I cannot believe it's my biggest week of marathon training! I have to say, going into this week I was kind of discouraged just because my last big run day was so tough and hot... I've honestly wondered what the HELL I was thinking signing up for something so huge and then signing on to do a week-long section hike of the AT mere hours later... but here's how my week went.
I'm definitely feeling springy!
Monday - 6 miles. This was supposed to be a speed work run. In reality, it was a full on struggle bus! My legs just really didn't feel warmed up. I never hit my projected pace and was so hot I could hardly breathe! It didn't help that there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the smells of the car exhaust and fresh mulch on the greenway were so strong. I was just happy this run was done1
Tuesday - Rest day! I was definitely grateful for the rest, especially since it was so hot! It seems like Tennessee went straight from winter to summer with spring being left behind!
Wednesday - I had a 9 mile progression run scheduled for today. I ended up getting up too late to get those miles in and had to work all day. I did 3 easy recovery miles right at sunset just to get some miles in because I knew Thursday was going to be crazy!
The beauty is called Bloodroot - the sap that runs from the stem is red.
Thursday - 12 miles hiking with clients. We had a last-minute addition to my schedule and I hiked Mt. LeConte with some clients. This hike took all day and I didn't get back to my car until it was dark outside. I got in over 4500 feet in elevation gain, though... so it's not a total loss!
My hike for Thursday!
Friday - Recovery. I really needed it after the long week. Thankfully, I got to spend some time walking my dog for a nice leisurely afternoon.
Saturday/Sunday - Backpacking 101. I did a total of 8.2 miles of hiking for the two days, hiking at a slow speed on an easy trail. I'll be posting more about that trip very soon!
Hiking up Porters Creek Trail in the misty rain.
So while my week was supposed to be a huge week with a 20-miler scheduled for the weekend, it didn't quite work out that way! I'm really glad I decided to not beat myself up over my mileage, despite the fact that I'm so close to my taper for the marathon, which is now only 14 days away! I will be making up my long run tomorrow, so I'm hoping it goes well! I'm so incredibly nervous to see than 20 miles on my watch! I have done many 20-mile hiking days in the past, but running it is a whole other game!
How has your week been going? Are you training for any events? I'd love to hear about them! Leave me a comment below or find me on Facebook or Twitter to get the conversation started!
I'm linking up with the Women's Running Community for Share it Saturday!
