Each month I like to set a couple of monthly goals to help me stay on track. So with July now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to share some goals for August.
But first, a quick run down on week 8 of Chicago training.
Chicago Marathon Training Week 8
Monday — Rest day with mini golf, bowling, and arcade games on the side as part of my youngest son’s birthday celebration.
Tuesday — 5-mile run and a much-needed massage!
Wednesday — 6 miles. With this run, I hit 107.65 miles for July!
Thursday — 5-miles.
Friday — Rest day.
Chicago Marathon training wk 8 and some August goals #WeeklyRunDown #MyChicagoMarathon #MarathonTraining #Runchat Click To TweetSaturday — 12 miles. I ran the first 6-miles as an out and back, which felt pretty good. But the next 6 miles were just plain u-g-l-y! It’s clear I still have work to do to figure out my pre-run and mid-run fueling because I felt like I had hit a wall by mile 9. The last 3 miles were just hard and I’m so grateful my husband had joined me for the final 6 miles.
Sunday — 4-mile recovery run. I was surprised at how fresh my legs felt, even on the hills.
Total miles for the week – 32
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 165.15
August Goals
- Figure out my fueling and hydration strategy
- 10 minutes of daily core work
- Develop a consistent recovery routine — the key word here is consistent!
- Continue to focus on self-care — massage, acupuncture and getting enough sleep!
I am really happy with the way my training went in July. Hopefully, these goals will help me to stay on track in August as the mileage grows.
How was your week? Any goals for August?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
Michelle I am really so impressed with how you have ramped up your running mileage so much. Your plan seems to be working really well for you. Happy Birthday!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Weekly Run Down Hello August
I echo everything Deborah said….your training has really been going well! My 10-miler was kind of meh yesterday, especially towards the end. I had not thought of extra fuel, because I’d had breakfast before running. Usually, for 10 miles, I don’t need much else other than water (if I’ve already had something to eat). I guess it’s about that time to start ramping up the food/fuel along with the increased mileage. Thanks for the reminder 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…By the Dawn’s Early Light
I eat before I want to on long runs – I have a time I’ll have a gel or whatever and I just have it, plus eating a proper dinner the night before a long run and having a slightly larger breakfast. But we’re all different. You’re doing well and strongly!
Liz Dexter recently posted…Sedate lady running 29 July – 04 August 2019 #amrunning #running
I struggle with eating before I run, but clearly will need to find something that will work for these longer distances.
I took some time getting my fuelling right for longer distances and found I was taking my gels too late, when body was already fatigued. So I started experimenting with taking them 1km/ 2km earlier when I was still feeling fresh and it really seems to have done the trick!
Shathiso recently posted…Run the Berg Training – June/July
I think I’ve been waiting too long too so I’m going to try to take a gel before I feel like I need it.
You are killing it on your mileage!
Figuring out fueling is so tricky. I still need to figure out the best pre-run fuel. As of now I’m not eating anything but that’s not going to work for those 18 and 20 mile runs.
Kim G recently posted…Weekly Run Down: Chicago Marathon Training – Week 4
I’m the same way – pre-run eating and I don’t click but I’m going to need to figure out something before the mileage gets much longer.
You are really packing on the mileage or maybe I’m a slacker LOL
I only ran about 19 and only 8 for a LSD.
Lucky you for having company on the last few miles. It’s the opposite with me. My friends are not running long so I am usually solo and dragging at the end.
And it will get much worse with higher mileage.
After 13 it is new territory for me – I need to carry water and also fuel. I am not someone who can run without eating. That’s a lot of GU since it’s the only thing I eat.
You are so not a slacker! LOL! You and I are in the same boat – anything beyond 13 is going to be uncharted territory! We can do this!
You are working well and your running is improving.
I have only one goal for august: to run injury free.
Black Knight recently posted…Running again?
Running injury free is always the best goal!
Yay for getting in a massage! And that’s great news that your legs felt good during the recovery run after such a tough run on Saturday.
Chaitali recently posted…Richmond Half Marathon Training Week 3
It was a nice surprise for sure!
I’m really impressed that your legs felt so fresh after your long run (and btw sat was just not pleasant weather-wise).
I have a fairly good recovery routine in place, and mostly am pretty good with the nutrition, too (haven’t been running long enough to need any during my runs right now), but I’m always tinkering with it.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…OMG (#allthegnats): 7/29- 8/4 WRD
It’s great that you have a reliable plan figured out. Hopefully, I’ll have my routines figured out by the end of the month.
You really had a strong month, and logged miles when it wasn’t easy! One issue I have with fueling is that you need to do it before you think you need it. I struggle with that.
Your Monday sounds fun!
Happy Birthday to you too!
Coco recently posted…Running In Boulder, Biking In DC
Thanks so much Coco! 🙂
you are doing so well Michelle! congrats on your mileage in July and so far with marathon training! I still am struggling on my long runs and I find fueling challenging STILL even though this is not my first rodeo. I love your commitment and dedication to your plan! You are going to seriously rock it!
I made no goals for August. Basically just stick with my program as much as possible!
Renée recently posted…WRD: Week 31 and Hello August!
Thank you Renee! I’m just trying to trust the plan my coach has laid out for me. Fueling has never been something I’ve been good at and with this increased mileage it’s just been magnified. Hopefully, something will click soon!
Wow, what an amazing month! I am in the same boat when it comes to fueling – I’ve just never taken the time to educate myself and figure out exactly what I need to do. I am hoping to get everything figured out for my fall marathons.
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Product Review: Shady Rays Allure Polarized Sunglasses
I hear you on educating yourself – something I am working on!
You had such a great month! And I love that you felt so great right after a 12 mile run like that! it’s such a wonderful feeling! Way to go!
Jenn recently posted…riots #27: overcoming the slump
Thanks Jenn!
You had a great month, Michelle! You will be ready for the marathon in October. Finding the right fuel is tricky. I also struggle with that too. I Hope you find something that works for you.
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…Tuesday Topics: My BibRave Pro Summit Weekend
Thanks Zenaida 🙂