{Workout}
Tuesday: 3 miles = 27:53 (Alternating from 9:40pace and 8:10ish)
Weights!
Weights!
Wednesday: 6 miles = (first 3 in 26:11 minutes)
Weights!
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Weights!
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THANK YOU for the sweet birthday wishes!! Thank you SOOOO much!
I am so, sooo excited for the year ahead!
My parents surprised me with a lovely dinner out at an Italian place near their house.
My parents do not ever go out for dinner. It is a VERY rare occasion for them. They're very much home-bodies!
I mean, I broke out the Tiffany's necklace for this...aaaand I attempted (key word) to comb my hair. Big deal.
I am so, sooo excited for the year ahead!
My parents surprised me with a lovely dinner out at an Italian place near their house.
My parents do not ever go out for dinner. It is a VERY rare occasion for them. They're very much home-bodies!
I mean, I broke out the Tiffany's necklace for this...aaaand I attempted (key word) to comb my hair. Big deal.
I've eaten chocolate bars and cheesecake and ice cream cake for breakfast and some dinners the last few days. There's been a loooot of indulging!
I'm baaack on the healthy train today and I've missed my fruits! Isn't it great how a few days of indulging makes you miss the healthier stuff?!
I'm a HUUUGE Gala apple fan - What's your fave type?!? Nothing comes close to them gala's. Super sweet!
I have not stopped smiling this week. I really feel overwhelmingly grateful! :)
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I'm still running, of course!
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My last 2 days of running was 3 miles of speed work on Tuesday and 6 miles - (3 of those playing with speed) on Wednesday.
I probably did ONE attempt at "speed-work" last year. I gotta say - I have REALLY enjoyed it this year. First of all, time flies by. And, I really feel like I'm going to finally become a better runner because of this. The ONLY reason I've started speed-work is through reading blogs and your suggestions!
I've also been very consistent with weights / pushups / planking. I want to build some muscle, damnit!
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How hard was the transition from 1/2 marathon to your first full marathon??
I've been thinking about this a lot.
At this point, I can't fathom finishing a full marathon. I really can't.
Even though it's challenging and by no means a walk in the park, I feel like I'm in a pretty good place with 13.1 miles. I look forward to running this distance and it's really fun for me!
However, once I finish a 1/2, I can't even imagine going another couple of miles..let alone doing it all over again. Is it mainly needing to build my mental strength maybe??
So, just how hard was your first full? Was it easier/harder than you expected?
Did you feel like you were prepared?
Was there a point in your training (maybe once you hit a specific long distance run??) where you knew that you could successfully reach your full marathon goals?
I was very worried about this too when I started marathon training. I think they key thing is to trust your training, and not think too far ahead in your training plan. It is scary to think about 20 miles when you have only done 13. But as you slowly build up you will become much more confident!
ReplyDeleteI did 2 20-mile and 1 22-mile training runs. I think completing a few longer distance runs really helped me to be more confident about it.
By the way, you look so cute and happy in all these photos today! Love it!!
oooh thank you! VERY helpful to know what your long run was. At this point, even 20 miles just seems unbelievable!
DeleteYou look absolutely gorgeous in the turquoise, it is one of my favourite colours!! Glad you had a great eve out :) I have no idea about 1/2 to full as haven't done either YET... hope you get some good tips.
ReplyDeleteaw thank you so much!!
DeleteI've run 2 marathons and still can't imagine running another 13.1 at the end of a half! :) But I have to say, some of my favorite runs are the 17+ mile ones. You just start slowly building up your mileage AND your confidence! During the marathon (only having done 2 I'm clearly no expert!) I'm amazed at how quickly the halfway point comes up. And with any race from 5k to full, I just break it up into chunks in my mind which seems to help :)
ReplyDeleteThat is GREAT encouragement to know that the 1/2 way mark seems to come by very quickly!
DeleteWell done on your speed work. They are all good questions...personally, I think the transition is pretty tough, it's not as simple as running two halves back to back (not that that is simple!). The biggest challenge I face is the increased injury risk once I'm pushing those big miles. Working on your strength and core is a great way to keep injury at bay so you're doing all the right things! In terms of confidence...if you can knock out a 20 miler in training, you KNOW you can complete the marathon!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about finishing a 20 miler in training. I hope to get there one day!
DeleteI thought of that as well, I think it'd be incredibly hard to do two halves back to back!
I can't remember if I wished you a happy birthday but if I didn't... happy birthday! I can't offer any advice on running a full marathon as I've never done one, but I can say you look awesome in turquoise haha!
ReplyDeleteahaha thanks you!!
Deleteglad you had such a great bday, TR!
