon on Oct 18, 2009

This is my 4th time training for the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Here's a run-down of my past attempts:

#1 Injured IT Band in July - ran through August, never registered for the race. Never got to the starting line. Recovered nicely and did run the Las Vegas Marathon.

#2 Pregnant with Abbie. Trained through July, Aug, and half of September. Ran the 2nd to last long run (18 miles) and thought I was going to die. Now don't get me wrong, you're not *supposed* to feel too good after running 18 miles. I've done it - it's not a good feeling. This time I thought I was literally going to drop dead. In the next few days - when I could walk again - I took a pregnancy test and found out Abbie was on the way. My doc said I was in shape and could run the race with no harm to the baby. The only problem was morning sickness. I just couldn't choke down 5000 calories of applesauce & saltines. This one was just not meant to be.

#3 Third time's a charm - right? It was during training for this race that I got flashed. Three miles into a 10 miler, this ugly naked guy steps out of his green 4-door. What a crummy way to ruin a long run.... I actually made it to the starting line a couple years ago - but alas - it just wasn't meant to be. We were futzing with new orthotics in Aug & Sep that year, and just didn't get them right with enough time and miles. The Ambassador Bridge was really cool. Running back though the tunnel was an eerie, amazing, and surprisingly hot experience. I took a DNF (did not finish) at Mile 13. At least this time I got the t-shirt!!

#4 Started three weeks ago. I registered early (on June 30 - the last day to get the 1st discount!!) and also ordered the "In Training" shirt. This year, I'm going to see the start *and* the finish line!! Wish me luck, endurance, and injury avoidance!!

I'm planning on posting my updates at least once a week. Be prepared for lots of whining, and lots of miles. My friend Julie is also running in the Detroit Marathon.

Julie is running with Team in Training for the American Cancer Society - so if you're into donating for a super great cause - please sponsor Julie. She's an amazing lady fundraising for a really fantastic cause. (send me e-mail if you want to sponsor her - I'll get you two in touch!)