Monday Morning Marathon Meet-Up: Week 2
Getting all of our training runs in this week proved to be a challenge due to a nasty head cold and holiday travel. That’s what marathon training is all about though: getting mileage and long runs in, despite a busy schedule and unforeseen circumstances. I will say that I’m satisfied with our progress, considering.
Total miles scheduled: 20
Total miles run: 18.5
Long run recap:
We got our long run out of the way on Friday, since our Saturday morning tailgating schedule left no time for a run. We headed down to Blacksburg to run on the Huckleberry Trail, which is beautiful and has just bit of sentimental value for both of us since it was where we often ran when I visited Courtney at Tech. It also holds a special place in my heart as a milestone in my marathon training last time around. I’d injured my knee through a combination of too much off-trail running and following my 15 mile run up with too intense cross training: a hike up Mount Chocorua. I was unable to run even a couple of blocks without intense pain, and had pretty much written off my chances of running the Marine Corps. I’d even started planning my Halloween costume. I had replaced my training schedule with spin class to at least keep up my cardiovascular endurance, but at this point I was a full two or three weeks off schedule. Well, after resting up and slowly starting to run again, I decided I’d give a long run a try. I didn’t have anything to lose and I wasn’t willing to give up without at least being able to say I’d given it my very best effort. So I had Courtney drop me off at the end of the Huckleberry Trail to see what I could do. Well, I ran the full trail, touched the movie theater and ran back. Almost 13 miles and still feeling good. I kept running, through campus, past the the drill field. Back to Courtney’s house. Before I knew it I’d clocked 16 miles. I was back in the game. So I like the Huckleberry Trail. Anyway, back to this week…
Pre-run dinner: Turkey, sweet potato, stuffing, green bean casserole, apple pie. Repeat.
Pre-run breakfast: Two slices wheat bread with peanut butter, jelly and Nutella
Hours of sleep: 9
Start time: 11am
Weather: 55 degrees and sunny, perfect running weather!
Route: Out and back on the Huckleberry Trail in Blacksburg
How I felt: Was on the tail end of a head cold and about +2,000 feet elevation, so breathing felt slightly labored.
Highlight of run: New scenery, clean mountain air
Post-run brunch: Cabo Fish Taco!!!
Injuries, aches or pains: Sore hamstrings during the run from too many dead lifts cross training. I love my chisel class, but am going to have to be careful with it as mileage increases. Again, no lasting pain.
