Face it, summer has basically slipped away. Kids are back to school here, everybody’s talking pumpkin spice and there are fallen leaves on our deck.
After one fallish week, we’re already starting to see some fall colors.
Here’s how the week and the month shook out:
Total Weekly Miles: 30.2
August Run Miles: 142
August Swim Days: 20
Monday: Swim 1600yds
Tuesday: 6 miles Speedwork, 1k 2k, 2k, 1k
Wednesday: Yoga
Thursday: 6 miles @MP
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Strength and core
Sunday: 18.2 miles
This month I finally buckled down and got some mileage under my belt. Spending 3 weeks in Europe in July and straying well off the training plan was not the biggest confidence builder. Of course I don’t regret it for one second. Up ’til now I’ve been in denial about how many weeks remain until the Twin Cities Marathon. That can no longer be avoided. There are 5.
August was pretty steamy here. I took some of my speedwork to the mill. But I managed a 20 miler, an 18-miler and an almost 12-mile race. The night before yesterday’s 18, we entertained. I was on my feet too much. My hydration left something to be desired. I was kind of clock watching because I wanted to get to bed at a reasonable (geriatric) hour.
This describes me perfectly. While I didn’t verbalize any of it to our guests, I was definitely thinking it.
Even after not having the best long-run-eve prep, my 18 miler went well. Really well. Evenly paced and I felt like I could’ve kept going. I credit overcast skies and minimal warming, although it was plenty humid. I also paid attention to heart rate and was careful to keep my effort in the appropriate zone. Made all the difference in the world! After doing this marathon thing for 8+ years, there’s always the doubt in the back of my head. The one that questions if my body will get with the program and handle the distance, or if it’s time to move on to other adventures. This was the run where the universe whispered “No worries, it is ALL coming together”.
In September:
- Meeting with the Endocrinologist. Maybe, hopefully I’ll get some answers about these crazy hormones.
- I still haven’t pulled the trigger on a Labor Day Weekend half, so I doubt I’ll run one.
- Taper time!
How was your August? What are you looking forward to in September?
5 weeks! Yippee!! Exciting! This week is going to be crazy hot in New York, mid 90s all week – but I’m looking forward to hopefully cooler temps after labor day!
I guess I am a Runhole and I’m not even training for a full.
Great month!
haha, Run-hole. Great week lady!
I cannot believe it’s September, the kids are back in school, and we need to start thinking about Fall and Winter.
Looks like you had a great August! I’m looking forward to September because I have a vacation coming up.
you really swam a ton this month. I am hoping to keep up my swimming all winter this year and get some more swim days on my schedule.
Actually looking forward to a vacation in Sept (if we ever hear back from the dog sitter) — I know I whined about how boring my summer was, but that is about to change. My husband reads my blog, too, and gave me grief about it. But it’s true! AND he reads the comments, which I had no idea. Apparently I repeatedly said how boring the summer was (but really – one movie all summer long?). At least he’s not reading YOUR blog.
I don’t normally get nervous before long runs but of course my definition of long run is quite different from yours. 🙂
I love the ones that tell you you’re ready! You’ve got this!
I think you did amazing jumping back into training after vacation. I am surprised after so many successful years you still have that little voice that speaks doubt…maybe it never goes totally away.
You had a great August! You are ready to race.
I want to see hints of Fall too, I can not wait 🙂
Looks like you had a great month! I can’t believe how quickly fall is creeping up on us. I think I’m ready for cooler temps but I would like summer to last a little longer!
Congrats on a solid 18 miler! I love that term- “RUNHOLE”. Never heard it before. 🙂
Runhole – that’s one I’ll have to remember 🙂 It looks like being away for those 3 weeks didn’t hurt you a bit!
What a great training month in August!
I’m 6 weeks out from my full and am also in denial 🙂
It looks like we’ll have fall-like temperatures coming soon. While I love summer, I don’t love running in the summer.
I was thinking about a Labor Day 10k…BG Stampede anyone? It depends on the weather. And I’d have to shift my runs around. We know how much Becky LOVES that. Because I’m a Runhole too.
way to go. i’m definitely a runhole. lol. the number of times i say “i can’t, i’m running in the morning.” isn’t even funny! 🙂
Way to go on your 18 miler! It always amazes me how under unideal conditions I’m often still able to pull out a great run.
I am sure that felt great to run such a successful 18 miler! Five weeks, no problem! That is the funniest word…..I love it!! RUNHOLE! Enjoy the rest of your marathon training!!
Falling leave Oh wow I so want to see this around my neck of the woods. I am beginning to be such an run hole! My husband would agree 100%! I am so inspired by your training an glad it is coming all together for you so nicely. Thanks for linking up with us this week.
