Marathon Training Week 2
Welcome to week 2 of marathon training! If you click on the activity links after the dates, it will take you to the Garmin connect website for full stats.
Day 8 | Monday, June 22: Cross-train for 30 minutes
Welcome summer, you’re right on time! On Monday, it was 85°F but “felt like 90°F” according to weather.com. Uh, wasn’t it just in the mid 70s last week?! That’s okay, the heat was no big deal on this 2 mile walk. Steven joined me again. I really miss running with Steven. I enjoy chatting with him while I work out.
I’ve been wondering if I should get my bike ready, or do my cross-training at the office gym on Mondays for something different than walking. I think for now I will stick to walking.
Distance: 2.00 miles | Time: 30:04 | 1: 15:12 | 2: 14:49 | 3: 00:02
Day 9 | Tuesday, June 23: Run 3 Miles
I worked out with a coworker at the office gym on Tuesday night. I wasn’t really feeling up to it (I have been feeling down and not too social lately), but figured it would be better to work out indoors, as opposed to the mid 90 degree weather outside. I still had a rough time though. After one mile, I felt like I was going to throw up (Hello falafel pita!). I slowed it down, since it was supposed to be a “comfortable” run, and spent the next two miles bitching about my Memorial Day Weekend (we had some catching up to do!). The bitching made the last two miles zip by.
Lesson learned – stick to my diet throughout the day! My coach took me out to lunch to celebrate a project we completed, and I had an awesome falafel pita and homemade chips (A shout out to Cafe Mediterra is due. If you’re just south of the loop, check them out.)! It didn’t sit well in my stomach though. I need to be even more careful about what I eat before I run!
Distance: 3:00 miles | Time: 29:23 | 1: 9:23 | 2: 10:00 | 3: 10:00
Day 10 | Wednesday, June 24: Run 5 miles
Well, this was an interesting run! I didn’t start until 7:30 pm and it was still 92°F outside! I realized it wasn’t going to be a super speedy, easy run, so I went with the mentality that I would just go out there and have fun. I strapped on my hydration belt (and brought my cell phone in case of an emergency), and put two full water bottles and a bucket of ice on our porch. My plan was to run a loop around our house, stopping for water and ice.
During my warm-up walk, I ran into my neighbor, Fritz, and his daughter, Maya. We walked together for a bit, and she said, “Daddy, I want to ride in the stroller.” Then the words came out of my mouth, “Do you want me to push her in the running stroller?” So, Maya got strapped in, and off we went. I ran with her from her house, all the way around the park, and back home, making up the first 1.6 miles of the run. It was actually fun to run with the stroller. Those were my fastest splits! She told me cute little stories for most of our run together. When we got back to her house, Fritz and his wife, May, were waiting outside with the camera and video camera. How cute! And they brought out cold water for me. What a fun way to start the run!
Isn’t Maya cute?!
While I was running with the stroller, I passed a group of three young girls, whom I actually ended up passing 5 or so more times during my run. Well, the first time we passed them, instead of warning the younger girl that we were coming, one of the older girls just pulled on her pig-tails to pull her off the sidewalk and let us pass! Poor girl. That must have hurt!
After I dropped Maya off, I noticed there was a group of about 8 kids riding their bikes in their street. It was mostly boys, probably ages 12 or so. They were taking up the entire two-way street with their bikes. Cars would come by, and slow down, and the kids wouldn’t let them pass. When the cars honked their horns, the kids would finally move, but finger the cars as they drove by. This made me feel really disappointed. I wanted to follow these kids home and ask their parents if they knew what they were doing, but hey, if the kids were doing that in the first place, I doubt their parents would really care. That’s just so dangerous, and irresponsible.
I stopped by our house to go to the bathroom about two-thirds into the run, and when I came out of the house, I dropped some ice cubes in the front and back of my bra. Of course, those three young girls happened to be walking by our house then. Ha ha. They probably thought that was a strange thing to do. Hey, it felt good.
And, this question isn’t related to the ice cubes, believe me, but how can I be nipping out for an entire 5-mile run in 90 degree weather?! (see paw prints in photo above)
This was a surprisingly good, fun run, despite the heat! It left me in a good mood.
