Exploring the Towpath, coaching Kids Run the Nation, and running a ton of miles may sound like a lot but it was amazing!
WHAT A WEEK!!! Yes, I am starting my training recap shouting with joy! I can’t quite believe it myself, actually. Training went fairly well and the kids running program I’m coaching is unbelievable! I’m exhausted and happy and my heart is so very full. I’m excited to see how this week shakes out. But before we get there, let’s rewind.
Exploring the Towpath {MCM Training: Week 12}
Monday — 0.56 miles
Monday was our very first meeting with Kids Run the Nation runners. We have 14 runners and they did such a wonderful job listening and following directions. We discussed walking, jogging, and running and completed some drills and running exercises. It was a ton of fun!
Tuesday — 7.1 miles
My notes in my workout log to my coach say, “Good run. Nice and warm today!” I like warm weather running, we’ve established that. But sometimes you can have too much of a good thing and the heat and humidity can wear you down. More on that in a minute.
Do you remember the day I couldn’t figure out why my fourth mile was so wonky? Well, I’ve been comparing my elevation charts. Turns out that mile 4 on one of my favorite routes is a steady incline, which explains why my fourth mile is always as slow as molasses. I don’t know how I never put that together before. I finally figured it out during this run because truly, it was almost the same scenario with my splits. Fairly even until mile 4 then BAM! Molasses.
Uphill running. Mystery solved. Who’da thunk? #facepalm
Wednesday — 9 miles
I had a fun tempo run on deck for Wednesday. Tempo intervals are both fantastic and challenging. I nailed my paces after struggling with the first tempo mile. It was an extremely tough workout but I felt great afterward. Plus it was my first track run in quite a while and I enjoyed being back at it.
In the afternoon my husband and I met with the Kids Run the Nation runners. We learned more about pacing and then we tested our theories on pacing with a fun running game. The kids were totally pooped by the end of the workout — and so were we!
Thursday — 8 miles
I completely botched Thursday. I did a terrible job of refueling on Wednesday after such a challenging day of running. The plan was a 10 mile easy run but between the higher humidity and temperature as well as being under-fueled, I called the run at 8 miles. The wheels fell off almost completely at mile 6 but I still had to get home so I turned on some tunes and made the legs go.
Saturday — 20.1 miles
Saturday was the big 2-0. Earlier in the week I was dreading the 20 but as the week progressed, I found myself looking forward to it more and more.
One of our favorite places to run is on the Towpath Trail here in northeast Ohio. It extends from Cleveland down to New Philadelphia, Ohio. It’s currently undergoing an extension in Cleveland proper and when it’s completed it will be 101 miles start to finish.
Julie and I made a plan to venture to a new part of Towpath we had never run before. We decided to run two out-and-backs. This would allow us to stop at the car if needed to reload our packs as well as stop for the restroom and water. While we were a little wishy-washy on if we would enjoy the four 5-mile segments, it actually turned out to be one of our better decisions. Running 5 miles and then turning around to run another 5 miles, and then doing the same thing again, really helped to “minimize” the distance from a mental standpoint.
As I mentioned, it’s been really humid here lately. I love running in the heat, don’t get me wrong. But the humidity takes a toll — even on me. I lubed up everywhere on Saturday morning. But somehow, at mile 8, I started feeling the beginnings of chafe in the unmentionable areas. I’m guessing I was just sweating so much that the lube was no match for the moisture. Let’s face it, my clothes were literally dripping from sweat. Thankfully I had tossed a sample of a lubricant in my pack that I received in my Stridebox a month or so ago. It was one of those, “this might be good to have” type of thoughts when I put it in there.
Lubin’ on up! ?
Let me just tell you something — this little sample was a LIFE. SAVER. I literally had to stop in my tracks and lube up. Thankfully Towpath is frequented by a ton of runners so I’m sure I didn’t get too much side eye from them. Not so sure about the leisure walkers, though. Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
We made it to mile 10, used the restrooms, and were back on our way. The rest of the run was mostly pleasant. I say mostly because the sun was out in full force and although we were well shaded, it was still very hot and humid. I also had to re-lube again at mile 15. The last two miles were a little torturous, but I survived. I’m so glad we split up the run into segments. I truly believe it helped keep my brain active and engaged through the run. 20 miles on the Towpath — check!
Fun fact: this is the first 20 mile run I’ve had since the 20-Mile Drop in April!
Sunday — 1.12 miles
On Sunday, my family and I ran/walked a 1 mile race for PALS InMotion. I’m so impressed with my kids. They both ran most of the 1 mile race without stopping. My daughter was so determined to run. When I asked her if she needed to walk she would say, “I’m not gonna give up” and kept running. It was just the absolute cutest. She totally stole my heart with her determination and grit.
Ready to run!
Looking ahead
This week is another busy week! We have two sessions of Kids Run the Nation and I have lots of running to do. I need to get back to strength training this week also. I slacked big time last week and I don’t want to take two steps back since I was in such a good routine with it.
It was such an amazing week. Granted the heat and humidity just about killed me, but I’m really happy with how Kids Run the Nation is shaping up, and I’m so incredibly proud of my kids for running on Sunday. I’m also really pleased with my 20-miler.
Looking forward to seeing what this week brings! Should be a fun challenge.
xo
Let’s talk!
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Have you ever had to reapply lube in the middle of a run?
Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap, and My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run.
