Week 2 of Marathon Training

Well, I'm midway through week 2 of Marathon training! Things are going very well so far! Here's what I did last week.

Sun-16 mi Long Run with specific paces (no LSD for me!)
Mon-Bike on trainer
Tues-6 mi Zone 2 recovery run + Swim
Wed-9 mi Tempo + Swim
Thurs-Bike on trainer
Fri-7 mi Hill workout
Sat-off (was visiting family)

Week2
Sun-6 mi recovery run
Mon-17 mi Long Run with specific paces
Tues-6 mi recovery run + Swim
Wed-9 mi Tempo
Thurs (today)- bike

I still have a Hill workout and a recovery run to do this week also. I want to rest up real good for my long run on Sunday. Those seem to take the most out of me. I find lomg runs much more manageable now than I did during my first marathon training cycle back in 2009. I remember just dreading each long run, and I just slogged it out to get the miles under my legs. Now I have specific mile pace goals. By the time I figure out which mile I'm on and what pace I have to do, the run is over! I just take it one mile at a time. It works so well. I think it's great mental training for the marathon, too.

So far, so good with the training. I need to figure out a better plan to incorporate better biking and swim training because I do have to train for the half ironman in July.

Toodaloo for now!

New Year

Well, the start of another new year. I just love the beginning of the year. It's a great time to think about what I really want to accomplish in my next race season. This one is extra special. I feel like this is my last year of real racing. My new husband and I are looking to have kids fairly soon, but he promised me just one more year of racing before I give up my body and time. I know I can still race after I have kids, and I will. It'll just never be quite the same as when you're free of any responsibility.

So, my plans? Fit in as much racing as I can afford! First off is the 2011 Illinois Marathon on April 30th. I will also do the Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon leading up the that race on April 2nd. After that I would like my focus to change back to triathlon. If I can come up with the money, I would like to do the Ironman 70.3 Racine on July 17th. And even more shocking... and expensive.... the Ironman Louisville on August 28th. I told you I wanted to fit in everything in one year! But we'll see. The full ironman goal is a bit lofty, both time and money-wise. I don't, however, have a doubt in my mind that I can finish it if I put my mind to it and train for it to the best of my ability.

I do have a coach for my marathon in April. 2 coaches actually. I'm extremely excited to work with them! I am midway through the first week of real training. My week started with a long run of 16 miles. There are also two Zone 2 recovery runs, plus a tempo and a hill workout this week. I am very happy to have this great opportunity to work with great coaches that are so much smarter than me when it comes to devising a training plan! I'll try to update more during training. (this is the first post since April of 2010! Ouch)