Sweaty Happy Kim
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 47:32 | 1: 9:02 | 2: 9:16 | 3: 9:42 | 4: 9:47 | 5: 9:40 | 6: 00:02
Day 11 | Thursday, June 25: Run 3 miles
Another fun lunch time run with Erin! The forecast called for rain, but it never happened, so we ventured out into the scorching sun (I don’t really feel like I am exaggerating when I say that). I was definitely drenched with sweat by the time I got back to the office, and boy, did that shower feel good!
No rain in the view from my office!
Every other Thursday is a “tele-work” (meaning “work at home”) day for most people in my office, so it’s fairly quiet. With that being said, I was looking forward to running with Erin! I needed to talk to someone! I hope I didn’t talk her ear off.
We did a good job of running slower than we did last week, but we were still running considerably fast (for us). I wish I could run with Erin more often. I can tell we are going faster when we run, but it doesn’t bother me because my mind is on the conversation. I love runs like this. I am looking forward to our next one together!
Distance: 3.18 miles | Time: 29:06 | 1: 9:19 | 2: 9:31 | 3: 8:49 | 4: 1:25
Day 12 | Friday, June 26: Rest
Day 13 | Saturday, June 27: Run 5 miles
I was super excited when I checked the temperature at 6:00 am and saw cooler temps:
59°F and feels like 59°F! Hurray!
That forecast totally makes getting up “early” on a weekend worth it!
I met my neighbor, Fritz, and we ran an easy 5 miles around the neighborhood. It just flew by. That is what happens when you have great company to talk to! I am so lucky to have this happen two runs in a row!
Around mile 3.5, I knew I had to go to the bathroom, so we started to run back towards my house. This is the second time this has happened while running with Fritz. He’s such a cool guy. He said to me, “If you have to go, just go! It’s no big deal!” Ha! I told him that during a race, I would, but that we were so close to home, I could make it. It’s nice to know it wouldn’t bother him if I went on my leg though. Ha ha ha.
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 49:25 | 1: 9:54 | 2: 10:09 | 3: 9:58 | 4: 9:39 | 5: 9:40 | 6: 00:02
Day 14 | Sunday, June 28: Run 9 miles
My alarm was set for 6:30 Sunday morning, but I was having a hard time getting out of bed. Enter Alarm Clock Kitty Cat:
Data seriously makes me crazy by rubbing his teeth and whiskers all over my face when I am trying to sleep, but today he actually helped me get out of bed. Thanks, Data.
I got to the park by 7:00 and started running at 7:20 and got back home after 9:00. That is a lot of time for a 9-mile run! What am I going to do when I have to run further… wake up at 5:00?!
I think I ran this a bit faster than I should have for a training run, but that’s okay. I will surely slow down as I add more mileage. I enjoyed this run. It was nice and sunny and breezy.
More photos from the Nippersink Forest Preserve:
My savior – the public restroom!
Distance: 9.00 miles | Time: 1:22:16 | 1: 9:10 | 2: 9:11 | 3: 9:22 | 4: 9:09 | 5: 9:00 | 6: 9:04 | 7: 9:16 | 8: 9:15 | 9: 8:44 | 10: 00:02
Week Summary: 25 Miles
Compared to last week, my runs this week were more fun and easier. I think that’s because I went out prepared for the heat, and because I ran with friends more often.
One thing I noticed though, is that my running clothes are really starting to stink. I wash them twice and they still won’t come clean. The July issue of Runner’s World has an article called “Stink Stoppers,” reviewing eight new shirts that are stink resistant. Unfortunately, I don’t have the cash right now to buy a new wardrobe, so… any advice?
Themocracy
Great job on week 2! Especially in this heat right now. For your clothes they make detergents that should take the stink out. I am one stinky girl and the best I found was sport wash. There is also WIN and some others. You can order on amazon.com or at a speciality running store.
Maya is adorable!!! I think it’d be so fun to push a little one…a lot harder on the arms, but the words out of their mouths would make it go by much faster.
I have only had one sports bra that I’ve had trouble with it being stinky. It’s cotton…are yours cotton? My others that are the dry-fit material don’t seem to stink for some reason. I need new running clothes so badly, but I poor. 🙂
I definitely agree about the heat in Illinois this last week. It was brutal. The weatherman said to stay indoors. Easier said than done when you work outside for a living.
All I can say about marathon training is — WOW. I need to learn how to breathe before I start running (which I wish I could do). A friend and I did do the Komen 5K Race for the Cure yesterday. We took our time, though, so it took us just over an hour.
