True or false: There’s only 6 more weeks until MCM?
TRUE. The answer is very, very true.
Before I call in all the feels and emotions, let me first tell you that I had a much better week last week than the week before. During week 11 I had a setback with my long run and was a little worried how things would play out the following week. I’m pleased to say everything went well and I had a great week of training!
Marine Corps Marathon Training: Week 12
Monday — yoga for runners
Seriously. How did I ever stop doing yoga for runners? It gets boring, sure, but I love the stretching.
Tuesday — 6.01 miles (+ appointment with chiropractor)
I met my friend for pre-dawn miles. It was a very therapeutic run. We shared some really wonderful conversation — the type of conversation reserved for the safe place of the road or trail. Plus we finished up with this beautiful view.
Remember last week when I was experiencing some pain and discomfort that could have been IT band related? Well my chiropractor is convinced that I was experiencing SI joint discomfort from jumping back and forth between road and curb/grass. He did a lot of work on my right leg and the rest of the week was all good.
Wednesday — 8.18 miles
Despite the threat of rain all morning on Wednesday, I went out for 8 miles and was prepared for a downpour. Thankfully it never rained on me and I had a very nice run. I even saw baby T-Rex bones on my way home! Who knew I lived by an active dig site.
Thursday — 6.38 miles + strength training
I had an amazing run on Thursday. I ran cruise intervals and though it was a harder effort than an easy run, it didn’t feel out of my reach at all. As it turns out, I really enjoy faster running. It’s a very nice change after months of base building and slow slogs over many miles. Faster running days are a nice confidence booster, too.
Saturday — 18 miles
Saturday was ridiculous. 18 miles on the training plan. Strong thunderstorms in the forecast. Nevertheless, I met up with my some of my favorites — Julie, Sara, and David — for a varied distance run. David ran 8, Sara ran 13, and Julie and I ran 18.
What started off as a pleasant run soon turned into a soggy slog. It poured and poured and poured. When it was done pouring, it rained. And then when it was done raining, it drizzled. When the skies were all dried up, we were left traipsing through puddles the size of small lakes.
My stomach was in upheaval from the start, and I was experiencing cold sweats (don’t pants your poop, don’t pants your poop!*) for the last two miles. All I wanted was for the run to be done. I was definitely on the struggle bus for those last two miles. I even phoned a friend. Needless to say, at the end of the run, my feet were pruny and I was a sticky, chafed mess. But I’m happy to report, I did NOT poop my pants.
*see end of post. Seriously. You don’t want to miss it.
Sunday — 3.13 miles
On Sunday I met up with a few of my clients for a fun group run. They’re currently in maintenance mode and not in training for a big race. Until it’s time for marathon and half marathon training to begin, we’ll continue meeting for 3-4 mile group runs. They’re fun and we had some great conversation! And as exhausted as I was from my run on Saturday, it felt really nice to shake things out for 3 miles. Never underestimate a shakeout run!
Overall, week 12 was fabulous. I feel like Rachel got her groove back — and I hope it sticks around for a while! I did miss a day of strength training and I was a little bummed about it but I’ll make sure I hit all my goals for week 13. No time to slack off now, folks! It’s getting real…
xo
TALK TO ME!
Do you utilize shakeout runs the day after a long run?
What’s your anti-chafe secret?
Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run, and HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap. Also linking up with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday.
