NYCM Training: Weeks 7 and 8

I’ve fallen off the face of the Earth again, but I have a ton of updates to share with you guys — plus a product review on one of my new most favorite runner products in the whole world, and a BIG announcement about our fall racing schedule (and, trust me, it’s a doozy). ;)

But first, here’s a recap of weeks 7 and 8 of training for the New York City Marathon…with one being a bit more eventful than the other, haha. ;)

WEEK 7

Mon., Aug. 24: Taekwondo class

Tue., Aug. 25: 3 miles

Wed., Aug. 26: 5 miles

Thur., Aug. 27: 4 miles

Fri., Aug. 28: Taekwondo class

Sat., Aug. 28: Rest

Sun., Aug. 29: 14 miles

Total weekly mileage: 26 miles

WEEK 8

Mon., Aug. 30: Rest

Tue., Aug. 31: 5 miles

Wed., Sept. 1: Taekwondo class

Tue., Sept. 2: 5 miles

Fri., Sept. 3: 5 miles

Sat., Sept. 4: Rest

Sun., Sept. 5: 10 miles

Total weekly mileage: 25 miles

So in week 7, I had a bit of a special adventure in the woods. Todd and I were plodding through our 14-mile long run on Sunday, and even though we’ve been getting up at the asscrack of dawn to get in these cockamamie summertime long runs, it had warmed up FAST. Desperate for a few minutes of respite from the blazing sun, I suggested that we run on a shaded trail at the park we frequent.

Well, long story short, this trail was riddled with various holes and raised tree branches and rocks and various other obstacles that could easily take a runner down in a matter of seconds. Todd hates any sort of trail running for that exact reason, but on this day, I decided that the trees and shade and few minutes out of the sun made it all worth it.

I was just in the middle of telling him to stop being such a baby and “I love trail running, doesn’t the shade feel great, what are you so worried about, etc.” and a moment later, I was FLYING. My foot got stuck in a hole or caught on a branch or something — I don’t even know, because the next thing I knew, I was lying on my back in the mud.

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I was super lucky, because I walked away with just a bloody, bruised knee and a couple of scratches, and I know it could have been much worse. I did the best I could to clean myself up in the bathroom at the park, and I ran through a number of sprinklers, but I ended up spending the rest of our 7 remaining miles or so getting lots of strange looks from passersby.

Fortunately, I have an excellent sense of humor. I was able to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep on going. This kind of thing WOULD happen to me, right? And, of course, we DID make it to 14!

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14 muddy miles…DONE!

The scale-back week in week 7 was pretty uneventful, except for the fact that even the 10-milers have been getting to me lately.

I’ve gotta be honest with you guys. Part of the reason I’ve been MIA here is because I’ve been having a really hard time with my training lately. The majority of my runs as of late have left me feeling discouraged and frustrated, and I’m having mini-meltdowns on a fairly regular basis (you know, of the “woe is me, I can’t do this, let’s bawl like an infant in the middle of the park” variety). Even on the “easy” weeks, I’m struggling.

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The only reason I’m smiling? I’m about to walk into Shop-Rite to get me some Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee.

Fortunately, our 16-miler this past weekend went pretty well (more on that soon!) but as the summer has been winding down, I am DESPERATE for some cooler temperatures. I find myself hoping every day that it’s just the heat that has been getting to me, because I gotta tell you…I’ve been MISERABLE. Crossing the weekly runs off my training plan has felt like nothing more than a chore, and I’ve been wallowing in self-pity every time I find myself sucking wind at what should be easy, comfortable paces for me.

Long story short…I have NOT been enjoying myself. And I sometimes can’t even remember what I like about running in the first place (other than the pretty medals, I mean).

The long runs thus far have been pretty bad. We always get it done, and our average pace hasn’t been atrocious or anything, but we take a lot of walk/water breaks and we come home completely drained (not to mention drenched in sweat). I don’t think either of us has been enjoying the marathon training process all that much lately. Todd sucks it up and rarely complains, but I let it completely crush me. And I know I get on his last nerve when I spend the better part of three hours on a Sunday morning whining about how hot it is…and my feet hurt…and I’m tired…and this sucks…and I’m thirsty…and I need a potty break…and I’m miserable…and I’m hungry…and I want to go home…etc., etc., etc.

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Whoooooo’s exhausted?

It’s something so stupid, and something I know affects just about every runner — and I know that cooler weather is FINALLY on its way — but fighting my way through every single run is beginning to take its toll on me. I’ve also been dealing with a bit of a back injury, which isn’t making things any easier; I’ll share some more details in my next post.

Needless to say, my self-confidence has pretty much been non-existent lately. Despite the fact that I’m keeping my goals for NYCM very conservative — all I want is to do better than last year — I’m really starting to worry about November. Physically, there’s no doubt in my mind that I can do it. But mentally? That’s another story.

Do you run on trails? And, if so, can you teach me how to do it without falling on my face?

How do you stay positive when marathon training starts to SUCK?

Comments

  1. Would it really be that big of a deal if you just took a week off from running, or at least scaled way back on the mileage? I doubt you guys would lose that much fitness in a week. And I’m thinking a certain little scruffy face wouldn’t mind the extra snuggle time!

    • In the grand scheme of things…no, probably not. Physically, I know it wouldn’t kill me to skip a few runs. But to me, taking a week off in the middle of marathon training will destroy my confidence and probably make me feel even worse. I’m kind of a sicko like that, lol.

      Don’t worry, my little scruffy face will be getting lots of extra quality time with us…once it starts to cool off, he’ll get to “go for run outside” a whole lot more often! ;)

  2. Look at you all muddy in your princess running gear! Those Passer byers probably thought you were some hard core runner! Don’t beat yourself up, it has been way hot here. I only got a mile in because of this heat today. I’m not complaining though. It will cool off soon enough! I’m pretty anxious to see how my double digit runs will go this training cycle! I’m only up to 8 miles now! Be proud of the fact that you are even getting these long runs in!

    • Hahaha, oh yeah, I didn’t even realize that. It was definitely quite the outfit to wear while falling in the mud, LOL.

      You’re doing awesome!! When fall FINALLY arrives, we’ll all be flying. :)

  3. I am so over the warm weather and i was feeling unmotivated. the last time i ran was at the DL half before labor day and plan on running tomorrow so hopefully the time off will do my mind some good!

  4. Sorry to hear that training hasn’t been going as you want it to. But kudos to you for continuing to move forward and not giving up altogether. I hope things get better soon!

  5. ME TOO !! I have been so struggling with my training … but let’s not give up!!
    It will get better ( or so I’ve been telling myself ) .

  6. My confidence has been shaken this summer as well- I just don’t feel as ready as NYC. I’m excited for Chicago, but nervous at the same time. I need for cooler weather to come stat! Looking fwd to hearing your race plans!

    • I HEAR YA! I’m already seeing a huge difference even with just the slight dip in temps, so I’ll bet you’ll have the same experience! We are READY for these marathons! :)

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