Great week of training. Thanks for the play by play.
It’s so cool you get to meet up with Erin for runs! ::jealous:: Looks like you had a good week!
Jamie – THANK YOU for the tip! I am going to look for the sports wash. Because I think my stink is only going to get worse!
Holly – That was it exactly! It was a but harder, but she really made the time fly by! Hmm, the bra isn’t cotton, BUT is one of the stinkiest things. It is from Moving Comfort. Gosh. I hope it comes clean. I really like those bras… even though I am always nipping out!
Etta – Stay indoors? I missed that tip! 😉 Are you getting a nice tan working outside?! Great job on the 5K! That would be really fun to do with a friend! I have a coworker who is working on her breathing (actually, the girl I worked out with on Tuesday). She has improved significantly in the last few months!
Beth – Thanks 😀
Holly – I am jealous she gets to see you in CA!!! You two are going to have a blast!
RE: Stinky Clothing
After noticing that our running clothes no longer had that “fresh scent”, I bought some detergent specifically made for washing sport (tech) clothing. I bought it at Sports Authority but also saw it at Dick’s Sporting Goods and (to my amazement), the local Kroger store. It is called WIN. I have since used it about 6-7 times and it has done a good job every time. I think it was mentioned in “Women’s Running” magazine this month if I recall correctly. I know there are a few other brands out there but this one got rid of the stink for us.
I love running with you, too! I always go so much faster (but don’t notice) when there is good conversation.
I currently only have one shirt that really stinks. I think it’s because I let it sit too long at the bottom of the laundry basket. Oops. I’ve heard that if you throw some white vinegar into the washing machine it can help remove the stink. Or you could just check out the clearance rack at Target. Mine had AWESOME deals on tank tops today. I bought two tank tops, two sports bras, and a running skirt for $45. The skirt was only $4.98!
Everytime I read your blog I feel like lacing up my shoes and going out for a long run. you inspire the runner in me! And great job! you are doing so well with your training.
And hello, Maya!
Another solid week or running–congratulations! You are kicking this program’s butt!
We used to have that problem with my husband’s work out clothes stinking. He would work out in the morning on the way to work and then his sweaty clothes would sit in the trunk of his car until he got home! YUCK! I ended up buying special detergent for sports or something. Now he uses the company gym and they have laundry service which is pretty awesome for me!
Congratulations on another great week of training. That heat was brutal, glad to see it didn’t deter you from your goal. Keep it up!!
You are kicking all kinds of ass. Go you!
P.S. I have an alarm clock kitty too. 🙂
I think that the social aspect and the new additions to the routine like pushing Maya helped to motivate you as well. It helped to clear your mind and running became an afterthought.
Keep it up girl!
Wow. What an amazing report on your training.
Carol – I am definitely getting some as soon as possible. Thanks!
Erin – Thanks 😀 Ooo, did Target have their champion tops on clearance?! That is what I have been wearing – I have 4 that I switch back and forth from. I would love to stock up!
Sophia – Thank you so much! 🙂 Running really is a lot of fun!
Mica – Thanks! I am starting to get excited for those super long runs!
tori – I wish I could send this laundry out! LOL! I bet Steven would be happy to get it out of the house too!
Tony – Thanks! I think I am getting used to the heat. I really liked that it was cooler this weekend though 😉
sizzle – Thanks! Don’t you love your alarm(s)? AHHH!!!! I never get to sleep in, unless we travel and Data stays home.
Christina – You are so right. Changing things up is making it more interesting! I should look for more ways to deviated from the norm!
martymankins – Thanks 😉
great job on the week girl!!! glad it felt easier 🙂 i have a kitty alarm clock too, well 2 of them and then they get the dogs all excited so its just a disaster haha
I want that paw print tank top!!!
And YES, she is completely adorable. 🙂
i have the same issue w/the perma-nips when i work out! for me it has nothing to do with how hot it is… i just seem to nip out when i’m working out. trust me, running is not THAT enjoyable for me…!! 😉
aron – Whoa! I am lucky I only have ONE alarm! 😛
LiLu – Ha ha. I keep telling her parents she looks like a model!
Alice – HA! I am so happy I am not the only one. It embarassed me at first, but now I’m just like “what can I do?!”