Sunday, February 26, 2017

Grandma's Marathon Training - Week 3

Week 3 of Grandma's Marathon training is a wrap! 

Summary:  

28.6 miles
Kick-Boxing
Tempo
The Bachelor
Chapped Cheeks & Chaffing




It's hard to believe I've already completed three weeks of training for Grandma's.   In a little over three months,  this will be my finish line view.  It's beautiful!  This year,  I'm going to make sure I take a dip in Lake Superior at the finish line.  Last year, I had a change of clothes with me at the finish and didn't do it.  Silly me.  

MONDAY

I skipped the hills and just opted to run a bit longer with my friend.  The boys didn't have school so I had the luxury of not dropping them off.  That meant a bit more time to run and a longer shower.  It's the little things.  I even shaved my legs!  Lol

It was 51 degrees Monday morning, and clearly I dressed too warm.  By mile two, my shirt came off and I donned the sports bra.  This is something I would NEVER do during the daylight hours - but who's out of bed to see me running at 5 AM?   

I've learned to embrace the sports bra a tad the last year, even though it brings me out of my comfort zone.  I'm not by any means super happy with my mid-section,  but I figure what the hell!?!  If you care, don't look. 

TUESDAY

This day threw me for a loop.  My training called for an easy run.  I guess I don't know why I thought that my plan was the plan for the day with 3 other women running with me.  Honestly, I could have stopped at any time, but this run quickly turned into a 6 mile progression tempo run.  Something I was not planning, but it sure did feel good!




Because I wasn't prepared for the speed of this workout,  I spent a good portion of the first three miles  sucking wind and trying to catch up so that I wasn't left in the dust.  The last three miles, I fell into a pretty good rhythm,  even though I sounded like a hyena with my breathing.  

I was pleasantly surprised that I ALMOST had negative splits.  Dang it!!  Had I been paying attention, I would have kicked it in just a tad the last mile!  




7 seconds is all I would have needed to get mile 6 less than mile 5.  Meh!  Next time.  Needless to say, I felt fantastic after this run!  Absolutely fantastic!  

WEDNESDAY

Rest day!  No running today.  But about 15 minutes before the night kick-boxing class, I decided to give it a go.  I just love kick-boxing and an early morning seminar that I had on Thursday prevented me from attending my normal class.  I'm so happy I went. 

I'm too embarrassed to ask someone to take a picture of me at kick-boxing so I never have any selfies.  I'm going to have to get over that I think.  

THURSDAY

Treadmill tempo run.  I rocked it out, but oh man - another toughy.  Wow!  I had 6 miles on plan, but only did 5 miles.  3 consecutive miles at 8:15/mile has been all I can muster.  I probably should slow my speed down a tad to accomplish more miles at tempo, but my training plan calls for this pace to be closer to achieve the 4 hr. finish.  I may need to modify a bit.  

Two intense work-outs in a 10 hour period made me feel pretty dang bad-ass.  We all can use a little bad-ass now and again can't we? 




I do love my treadmill miles though because it allows me the time to watch mindless, ridiculous TV... and that would be the Bachelor!  

For those of you that watch the Bachelor,  I do feel dumb for watching it - but I.can't.stop!  It's a sickness.  But..... really, Nick?!?!  Personally,  I don't think Nick has any brains at all.   He's a bit endearing with his cute goatee, but COME ON!  At 37, you can't be that dumb??  



At lease I'm working out when I watch a show that makes me more dumb.  Lol!  Not ashamed.  

FRIDAY

Total rest.  Not even a push-up.  I did however, eat... ALL...day.   My mouth got a lot of exercise. 

SATURDAY

Saturday's long run was frigid cold.  It was 7 degrees when I started and the wind chill was honestly brutal!  My lips and cheeks were so red and chapped when I got done.  I didn't wear a neck gator because I simply forgot what running in 7 degrees feels like.

Even with the wind and cold,  I was still able to run a great 11.25 miles at 8:48/mile!   I ran 7 miles with my running group and 4 miles solo.   I pass this bridge often, but it's always dark, so I took the opportunity to take a photo at about mile 10.  Actually, my phone was so cold, I couldn't see this picture because the screen was black.   It still took a pretty decent picture though.


