Peak Week

Welcome to the Weekly Rundown. This was my peak week for marathon training and it kind of beat me up. I was a ball of stress the latter half of the week because of work, which affected all the runs. But, the days March on (hehe) and peak week now turns into taper. Linking up with hosts Deborahย and Kim for this weekly training recap.

 

peak week training




 

Monday 3/11

Run: Easy.ย ย My dad and I flew back to Chicago after Expo West.ย  Once I arrived home, I did a quick shakeout.

 

Tuesday 3/12

Run: Speed.ย ย I had an 80% great run this morning with Sprint Tuesday. My workout was 3x 2 miles at tempo pace.ย  The first two I ran a bit faster than tempo, the middle two were at tempo, but I faded for the last set and ran closer to half marathon pace.ย  However, it was the first time where tempo pace felt easy in a LONG time.ย  It was also so nice to run OUTSIDE!

Strength: Gym.ย ย Initially, I was thinking to go to OYM but couldn’t motivate myself to drive all the way out there.ย  After negotiating with myself, I ended up going to the gym near my house where I used to pool run.ย  To my pleasant surprise, they had upgraded the strength room.ย  I was able to use the landmine, heavier weights and resistance bands, and left feeling satisfied.

 

peak week speed workout

 

Wednesday 3/13

Run: Easy + Strength.ย ย Went to Robyn’s 5:30 am strength class and then did an easy run.ย  I am really glad I went to this – I have been feeling “puffy” for lack of a better word, and noticed a decrease in muscle tone.ย  I then ran easy to November Project to cheer on the Sunrise 6k.

Other:ย ย Stress.ย  An incident at work today ended up causing me a LOT of stress for the rest of the week.ย  From here through Saturday I didn’t really sleep well, nor eat well, so from here to the end of the week my runs also suffered.ย  Not the best timing for peak week.




Thursday 3/14

Run: Tempo.ย ย The workout was 6 miles alternating between marathon pace and tempo pace.ย  It was supposed to be an even split, but I ended up doing more like 80% marathon and 20% tempo.ย  Lack of sleep, feeling anxious about work, and stress eating because of it.ย  Plus, my body just felt TIRED.ย  My hamstring is having issues again (this time the right side).ย  But, I kept going, so this was more of a mental win.ย  The up side was marathon pace felt pretty easy!

Other: Team workout.ย ย I was happy to see the girls again after being out of town last week.ย  Emily prescribed box step ups with jumps that left my glutes quite sore.

 

Peak week tempo workout
Dead.

 

Friday 3/15

Rest.ย ย Loving this total rest day.ย  My hamstring was still bothering me, so I went to get acupuncture.ย  I know, I know.ย  I said last time that I wouldn’t go back.ย  But, I like to give second chances, I am super frugal, and I wanted to see if this could help my hamstring.ย  The visit was totally fine but I’m not sure it helped anything.

Other: GIVEAWAY ALERT!ย  I published my recap of the major trends at Expo West and am hosting a giveaway.ย  Check out this post for details on how to enter.

 

 

Saturday 3/16

Run: Long run.ย ย Peak week long run was 23 miles.ย  I woke up feeling so unmotivated.ย  Stress and anxiety kept me wanting to stay in bed, but I knew I would be even more stressed if I missed this run.ย  How did I decided to motivate myself?ย  Run from Chicago to Highland Park to see my parents and get puppy kisses from Frizzle.ย  Even though she is not a puppy. Instantly the idea lifted my mood.ย  AND, I realized that this “puppy crawl” was EXACTLYย  what I had done two years ago on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Meant to be.

The plan was to pick it up to marathon pace for the last 7 miles, however I just turned it into a steady run.ย  The wind was in my face the whole time, and I ran out of water at some portions (although, stopped to refill in a Trader Joe’s half way which saved me).ย  But three hours and ten minutes later, I got my kisses.

 

marathon peak week reward

 

This was the picture from two years ago.ย  Frizzle has grown so much!

 

Other:ย  St. Patty’s Day party. Once I recovered, my parents took me back to the city (they’re the BEST) and I met some friends for a party.ย  I enjoyed some green bagels and beer, but ended up leaving early to find some real food.ย  I tend to go from zero to hangry in a matter of minutes on the days I do my long runs.

 


 

 

Sunday 3/17

Run: Easy.ย ย With the trails muddy, I knew it wouldn’t be smart to risk footing out there.ย  Especially the day after my longest run since Berlin, and with my hamstring feeling iffy.ย  I was at high injury risk.ย  Instead, I ran on the gravel path near the lake before heading to a much needed yoga session.ย  Fran, the instructor, told us to “inhale strength and exhale whatever isn’t serving you.”ย  I exhaled all the stress as much as I could and feel pretty zen as I write this.ย  Sometimes other people just give you that perspective you need.

 

peak week training

 

And that’s a wrap!ย  I totaled 58 milesย during peak week, the most mileage I’ve done since before my injury.ย  I am so grateful to start taper.ย  The most pressing thing is to figure out my hamstring situation and figure out how to de-stress more!ย  Lately, I’ve had to remind myself to be grateful for what my body can do and how far I’ve come since July. Too often I fall into the comparison trap and think of the previous runner versions of myself.

 

How was your week?ย  How do you motivate yourself to run?ย  Letโ€™s stay in touch!ย  Follow me on Instagramย orย Facebookย for more food/fitness related posts.ย ย 

 

Don’t forget to enter the Expo West giveaway!!

 

Happy running,

Becca

 

 

 

 

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Debbie @ Deb Runs
5 years ago

I hope your hamstring is feeling better!

Wendy
5 years ago

I love that you ran to your parents for your long run. My parents live in Woodstock and back in my marathoning days, I considered running to their house for my long run. But it’s far and what if…

In spite of your stress, you had a really great week!

Chocolaterunsjudy
5 years ago

I’m so sorry that stress invaded your peak week — always a bummer. ๐Ÿ™ I will tell you this (not that I’m comparing a half to a full!!) — I had to make the decision about Gizmo during my peak week for my most recent half. To say I didn’t sleep well (or eat well – actually, as in not enough, I lose my appetite when really stressed) — is an understatement. My heart definitely wasn’t really in it. But i knew I would run the half, I knew that I am injury prone if not well trained, and so… Read more ยป

kookyrunner
5 years ago

So sorryt hat you had a stressful week – I can totally relate. I hope that this week goes better for you. Congrats on still pushing through to complete your mileage during peak week.

It’s always nice to get doggie kisses after a long run ๐Ÿ™‚

Marcia
5 years ago

Awww that’s a super fun long run route with that treat at the end, not to mention a ride home. ๐Ÿ˜€ I know what you mean about the weather Saturday. It was great when the sun was in my face and the wind at my back but the other way was TOUGH! Congrats on completing peak week. Enjoy that well-earned taper!