Welcome to the Weekly Rundown. This was my final taper week before the Milwaukee Marathon on Saturday.  Race week! The week was chill and the weekend even better.  The marathon was A BLAST.  Linking up with hosts Deborah and Kim for this weekly training recap.

Monday 4/1

Run: Speed.  Final speed workout before the marathon.  8 quarters at marathon pace building to half pace.  I didn’t want to change my routines too much the week of the marathon, so I texted Robyn to ask if I could come to the track for practice. She said yes, so I joined inside on the track.  My legs felt fresh, and I had a hard time holding back – each quarter was 1:40.

Tuesday 4/2

Run: Sprint Tuesday.  No running for me today, but I jogged the warmup and led speed drills for the Sprint Tuesday crew.  Then I left and went back home for breakfast haha.

Other: NEW RECIPE! Published a new recipe today, my marathon week green smoothie.  It’s full of the things I need during race week – protein, vitamin C, antioxidants, carbs – and it a quick breakfast. Get the recipe here.

Wednesday 4/3

Run: Final Speed Dress Rehearsal.  During the final marathon taper week, I always do a final dress rehearsal.  I’ll wear the outfit I plan to wear for the race, and run some longer marathon paced miles to “feel” my pace.

Other:  Massage.  I went and saw my girl Justyna for a final roll out before the race.  I left feeling glorious and ready to race!

Thursday 4/4

Run: Rest.  Today I spent the day writing out my race plan. I wrote out my nutrition, hydration and pace strategy.  Marathon training played second fiddle to my focus on 5k training, and the low confidence after the Shamrock Shuffle, I played it conservative with pacing.  No PR goal for me, just a steady effort.   In 2014, 2015, and 2016, all my spring marathons were between 3:20 – 3:24.  I thought that I was not in that range, figuring I would be closer to 3:25 – 3:28.

Other: Dr. Ryan.  I also made an appointment to see Dr. Ryan and get my hamstring checked one last time before the race.  Luckily, my hamstring was not causing my much issues, only tightness in my back.  He worked out my back so well that I was able to rotate farther than I had in years.  I felt so loose and free!  Perfect spot to be in with two days until the race.

Friday 4/5

Run: Shakeout.  Final easy 3.5 mile shakeout run before heading to work.  In the afternoon, I drove up to Milwaukee to pick up my packet.  My parents joined me for the weekend and we went to my favorite vegan place for dinner (sweet potato burrito, YUM!). Then I spent the evening relaxing with a magazine, tea, and calming face mask from Liz.

Saturday 4/6

Run: Milwaukee Marathon.  Look for a full recap later in the week, but, in short it was a blast.  I forgot how fun road marathons are!  I mean, Berlin was fun, but since I was in the middle of injury rehab, the race didn’t feel the same.  This felt like a party!  I did better than expected and snagged a BQ time.

Sunday 4/7

Run: 30 min walk.  After a race, I always like to go for at least 30 minutes outside to walk around and shakeout the lactic acid from my legs.  Yesterday’s race was a pretty steady aerobic effort and a huge confidence boost.  I spent the rest of the day recovering at EDGE.

And that’s a wrap!  I totaled 13.5 miles before the marathon, less than I think I ever have.  Overall, the final marathon taper and the marathon itself was a success!  I am looking forward to taking April to focus on strength (that kind of slacked in my peak weeks).  From there?  Who knows!

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

Happy running,

Becca