Technically it’s taper time for the Berlin Marathon. But since I lost 3+ weeks to the tendon injury, I’m not sure it should be taper time for me just yet. Before I get to that, here’s how the week’s workouts went:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run 6 miles
Wednesday: Bike 18 miles
Thursday: Run 12 miles
Friday: Strength, Yoga
Saturday: Run 17 miles
Sunday: CrossFit
This training week was pretty much as picture perfect as it gets for me. 35 running miles is about peak for this low-mileage runner and I could not be happier (or more surprised) with how well my tendon (knock wood) is handling the demands I’ve put on it. Whether I’m running roads or trails, it has been completely pain free to the point that I’d never know it had been injured at all. Who could have dreamed of such dramatic improvement?
My 17 miler was hard. It reminded me of how much those late miles in a marathon hurt, and that Berlin will be no different, if not even more painful due to my lack of endurance. I felt “done” at mile 11 but hung in there until I got a second wind. At mile 14 I was struggling again. I dug deep and waited for the 3rd wind, that thankfully came by mile 15. When I got to 17 miles, I was in a groove and felt like I could’ve kept going, but I didn’t want to tempt fate and press my luck. Last week’s long run was a whole 10 miles after all. I’ve been ramping up miles in the fast lane by making one of my weekday runs longer than usual. Nevertheless I feel like I turned a corner this week and feel like I have the confidence now that Berlin will workout just fine despite the injury and departure from a traditional training plan.
This week, my weekday runs will return to their normal 5 or 6 miles but the jury is out on whether I’ll start to taper the weekend long run or opt for a 2-week taper and go for one more confidence-building 18+ run.
This Week’s Hot List
Bark thins Dark Chocolate with Pumpkin Seeds. For many, a pumpkin spice latte signals the start of fall but to me nothing says fall like Pumpkin Seed Bark Thins. At Costco Halloween is old news and Christmas is busting out but now that the Pumpkin Seed Bark Thins are there, I’m all over them.
Mochi Ice Cream Bar at Whole foods. Seriously go and get yourself some! Ice cream treats rolled in rice dough. So delicious! They’re on the pricey side at $2 pop but that’ll keep me from buying more than a few.
Do you experience a 2nd or 3rd wind when running? What food or event signifies fall for you? Have you tried Mochi ice cream?
I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap and with Deb for the Wednesday Word.
So proud of you! I didn’t do a taper before Big Sur since my running was pretty much non-existent until a few weeks before the race. I think I did one more long run 2 weeks before and then just ran as usual. You’re going to do great!
I so want to buy that ice cream but I’ve stayed away so far. Matthew has tried it though–he loves it.
I feel like I need to try this mochi ice cream thing! I’ve seen them before just never thought about trying them.
Amazing job this week! You have worked so hard to get back to this point. It may have been challenging on that 17 miler but you’ve made an amazing comeback. Good luck with the final weeks of preparation for the marathon!!
Thanks so much Sara!
It’s felt like fall in Iowa since the start of August….so, the leaves should start turning and falling soon. UGH. I did spot a box of pumpkin-spiced granola bars last week, though…so the start of pumpkin season has commenced #glasshalffull
Congrats on a great week of training – especially your two long runs this week! I’m glad to hear that the tendon is cooperating and that the runs felt good overall.
I’m not a fan of the later miles either. Sometimes I get a second win during running, usually after mile 10, but sometimes it takes me a while to find my groove. On this weekend’s 16 miler, I didn’t find my groove until mile 6!
Oh my ….your description of your 17 miler scares me. Like really scares me. But then your description of that mochi ice cream makes me happy! Will be visiting Whole Foods this week! 🙂
Those BarkThins look too dangerous! I am so thrilled that your runs have been pain-free, and that you are being careful-ish. You probably could go for one more week of training since your body hasn’t been taking the usual beating.
With the title of this post, I can’t help but think of breaking wind – isn’t that what comes next? 😀
I feel like many of my long runs towards the end of marathon training required a 3rd or 4th wind. Alot of times its a mental game at that point!
So, so pleased about your pain-free runs. That is quite remarkable. And now it is full steam ahead for Berlin!
Way to come back strong girl! Nice job. What? There is an ice cream bar at whole foods?
I am not a pumpkin person, but apples are a different story. I always make an apple pie in the fall, apple cider, apple whatever. I know I’ve gotten Halloween decorations already, and I’m excited for the new season.
Great to hear that your tendon is ok after a 35 mile week! Great job on your 17 miler too! Yay for 2nd and 3rd winds! I have tried mochi! So yummy, my favorite flavor is strawberry. I’ve noticed our Costco has it in the freezer but I have resisted, because I know if I get it, I’ll be eating most of it. 🙂
So glad to hear that you are pain-free!! This isn’t your first rodeo, so I’m sure you’ve got your plan set as you prepare for the marathon taper. Sometimes I do get a second wind on my long runs, thank goodness!
Hope to see you in Berlin! Are you going with Marathon Tours? Hope your injury heals quickly!
The goal is to finish, no? I know our coach was always saying you could finish on a 16 mile long run. Just sayin’ (and of course I know nothing of marathons!).
I haven’t tried mochi ice cream even though I’ve come to love mochi. I’ve looked at it, I’m sure I’d enjoy it — but too much sugar. I didn’t know they sold it by the piece, though.
I’m not sure I really have a food that signifies Fall — of course pumpkin this & that, apple crisp or baked apples, but . . . . I don’t need reminding. The temps do that!
I’ve loved seeing so much improvement in your injury as you’ve gotten closer to the Berlin Marathon! Your pain free long run is a very good sign!
Thanks for linking up!
You had an awesome week! I’m happy to hear that your tendon is getting better. When is the Berlin Marathon taking place? Is it an annual event?