Welcome to Weekly Wrap!  Today’s topic: Berlin Marathon Training Week 6! I’ll talk a little running, but mostly finally talk about a huge announcement that I am STOKED for. Linking up with Holly and Wendy for this Weekly Wrap and  Patty, Erika, and Marcia for Tuesdays on the Run!

ANNOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT!

THIS is what I’ve been waiting to announce!  Pretty much the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me.Nike has put together an all women’s sub-elite running group in Chicago… and I am lucky enough to be a part of it!  We are called The Windrunners and had out first team dinner this week.  I got to meet the other women on the team as well as learn more about the program.

Not going to lie, I was SOOOO nervous walking into this room.  The Imposter Syndrome hit me hard.  Am I really fast enough to be here?  Did they make a mistake and mean someone else?  Is this some sort of practical joke?  Is this real life??  Despite my doubts, within five minutes I felt welcomed and more at ease.  It helped knowing Lydia and AJ, who I’ve run with in the past, and having Robyn as one of the coaches.  The rest of the team is wonderful and we’ve already started bonding.  I am beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity to train with and support all these badass ladies.  More on this to follow – but it means I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon too!

Berlin Marathon Training Week 6 (usual recap)

Monday 6/18

Run: Easy 6 miles.  I’m pretty sure I was in Zone 2 the entire time like last week, but my heart rate monitor was acting UUUUP!  There’s no way I could bounce from 110 to 180 bpm in a single step unless I was being chased by a bear.  Which I know did not happen on the Lakefront Path at 6am or else it would have been national news.  This isn’t the first time this month where it’s has been on the fritz.  Anyone know what might be up?

Tuesday 6/19

Run: Tempo workout.  2.5 mi @tempo, 1@10k, 2.5@tempo.  I was intimidated by this workout since the 2.5 at the end seemed like so long.  BUT! It went perfectly.  6:58 average for tempo #1, 6:37 for the 10k, and 6:58 avg for the second tempo!  Admittedly, my mile splits were slower on the second tempo and finishing the half mile on the track boosted my speed.  After, I coached the group at Sprint Tuesdays (biggest yet again!) and saw Erica as a flyby.  Then in the pm, I completed my 4 mile easy double run.  Lesson of the day: BELIEVE in myself.

Other:  Published “Summer Plans + Thunderbird Bar Giveaway.”  I discuss the travel and summer events I’m looking forward to, and hosted a giveaway with Thunderbird Bars to celebrate.  They’re a great real food energy bar that I love snacking on.  In case you missed the giveaway on the blog or on my Instagram, you can find them on Amazon (affiliate).  Psst, make sure to follow my on social channels so you don’t miss other giveaways.

Surround yourself with people who have the dreams, desires and ambition. They’ll help you push for, and realize your own. • • • Today’s @sprinttuesdays crowd was the biggest yet. Love these people so much 💚💪 #tracktuesdays #runsquad #bettertogether #happinessiscontagious #findyourtribe #morethanmiles

A post shared by Becca Menke: MEd|Blogger|Coach (@rabbitfoodruns) on Jun 19, 2018 at 12:37pm PDT

Wednesday 6/20

Run: Just Robyn’s strength class in the morning.  Sumo Squats to side lunges were killer.

Thursday 6/21

Run: Track workout.  I tried to beat the rain but I ended up getting soaked with 2 intervals to go.   I ran a variation of a workout I had done a few weeks back: 800-300-800-300-800-300-400-200-100-100.  It was ok, not as great as Tuesday, but still a decent workout.

Friday 6/22

Run: I had to work the EDGE run on Saturday so I decided to do my long run early.  15 miles with the last 5 at marathon pace.  Lingering storms from yesterday meant I did it on the treadmill. Luckily, the Brasil vs Costa Rica World Cup match kept me entertained.  This was also my last Friday off for the foreseeable future. Work is doing well enough that we can resume full-time positions.  I’m thrilled to have a full paycheck again, but I also have ramped up my businesses so much that I’m worried about how to fit everything in.  Anyone out there balance multiple jobs?

Saturday 6/23

Run: I coached the EDGE long run this morning with Robyn.  Their workout was 10 miles at a steady pace (recovery week).  The 7:15 group did not turn around where they were supposed to. I chased after them, then had to run the next 4.5 miles with them before we made it back to the rest of the group.  Nothing like throwing in some marathon pace miles at the beginning of a workout, after doing a long run the day before.  My hamstring and hips were sore by the end.  BUT my favorite part was making post run treats for everyone.  They went over really well so BOLO the recipe soon!  But first, elp me figure out a name for them by commenting here 

Other: I went to Fran’s community yoga class in the afternoon.  There were a number of EDGE faces there.  Then I went over to the little bro’s apartment to recipe test.  We made vegan pesto pizzas with millet crust and he got quite into the photography. Ha!

Sunday 6/24

Run:  Huge group trail run. We completed one loop at Swallow Cliff and I was so excited to see Jerry back out there!

And that’s a wrap for Berlin Marathon training week 6!  It was a build week where I racked up 57 miles total.  Three strength classes, and about 20 miles of bike commuting going to the office each day.  Obviously the coolest thing that happened was the Nike team and I can’t wait to share more as this new adventure unfolds.

How was your week?  What are you training for? Let’s stay in touch!  Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts.  

Happy running,

Becca