ReplyDeletemy first full was a great success...and this will sound funny but i think it was due to the fact that i did not overthink the race and did not really know what i was doing!! by that i mean that i was running a lot, did long runs but the best thing was consistency, looking back. sometimes we get lost in everything we are *supposed* to be doing! if you decide on the full, go for it and enjoy the experience of training for it!
love the photo of the compression socks - aren't they the best!!
I just ordered a neon green pair that's on sale today! HAHA!
DeleteOk, love your advice..mainly because I feel like I don't know what I'm doing at all right now!! I'm just increasing mileage, enjoying it, and running!
I'm going to sign up for a marathon this year..but i'm not sure if I should give myself more time (October marathon, as opposed to May!)
I've been lax in blog reading over the past few days and I missed your birthday! Happy, happy belated! I just did my first round of speed work last night and I'm not gonna lie, I didn't like it. I get to do it all again next Wednesday too! I'm also toying with the idea of a full marathon in the fall. I'd have to move onto training for it without any of my half group because no one wants to do the full. I may just bite the bullet and do it anyway. I like to have goals for myself.
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the speed work!
DeleteOk, I *KNOW* the only reason I enjoyed doing it was because it was on the treadmill. I think i'd find it very very very hard to do (and enjoy) outside. I'm going to try it when the weather gets better!!
GO for it!! First timer'ssss :D
Good work, lady! I am so proud of your speedwork! I never actually did a half before I did a full. I just went straight for the big one! But I do agree with greengirlrunning that you learn to love the long runs. Keep them slow and steady and then reward yourself for the rest of the day on the couch and you will LOVE those days :)
ReplyDeleteOk , aaaaaaand wow!! haha STRAIGHT into it. You're amazing!!
DeleteI agree!! I absolutely cannot wrap my head around running a full.
ReplyDeleteBut I can't wait for my half!! :)
I'm thinking about a Tri....
:)
Do it, do it! A tri!!
DeleteI'm gonna stalk your blog now to find out when your half is! :D
You definitely have those runners legs going these days! Every runner should be proud of their stems.
ReplyDeleteOh, I always crave the healthy stuff after too much garbage, so I know the feeling!
I'm about to walk into my gym with those new neon green pro compression socks I ordered today!! hahah I got comments on the brightness of my shoes..they're not gonna know what hit them with these socks. :S
Deleteomg same here!! i always want the good stuff after indulging a little too much!maybe it's mental, but to be honest, it could be physical, for some people running is a little more difficult physically, i still believe that if your there mentally, then nothing is stopping you :) just play around with the numbers above 13.1 and see how you feel, you never know what's going to happen!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Gala apples too. Put a little nut butter on that and I'm a happy, happy girl :D I haven't even finished my half marathon yet, but I'm already thinking about running a marathon. Obviously, I don't think it'll be for years, but let me know what you decide!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it'll be that long before you go for the full..especially if you're already thinking about it! :D I did my first half in May 2012!
DeleteCan't wait for yours!!
Right now I'm just thinking about VOLUNTEERING for a marathon. But like anything, you build up to it. It's like when you first start running and a MILE seemed like an accomplishment. Just add like a million steps on to it ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's so great, I'm trying to find a few races to volunteer for - it'd be such a fun experience!
DeleteWell done with the training! You are doing great! My parents also never go out. I was very well prepared and breezed through my first marathon. If you put in the work you will find it long but very manageable.
ReplyDeleteThat is sweet that you spent your quarter of century celebration with your parents. You look super cute! I see you're back to business at hand with health!
ReplyDeleteGreat work with the speed work and the weights! And Happy Belated Birthday :).
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in the responses to the marathon question. I'm slowly starting to run again, and if my IT band cooperates nicely am considering an October (Toronto or Ottawa) or November (Hamilton) marathon. But the distance is a little terrifying!
Thanks for the bday wish!! :)
Deleteoooh reat to hear you're heading back out there. The distance is absolutely terrifying me. But, I keep reminding myself that a few months before I did my first 1/2 last May, I thought 6/7miles was terrifying...so, it HAS to get easier with time/practice/long running..I hope?! haha!
I hope you get to do one this year if you're fully healthy!
My first marathon was much harder than expected - temps were low, I was hurting a few miles in, and the wind was blowing 20 mph - rough for me. My second was a blast, though! :) For my first marathon, I didn't feel prepared because I was injured going into it and didn't run for the two weeks leading up to the race. For my second, I felt extremely prepared and actually ran less during training.
ReplyDeleteI think once I hit the twenty miler, I know I can push out the extra six (point two) after that. You also have to realize that race day is much different than training days - at least, for me it is!
oh man, the conditions of your first definitely wasn't great - but you DID it! I think that's amazing!! Glad to hear number 2 went very well!
