No excuses. Not anymore. I feel like I’ve been really hard on myself the last couple weeks. I’ve had my brief moment of burn out but now I’m over it. I have no more excuses. The pity party is over; it’s time to get to work.
I honestly can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that I only have eight weeks left of training. Or as my friend Julie put it, “really it’s just 5 weeks, then taper, then RACE TIME!!!!” When put like that, I start getting all the feels. It’s almost race day and I’m so excited. Marine Corps Marathon is a fantastic race and I can’t wait for MCM weekend. For the record: 5 weeks of training = runner’s math.
Last week was post-Rock Hall Half week. I was sore on Monday but ready to get back to work on Tuesday. Overall it was a really great week.
No Excuses {Marine Corps Marathon Training: Week 9}
Tuesday — 5.45 miles + strength training
Tuesday was a very nice run. It was pretty soupy and humid, but I ran with a good friend and we had a really great conversation. Afterward, I headed home to do some much needed strength training. This was also the day my daughter and I did all our burpees together!
Wednesday — 6.01 miles
I ran a little later in the morning on Wednesday, which was a very nice change. It was much cooler, too. Although I do run better in cooler temperatures, I’m really not ready for the change. I’d love a few more hot weather runs before it’s officially fall!
Thursday — 7 miles
Thursday was not the greatest of days. I started my run later than normal and was relying on water fountains through my route. I planned to run for 8 miles. Unfortunately in my rush to leave, I forgot to bring fuel. I was well fueled from meals, but sometimes when you’re running and you get something in your head, it’s hard to get it out. In this case I was convinced I could become hungry and bonk without food. I asked my husband to drop off some fuel for me on his way to a meeting. Everything was all fine and good until I decided to take a running photo and inadvertently let my head drop below my heart when I was setting up my phone. This action, unfortunately, triggered a ridiculous episode of heart palpitations and essentially ruined the rest of my run. How is this all related? Because I thought I wasn’t going to have enough time to get a good running pic before meeting my husband. And we all know that if it’s not on camera, it didn’t happen. Amiright?
I ended up running 7 miles total, but the last two miles were a mess.
#lessonlearned #facepalm #nomorerunningpics
Saturday — 14.15 miles
Fortunately, Saturday was a brilliant day for running! It was nice and cool, and I got to run with my lovely friends and training partners, Candice and Julie. The three of us are training for Marine Corps together, which makes training much nicer than always logging solo miles.
Beautiful sunrise to start the day!
Saturday was our long run and the miles literally flew by. It’s amazing how easy running feels when you’re with good company. There were a couple of times I wanted to stop but when you’re in mile 13 of a 14-miler, you can’t really stop and throw in the towel.
After our run, we enjoyed a delicious post-run breakfast. My favorite part of marathon training! 🙂
Looking ahead
This week is going to be a challenge but I am done with excuses. I’ve got stamina intervals, goal pace running, and a 20 miler coming next week and I have NO EXCUSES. I’ve already got some runs with good friends lined up for the week, so fingers crossed we have some beautiful weather, too. I’m also planning on staying on top of strength training. Now that my kids are back in school, I have a bit more time to fit in all the workouts I need to. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll be able to fit in some yoga, too.
I’m looking forward to the rest of training. I know I keep saying it’s tough — and it is, no doubt! — but I’m putting my best foot feet forward with the rest of training. No excuses. Let’s do this.
xo
Let’s talk!
What’s your favorite motivational saying or mantra?
What’s your favorite part of training for a race?
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.
