Today I had another 6 X 800 (half a mile) repeats workout. I started with a 1.5 mile warmup, did 8 X 600 repeats with 400 meter recoveries between each, and a 1.25 mile cool down to finish. The total workout totaled 7 miles. I had to cut the workout short by 1 mile because of thunder and lightening, but I was glad I was able to finish all of my repeats. The last mile would have just been a really easy mile anyways so it's no big deal. I ran all of my repeats faster than my goal, but I felt good and strong the whole time. The repeats went as follows: 3:38, 3:42, 3:41, 3:43, 3:49, and 3:48. I actually ran through a bit of thunder and lightening, which probably wasn't the smartest idea, but I really wanted to get this workout done.
When I got home from the track, I did some strength training. I did HIIT abs, which goes like this:
45 seconds of jumping jacks
45 seconds of bicycle crunches
45 seconds of flutter kicks
45 seconds of russian twists
45 seconds of jumping jacks
45 seconds of figure 4 leg lifts
45 seconds of toe touches
45 seconds of jumping jacks
45 seconds of plank toe touches
After that I did the following:
45 seconds of frog jumps
45 seconds of jumping squat thrusts
45 seconds of butt kicks
45 seconds of tricep dips
45 seconds of power jacks
45 seconds of plank jacks
45 seconds alternating step ups
45 seconds of planking
Something exciting I ate yesterday:
A roast beef dinner! I ate the roast with a baked sweet potato, peas, farm fresh carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It was so delicious and colorful. I love dinners like this!!
What I have learned from marathon training:
With being 2 months into marathon training with only 2 months to go, I decided to discuss what I have learned about running and myself.
1. Marathon training is hard. Mileage gradually increases, and before you know it, you're running 8 miles one day, 9 miles the next, 10 miles the next, and 14 miles after that! The body gets tired and a lot of days you don't want to get out there and run, but you do anyways because of the rewarding feeling afterwards knowing you're one step closer to running a marathon!
2. You get REALLY hungry. With so much mileage under your belt, you are bound to get hungry. You probably get so hungry that you've probably debated eating your own hand (just kidding.)
3. You have a lot, in fact, too many, choices of energy for your long runs and actual marathon. Every run is a test to see what works for you and what, um, doesn't, if you know what I mean? ;)
4. Carbs are your best friend. I have tried reducing my intake of carbs and just flat out crashed and burned during a run. Carbs keep your tank full and ready for your next run!
5. You're pretty much tired all the time. Your legs feel like bricks and your kind of just sluggish. You still complete all of your daily tasks without a complaint, but your soreness/tiredness is always in the back of your mind.
6. Water is your best friend. It's boring and tasteless, but it is a necessity when running so much and sweating so much. If you don't drink it, you feel tired, light headed, and dehydrated.
7. You talk about it. A LOT. You see, I don't talk about it unless someone asks me questions and are actually interested in it. A lot of people are actually interested in it and ask a lot of questions about it, therefore, you end up talking about it a great amount.
8. Finally, you sleep REALLY well at night. The minute your head hits the pillow you are passed out and sleep sound until the morning. One of the best parts!!
With being 2 months into marathon training with only 2 months to go, I decided to discuss what I have learned about running and myself.
1. Marathon training is hard. Mileage gradually increases, and before you know it, you're running 8 miles one day, 9 miles the next, 10 miles the next, and 14 miles after that! The body gets tired and a lot of days you don't want to get out there and run, but you do anyways because of the rewarding feeling afterwards knowing you're one step closer to running a marathon!
2. You get REALLY hungry. With so much mileage under your belt, you are bound to get hungry. You probably get so hungry that you've probably debated eating your own hand (just kidding.)
3. You have a lot, in fact, too many, choices of energy for your long runs and actual marathon. Every run is a test to see what works for you and what, um, doesn't, if you know what I mean? ;)
4. Carbs are your best friend. I have tried reducing my intake of carbs and just flat out crashed and burned during a run. Carbs keep your tank full and ready for your next run!
5. You're pretty much tired all the time. Your legs feel like bricks and your kind of just sluggish. You still complete all of your daily tasks without a complaint, but your soreness/tiredness is always in the back of your mind.
6. Water is your best friend. It's boring and tasteless, but it is a necessity when running so much and sweating so much. If you don't drink it, you feel tired, light headed, and dehydrated.
7. You talk about it. A LOT. You see, I don't talk about it unless someone asks me questions and are actually interested in it. A lot of people are actually interested in it and ask a lot of questions about it, therefore, you end up talking about it a great amount.
8. Finally, you sleep REALLY well at night. The minute your head hits the pillow you are passed out and sleep sound until the morning. One of the best parts!!
Questions to ponder:
Do you think you will ever run a marathon? Do you do workouts on the track? Have you ever run in thunder and lightning? What's your all time favorite meal?
Stay cool on this humid Tuesday everyone! See you tomorrow! :)