DeleteThanks for sharing your experience. It's so interesting to hear!
Glad you had a good birthday!! Birthdays are always good to let yourself indulge!! I have no clue about running, but with your determination I know you'll get there!!
ReplyDeleteYay for having such a great birthday! And all the smiles :)
ReplyDeleteAs you build up your long runs, you also build up your self-efficacy about the marathon. For my first, I knew I could do it after I completed my first 20 miler :) You'll get there! :)
Half to full is fine as long as you train. I would suggest a solid 18week plan and at least two 20 mile runs with one being on the last 20 miles of the marathon course if possible.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your suggestion/tip!!
DeleteSo happy to hear you had a good birthday! You look so happy. :)
ReplyDeleteNice job on the speedwork. I rarely do it but just started doing it a lot this training cycle. I'm training for a marathon in April but have a half-marathon this weekend so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully all the speedwork will pay off.
I never actually transitioned to a marathon...a marathon was my very first race! In fact, I've been running for years and still have never run a 5k! I don't think the transition will be that hard for you, though. Just take it one mile at a time, build slowly and enjoy the huge feeling if accomishment you get from running a new distance each time you have a long run!
wow, that's amazing, I can't believe a marathon was your first race!
DeleteBEST of luck and have fun on your half this weekend!
First - it's your birthday -- totally time to indulge! Second - I LOVE that blue top -- you look awesome! Third - I think with my first marathon, once I hit the 20 mile training run I knew I could do it. This go around for my second full, I didn't train properly and fully regretted it! I know you'll rock a full training -- you're so good at getting yourself out there! Keep it up chica!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your input!
DeleteIt seems like hitting the magic 20 miler on a training run is essential for a lot of people!
Happy late birthday! It sounds like you had a fantastic day!
ReplyDeleteI actually think running a marathon was easier than I thought it would be. I mean, it absolutely hurt and there were plenty of times during training that I was discouraged, but the race itself went by pretty fast and was mostly enjoyable! And I agree with everyone else...by the time you reach 20 miles in your training, you KNOW you're ready!
oooh, I REALLY hope this is the way if I can get through the finish line of one!!
DeleteThanks for the bday wish!
I'm glad that you and your family had a great time. Lucky girl! :)
ReplyDeleteFamily time - and I feel ya. When my parents go to a restaurant more than 5 miles away, it's a big deal:)
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you are asking about transitioning means you are probably ready! Literally, one night I woke up and went, I want to do a marathon. You're aces at training, it's being mentally ready that counts.
Happy belated birthday! Sounds like you had a great one!
ReplyDeleteIt's always scary to imagine running a new distance. Just train for it and have faith! (I've only done two Ironmans but each time I've had the bad dreams, and panics leading up to the races!)
I didn't really train at all for my first marathon, so it hurt! My advice would be to ensure you get your long runs in!
Thanks so much for your input!
DeleteThe fact that you've done two ironmans is amazing to me!!
You're on your own with this one! No advice from me, I am happy with the half right now and do not want to run a full anytime soon. HOWEVER I think it's amazing you want to and I would GUESS it is a HUGE mental game. I would think 70% mentality for the full. I find that when I know my distance for the day it's easy to go that distance and stop when I am done. When you know you have to do 26.2 miles, it may be easier (with training obviously) to go and then collapse when you are done haha.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a great birthday!
Girl, if I get it done, I'm gonna collapse right into some donuts and chocolate. haaaha!
DeleteMy thoughts don't really count because I trained for a marathon and didn't run it (stress fracture), but I felt the exact same way as you. I was comfortable with the half, but anything over 13 terrified me! Once I actually DID runs longer than that, though, something just changed. These days, I feel like mentally (probably not physically!) anything under 16 miles or so isn't that big of a deal. I will say that I did NOT feel like I could do another 6.2 after my longest run (20 miles), though. I'm hoping that following Hansons method will give me more confidence going into this year's race (training starts today!).
ReplyDeleteoooh very interesting! I'm nowhere near 20 yet..so I'm really really curious how that feels mentally and physically at that point.
DeleteYesss, happy training! i'm sorry the first one didn't work out because of the injury!
You can do it!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I haven't run a full yet - but maybe one day :-)
Happy Birthday, sorry I'm late! You look fabulous and great job on your speed work. I haven't ran a full yet, but hoping to very soon!
ReplyDeleteThanksss for the birthday wish!! :)
Deletegreat work on the speed training - it's kinda fun isn't it! I think the transition is definitely hard, but maybe not as hard as you imagine as it is amazing what your body can do when you just push it that much further. Definitely something you need to build up to, making your long runs slightly longer each time. And I definitely think there is a huge amount of mental training that goes into it too - in fact I read in a running book that a marathon is 90%mental and 10% physical... Somewhat true maybe? Good luck with whatever you decide :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input!!