My marathon pace is 9:09/mile, so anything faster than that for my long run makes me pretty dang happy!  I do have to figure out this chaffing thing though.  I have been chaffing in all sorts of weird places - especially after my long runs.

Here's to hoping everyone has a great week ahead!

I'm linking up once again for the Weekly Wrap with Holly and Tricia.  Be sure to check out more amazing blogs when you visit! 



29 comments:

  1. Oh gosh...Saturday's run,though I was dressed properly (don't ask me how I remembered that detail) was brutal! My face was so cold! But I totally nailed the correct layers for Sunday ;-) #smallvictory

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    1. You learned from your mistakes from Saturday! :) HA! I'm ready for 14 degrees tomorrow morning!

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  2. I had some epic chafing yesterday after our long run. Ouch! Not sure what was up. But I'll need to spackle that area next week.

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  3. I don't mind the treadmill either because like you said it gives us time to catch up on our shows. Even though I do not watch the Bachelor, there are plenty other ones I like.

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    1. My husband and I have decided to get rid of cable. :( It's for the best - we really don't use it that much!

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  4. What is this taking a dip in Lake Superior you speak of...? Is this a common practice. Do I need to be prepared for such an event?! I'M SO EXCITED!

    You had a great week of training. Nice work!!

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    1. YES! Rachel - many people walk right in after the marathon! Wait for me you speedy gonzales at the finish and we'll do it together! I of course will not be wearing my shoes. :)

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  5. Great week of workouts Gina! Seeing that 9:09 goal pace brings back memories because that's what I needed to run to BQ back in the day. I swear all the speedwork, tempo and long run paces are etched permanently on my brain. Don't worry about being able to hold close to race pace on long runs this early in your training but hang tough on those tempos! They will pay off!

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  6. I wish I had a treadmill at home. This past week I missed a day of running because my daughter was sick. I tried to run with her in a Bob but i got a flat tire one mile in.
    A dip in the lake after 26.2mi? Sounds like a fun time!

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  7. OK -- Anytime anyone says chafing, I say Trail Toes. Put it everywhere you chafe. Your training is going very well! I don't watch The Bachelor but there is plenty of other mindless TV out there for trainer rides, etc. For example, Mama June is back. (Seriously?) Thanks for linking, Gina!

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    1. I HEARD mama June was back and apparently she's a hottie! :) lol!

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  8. Looks like you had another great week of training! You are getting faster!

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  9. Looks like you had some fantastic runs this week! I cannot watch the Bachelor I feel like I am losing brain cells :)

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  10. I have never seen the Bachelor or any of its variations. I just can't do it LOL!

    What are you using for the chafing? Glide is a popular choice, but we LOVE the Skin Strong spray (skin strong.com). It's very light, easy to apply, and you barely know its there. Definitely a go-to in our house. I chafe in bizarre places, too, and this has mostly changed the game.

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    1. A spray as opposed to a stick is definately intriguing to me. I just use body glide, but honestly forgot often to put it on.

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  11. Great job last week! You did awesome with that surprise progression run. And your long run sounds SO cold! I hate when the wind makes my lips get all dry and chapped.

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    1. I'm over the cold windy weather that is FOR SURE!

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  12. Chafing sucks! I'm pretty lucky with not chafing most of the time, but when I do, it's always in an unusual place. Sounds like your training is going well though.

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  13. I can understand your obsession with the Bachelor I get that way with the Housewives series- I can binge watch for hours! Yes, it is shameful! Great week of training and at such fast paces! Chafing only occurs in strange places for sure- I started using Trail Toes and that helps down here in the sweaty south!

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    1. It's hard to imagine living in the south with all the humidity - the frozen tundra can be brutal. I'm sure your heat is terrible too! :)

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  14. I'll admit that I too watch The Bachelor. I don't understand why he kept Corinne around for as long as he did!

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  15. I'm with Holly get your some trail toes! Good stuff right there! I can only imagine hitting those paces you need for your marathon in my speed work. Just amazing! Your going to kill Grandma's.

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