Just like that, the days remaining until the Tokyo Marathon are down to the single digits. The hay is in the barn…that’s not to say the barn is FULL of hay, just that there’s SOME hay in there. Lets call it marathon light. Hopefully enough to get me through 26.2 ahead of the course-sweeping balloon ladies. As of this writing, I’m in a positive, calm, head space.
Tokyo Marathon Training
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run 5 miles, (4x1k) + Strength
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest (waited all morning for 8-12 furniture delivery. It finally showed at 2:30)
Friday: Run 10 miles because the weekend forecast was dreck
Saturday: Light strength training + high school track meet
Sunday: Run 6 miles (2 easy, 2 tempo, 2 easy)
It’s still cold, windy and icy AF but when the sun bothers to grace us with an appearance, it’s STRONG. Strong and warm. It has that certain glow that says spring is closer than you think. It may still get down to the single digits overnight but we’ve been above freezing during the day pretty consistently. You know what happens in those conditions right? The sap runs. Think maple syrup. Think SPRING! Target and Costco set up their Lawn and Garden Departments so it has to be true.
Workout wise, lots of the week was way too icy for me to venture outdoors to run. There’s no way Jose I’m going to risk anything so close to marathon day.
Thanks to some shuffling of the training plan, I managed to run my final long run of the training cycle outside on Friday. 40 degrees and sunny is perfection in my book. The run went well except I found myself rushing that first 10k again, “rehearsing” for sweep avoidance in Tokyo. I figure if I can make the first two cutoffs I should be good. Oh and the niggles are in full force. Over the course of 10 miles I heard from my left IT band, right peroneal tendon, right hip, and when I’m not running my left achilles feels stiff. That’s ok, it’s all fake and I have one last chiro appointment before I leve so I’m not worrying.
In Other News:
Track season started this week. It’s the teenager’s 4th and final year running High School Varsity Track. Where the heck did four years go? To be honest her heart is not in it. Blame a serious case of senioritis. Tis the season.
Thing 2 had her second of 3 middle school band concerts for the year. I so admire how dedicated she is to her flute.
It’s Race Week!
I’m shipping out to Tokyo this week. I am pumped and ready for adventure! All sweeps and nerves and hydration challenges aside, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift that is this opportunity to complete Marathon Major #5 of 6. When I set my original goal of running the World Marathon Majors 10 years ago, Tokyo was not yet one of them. The universe works in mysterious ways and a large part of me is still amazed that this is happening.
I’m also thinking about and planning for a REVERSE TAPER. Because…
9 weeks until the London Marathon!
How was your week? Is the weather cooperating? What are you counting down? Will you/did you watch the Oscars?
Woohoo! It’s the final countdown until Tokyo 🙂 I can tell that you are embracing the taper well and I love that you’re in a positive headspace going into the marathon.
This winter was not kind at all but you handed everything like a champ – proud of you!
I can sense that you are nervous about the race but I know you are going to crush it! Cannot wait to hear all about it and see the fab photos
This is so exciting, Marcia! (Like, you really need to be reminded LOL) ALL of those taper niggles are SOOO annoying, why do they even exist? They need to be eradicated. Best of luck with all your travels!
Because we were away for a couple of sleet storms, I spent much of this week literally chipping away at the very thick ice in the path to the gate in the backyard & on the driveway. It was exhausting, but the reward was a driveyway I could walk down without falling on my a$$!
You are going to have the most amazing time. Seriously. And I can’t wait to hear every last detail!
Oh, the phantom niggles! I’m so glad I have you to live vicariously through because the thought of running a marathon in Tokyo gives me a panic attack! Seriously, though, I am sending all the good juju I have to send your way. I can’t wait to hear all about it (over lunch, because I’m so in need of some time with you).
Safe travels and best of luck to you. XOXO
Have the best time in Tokyo! I’m in a recovery week and feel like my body is acting the same as a big taper – everything feels achy. Safe travels!
OMG. It’s here. Tokyo!!
So excited for you. It will be an amazing trip!
Wishing you the best of luck!!
Wishing you the best of luck! I can’t wait to hear about it. I hope you have an amazing time in Tokyo. I have such fond memories of that marathon, I’m envious of you to be heading there soon!
Ugh! The taper niggles are the worse. Why must our bodies mess with us at such a delicate time? You will be absolutely fine on race day. Enjoy this amazing experience!!
Squeee! I’m so excited for you! It’s going to be an amazing adventure!
Whee! I can’t wait to hear all about Tokyo.
I hate waiting for deliveries. So maddening.
I am so excited for you!! I’m glad you’re in a positive headspace and ignoring the niggles. You are going to do great and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Good luck! Enjoy Tokyo and run like the wind. All the best
so so so SO excited for you! can’t wait to live vicariously through you if you will be gracing us with your adventure on the socials!
our weather is chilly but AMAZING (sorry). I’m counting down to my operation (YAY! 30 days!!). No Oscar watching over here!
I’m so excited for you to be running Tokyo and I can’t wait to read the recap! It seems almost surreal – even to me! Safe travels and enjoy the ride!
safe travels and go kick booty and have fun!
I know we don’t really know each other but I feel like we do. I enjoy following your training and am so excited for you. I would love to be going to Tokyo and can’t wait to hear all about it. Good luck and have fun Marcia!
Two things: 1. Have a blast in Tokyo and good luck with the race. 2. CONGRATS on getting into London! That’s so awesome!