DeleteI do think a BIG part of that is true..that it's 90% mental. I always say our bodies are sooooo capable of so , so much - it's the mental part that can shut down way before our bodies!
The mental aspect of training is the most important for a marathon, or so I've been told/read. I just remember my first half and how crazy 13.1 miles seemed, and now I look at that distance as an entirely manageable run. A long run, yes, but I know I can finish and not die. The longest long run you will do when training for a marathon is 20 miles (assuming you're following one of the popular training schedules). 20 is only 7 more than 13. Besides, you'll work up to 20. So race day is really just a 20 mile run with a victory 10K tacked on because you're F***ing running a marathon, you bad ass!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the 13.1 and how daunting it was at first. It's definitely become a nice but FUN challenge now.
DeleteIt looks like I really need to build up my mental strength to hit that 20 miler one day!
I have no idea about the jump, as I did a marathon before I had ever done a 5k or anything! But, having done 9 fulls now, multiple halves, and countless training runs over 13 miles, I would say there is a significant difference in the half than the full. The full makes the half seem like a vacation, a very nice sweet spot between fun and pain. The marathon requires a whole slew of mental focus and determination that you barely scratch at during the half. That being said, I LOVE the marathon! And I truly believe anyone who wants to do it, can do it!
ReplyDeleteThank you So much for your input!!
DeleteThat's a lot of marathons and races you've done - wow!!
go get em girl! once you get above 9 miles, i swear you can do anything!
ReplyDeleteb'aw the second pic of you in the blue shirt looks too cute. You look so happy :). Glad you're having a good bday and enjoying the well deserved indulgences! Oh and Gala apples are absolutely hands down my favorite too. I do love golden delicious, but gala is def first :P
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely dinner with your family :) I feel like after a certain mileage things get easier.
ReplyDeletePS: nicely done on the 3 mile run :P The fastest I've ever done mine was like 26:30. You go girl :D
Also, I'm thinking of doing the Scotiabank Marathon in October. So I understand what you mean when you say "how in the world can I run that far?"
yesssssssss that'd be my choice if I'm not ready for May..
DeleteI did the half last year..the full ran with us until the 13 miles. The half was a pretty flat course (although I found it really boring, the view etc.)
I hope you do it in Oct!!
Well hi,pretty lady!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've ran a half but haven't even gotten close to training for a full yet. I'd probably like to eventually but definitely plan on running at least one more half first. I remember after my first half thinking OH MY GOD HOW DO PEOPLE DO TWO OF THESE I'M ABOUT TO DIE. Of course, it was June in Texas summer and I wasn't properly trained so I feel like I'm a little more open to the idea now :P
LOL you're hilarious.
DeleteBut yes, those thoughts + a few choice words definitely emerged during and after my first 1/2 as well!
I love your running outfit! The long socks are pretty cute!!! I should start trying that right now - especially given that my morning runs can start out pretty cold.
ReplyDeletethey're pro compression socks and I am totally addicted to them! So nice for your calves!
DeleteI really think your hair looks great even with little combing.
ReplyDeleteTime spent with family should always be treasured
and belated Happy Bday.
I'm zero help with the marathon advice! But you looked very cute in your blue top and Tiffany's necklace! And 26 mins for 3 miles is fast!!!
ReplyDeleteAlong with speedwork, I can't recommend lower body weight training enough for becoming a faster runner! Although I've reduced the amount I run in general, I am definitely faster and the only thing I can attribute to is the weights :)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion girl!
DeleteI have LOVED doing strength training for upper body/arms..but I completely neglect lower body. Ugh. In my mind - I'm running, shouldn't that be enough for my legs?? - WRONG! lol!
I think the full is more mental than physical - as I learned 13.1 is NOT the halfway point during a full, I don't care what math says, haha!
ReplyDeleteI will say that while yes I am doing more fulls, I LOVE the half distance. I made the transition because I was legitimately running a half every weekend during fall and just kind of got bored and needed a new challenge.
I did 2 18's and 2 20's prior to my full and they flew by...I think if you love distance then you can get on board with a marathon. I had friends training for NYC and tested the waters with a couple 15/16's before I took the official plunge and registered!
Thank YOU for your input!!
DeleteI'm at the stage where I really love the 1/2 distance and challenge..and doing one maybe almost everyday 10 days or so.
Thanks so much for your insight on your long runs!
I have yet to make the transition from half to full and honestly I love the half marathon distance but I can't imagine running another mile after I am done with that half distance. Good luck! I think you can do it!
ReplyDeletePretty darn easy to switch - the training is the same except your long runs get longer! Good luck!
ReplyDelete