Happy Sunday!
I have to say that I am way behind on replying to blog comments, so I first wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who commented or reached out on Instagram and Facebook to offer some words of encouragement! I was feeling pretty down after cutting last week’s long run short…and will admit to having a mild freak-out.
I’m happy to say that after an extra rest day I feel like I’m getting back into the groove. Here’s how this week went down.
Chicago Marathon Training Week 11
Monday — A much-needed rest day!
Tuesday — 5-mile run. The humidity was off the charts again, but my legs were feeling good so I was all smiles.
Wednesday — 6 miles on the treadmill. I just couldn’t bring myself to face another run in the humidity so I opted for a trip to the gym for a mill run.
Thursday — Had a fun day off from work with the family that included arcade games, mini-golf, and way too much ice cream!
Getting back into the groove for week 11 of @chimarathon training! #marathontraining #mychicagomarathon #runchat Click To TweetFriday — Another day off from work to celebrate my husband’s birthday! I got him to join me for my run and 6.2 miles were done!
Saturday — 16 miles – a new first! Thankfully, the weather was near perfect, in the low 60s when I started and just 72 by the time I finished. Running 16 miles solo was definitely a mental challenge! Physically, it was a pretty good run through mile 12, things got a little rocky for miles 13 & 14 before I got back on track for the last 2 miles.
Sunday — 4-mile recovery run.
Total miles for the week – 37.2
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 258.3
In addition to my runs, there was daily PT exercises, planking, and time spent on active recovery. All this combined with a bit more sleep definitely helped to make for a better week! Hoping this trend continues as I take on week 12.
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
So glad to read that you had a much better week! Way to go on that 16 miler. I have never run that far myself! Everyone has not so stellar weeks in training it goes along with the race. Remember how far you have come!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Weekly Run Down Back to School Edition
Thanks so much Deborah! You are right – it is important to keep perspective.
So happy that the extra rest day helped. I also love that you had a nice fun day with family in the middle of the week. Congratulations on your 16 miler, especially doing it solo! Those runs build mental toughness which will pay off on race day!
Happy belated birthday to your hubby!
Kim G recently posted…Weekly Run Down: Chicago Marathon Training – Week 7
Thanks Kim – running that far by myself was a challenge for sure. So glad to get it done!
Gosh, Michelle, YOU are really doing well with this 26.2 training 😉 Way to go!!!! I had a feeling you’d bounce back from last weekend because you’ve had so many strong runs and you’ve been the poster child for consistency. SO, you and the hubby have birthdays pretty close together, too? Mine and my hubby’s are 18 days apart 😉
I so appreciate the encouragement 🙂 How fun that yours and your hubby’s bdays are so close – my husband and I are 19 days apart.
Brilliant work and 16 is DONE! We all have a personal horrible mile area – mine is 16.5 when I will inevitably cry, whether I’m running 17, 20 or a marathon itself!! Great going, and well done for picking yourself up and getting back out there!
Liz Dexter recently posted…Sedate lady running 12-25 August 2019 #amrunning #running
Right now my dark miles seem to be around 13 – I think I’m so use to running halfs that my body is just expecting to be done at that point! 😉
Taking an extra day was a wise decision, even if difficult.
6 miles on the treadmill is a very good training and I think it is also a mental challenge.
Good job on the long run, well done!
Here heat and humidity rule again.
Black Knight recently posted…Trail
Heat & humidity made a return here too – always a challenge!
Glad that rest day helped and way to go with that 16 miler!
Chaitali recently posted…Richmond Half Marathon – training week 6
Thanks so much!
Congrats on your sweet 16!! I know it’s freaky, but it’s ok to have an off week so not feel a run. What’s important is that you didn’t let it bug you down too much and got right back out there for your 16 miler!!
Laetitia recently posted…2019 Berlin Marathon Training: Week 12
Thanks – while you know that an off week or two is bound to happen, when it does it can really rattle you!
When I trained for Chicago, my coach always reminded me that besides the miles, marathon training teaches you to run when you’re tired. So it’s not all about hitting every mileage goal, it’s about training you to push when you feel like giving up. Don’t sweat cutting a run short. Instead, congratulate yourself for getting out there and running what you can!
Wendy recently posted…You Are Stronger Than You Think
Funny my coach said almost the exact same thing to me when we spoke after my last run. You are so right about celebrating what you can do!
Yay! I’m so glad you had a good week. Being able to push through that 16 miler and finish strong is HUGE! Nice to take the day off for your hubby’s birthday — and to get him to run with you!
Coco recently posted…Fun At Rehoboth Beach Delaware
My hubby’s been joining me for more and more runs as he gears up for a trail race – it’s been fun to have him out there with me!
arcade games, mini-golf, and way too much ice cream sound like perfection to me. Glaf you’re feeling better all around
Cari recently posted…Powerful Podcasts and Love Thyself
It was perfection – we all had so much fun 🙂
Great job on 16 solo miles! Very impressive.
Thanks Jessie!