Our running mileage for the week and month is almost identical. Except I didn’t swim, or do yoga, or strength train (Ahem). I was a runhole however! I want two more long runs before I taper. It’s a mental thing. I’ve got to know I can handle it. We have a local 8k on Labor Day, but — meh. Thanks for linking with us today!
Runhole. I had no idea there was a name for that. We’ve all been there right?
Totally runhole. I don’t think I’m sharing that with my non training friends or that will be one of those nicknames that stick…. And I am indeed a big one 🙂
I’m looking forward to some fall-ish weather! August has been far too hot and humid for me! September is going to be a couple of 20 milers, a half, and tapering for my first full in October!
You’re not the only one who watches their watch. On Friday night I almost didn’t answer a phone call from my absent son (who is a wonderful boy and rings home every week without fail) because it was getting close to bed time. He rings while he’s driving home from work and it’s at least a 20 minute conversation and I was doing the maths – 10 minutes past my allotted bed time wasn’t working for me. But I answered it because I’m a loving mother then was cranky afterwards because I couldn’t get to sleep.
You are definitely back on track! Great job!
I am running my first RNR event this weekend, so that’s pretty exciting. Also, I’m running with my husband, which is awesome – it will be our first race side by side.
August was ok. Could have been better, but it’s so brutally hot. I am looking forward to fall.
Yay for a training run that shows you how ready you are! I’m so over summer – my kids need to go back to school and it totally needs to cool down.
August flew by but I am not ready for pumpkin spice anything yet!
Only 5 weeks left! You’ve totally got this! I must say, I’m ready for fall to get here, but not the pumpkin!! I’m not a pumpkin fan 😉
I love pumpkin, my favorite part of fall. 5 weeks to go and it looks like you have your training under control!
Your fall-looking tree makes me sad!! But you sound like you had a great summer. Keep up the great runs!
August was great and I am looking forward to September. I love the quote about “I can’t, I have a long run in the morning”. There was a going away party at work last night and I refused a drink because I was heading out for a run immediately after work !
Great job on your August fitness !
Taper time: 2 magic words after the hard work!
A very good job and a solid week, congrats.
Beautiful photos.
How fun that you got to spend some time in Europe this summer!! You are kicking butt on your training – nice work!!!
I am still laughing about the runhole- but I guess you are right! I catch myself doing the same thing! I for one am happy about turning the page over to September! August, well it was hot and painful! LOL! You sound marathon ready to me!
Rats! Was hoping to see you in Oak Brook. One of my friends is not running b/c she is hurt if you want to run incognito!
Fall and pumpkins are synonmous for me. But you sure are oen tough lady. Lovely post, thanks for sharing.
Lol, that runhole meme made me giggle. Whenever I was training for a race that is definitely how I was when we had people over in the evenings or on the weekends. My husband is totally obsessed with getting at least 8 hours of sleep so if we are hosting it is always early evenings for our guests 😉
Run-hole – I love it. The “I can’t, I have a long run” line is all too common in my vocabulary.
I cannot believe today is the first of September. While I’m sad the summer is (almost? already?) over, I’m excited for apple picking and changing leaves.
Nice! You’ve got awesome mileage for the month! Lol love Runhole! I hadn’t heard of that, but love it!
hehe… run hole (in my best Beavis and Butthead voice) 😉
Way to rock your August mileage!! My only goal for September is to stay active, lift heavy… and actually start training for RNRSTL:)
ROFL at the Runhole !!! 😀
Totally can relate!!
Ha! I love the term runhole! I’ve never heard of it before haha
That is some great mileage!!!
Great month of training! Your mileage count is incredible!!! Way to rock that 18-miler, too. The weather was finally decent last weekend, which is such a welcome change after all this humid heat.
I think it’ll be really nice to not run any races over Labor Day weekend. Take advantage of the time to relax!!!
lol at the runhole pic, so true. Or “someone who can’t stop talking about their training. =P I am so ready for fall to be here!!!
Oh my goodness! Runhole. That is too funny and applies to Triathlon too. I was definitely a Trihole at the end of my training cycle. You just have to get those miles in! Glad you are getting back on track!
Haha, run hole. Great month for you. Enjoy a relaxing Labor Day! I’m doing a track clinic and the donut derby bike race (eating donuts at rest stops), so pretty much a “for fun” weekend.
I love the use of Runhole haha! I’m going to have to steal that term… What an awesome month of workouts, very inspiring. Keep up the great work!
So, curious minds want to know what pace you did your long run!!!! Ugh, I am struggling. What time goal do you have to TC? Maybe we can all run together ….for about a mile until I fall off the wagon! 🙂
Great job on a great month, Louise! Way to kick August to the curb!
xo
Runhole is now going to be a favorite word for me. I’ve done that so many times. I’ve even left a wedding reception early. :/ oops!
5 weeks!! But you’ve got this, you know by now a lot of it is in your head.