Week 14 - Training Summary

I felt so good all week. This is the home stretch. I never thought that I would consider a 50+ mile week a "taper" week. I haven't really experienced any of the general taper symptoms so far. Let's hope I don't. I kinda like feeling happy and light. :-) My goals for the coming two weeks will be to remain healthy, get lots of sleep, eat clean and just remain loose with slow runs and stretching. At this point, long runs or fast runs aren't going to help me in the 50 mile race. I am just hoping that the weather in two weeks is just as amazing as it was this weekend. 

TOTAL MILES WEEK 14 :  53.98 miles

10/31 (Monday) - Gym - 5:50am

I woke up a little groggy, but that is to be expected. I did a nice easy ride on the bike, then a lot of stretching and foam rolling. I actually (physically) feel pretty good. I am walking normal. At least as normal as usual. Ha. My glutes are the only muscles that are sore. This is becoming a chronic issue now. I guess I just need to be more diligent about working those muscles.

11/1 (Tuesday) 5:25am - 9 miles
I felt good enough this morning to do a nice, easy 9 miles on the Mt. Vernon trail. I maintained an 8:30 pace for most of the run. It was pretty dark, but the Potomac was so quiet and calm. Most mornings, the other runners on the trail are pretty friendly but everyone was cranky today. I like to say "Good Morning" to others as they pass. Most of them ignored me. Ha. Maybe I was too perky. What is there to be cranky about though?!?! It's November 1 and we are running in shorts!

11/2 (Wednesday) 5:50am - 6 miles

It took awhile to get out of the house this morning. Since I started later, I got to see the beginning of the sun rise over the Potomac. So pretty. In the September issue of Runners World, David Willey, Editor-In-Chief, described morning running perfectly: "...thoughts are clear and honest on morning runs, before your mind gets too cluttered. You can say things out here, at this hour, that you can't say elsewhere. You say them silently and to yourself, but they get said nonetheless, then put behind you. It's one reason why running is more than just a physical release."

Where I start and end my morning runs in Old Town Alexandria - Oronoco Bay Park

11/3 (Thursday) - 5:45am - Gym

I thought I needed a little rest, so decided to cross train today. I rode the bike very easy for 30 minutes, was bored and didn't feel like doing any core or weights. And that was that.
11/4 (Friday) - 5:43am - 10.86 miles
So I continue on my slow slog runs :-) They really aren't that bad and I enjoy the crisp morning air, but I just feel like I am going through the motions right now. They aren't THAT slow either. I maintained an 8:32 pace this morning. I am missing my speedwork though, but I know that it's not a good idea 5 days out from a marathon and 2 weeks away from a 50 miler. I just have to be patient which certainly isn't my strongest trait.
11/5 (Saturday) 8:00am - 14 miles

I ran with CAR this morning, starting at Fletcher's Cove and up the Capital Crescent Trail towards Bethesda. I ran with George and it was a good opportunity to talk about my goals, background, next steps, etc. It was also fun to meet some of my Twitter friends and fellow bloggers, Amy and Katie. We ran 10 miles and then I drove back to Alexandria to run about 30 minutes more to make it to my 2 hours that is on my plan. Yes, I am a slave to my training plan. Ugh.
11/6 (Sunday) 7:30am - 14.12 miles

The New York City Marathon was going to be on TV this morning, so I wanted to get my run done so that I could watch it. I have to admit...even though I love the marathon, I was sure glad I was not running it today. That is a long way! I ran for 2 hours on the Mt. Vernon trail starting in Belle Haven and running towards Mt. Vernon. The trails are nice and quiet now that MCM is over and it is getting colder. I love it, but I also love when there are a bunch of people out. That is inspiring for me.