Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!
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M - Rest
T - Ran 6 Miles Easy
W - Ran 5 Miles Even Slower
T - Rest
F - Ran 7 Miles Progressive
S - Cycled 20 Miles + Water Skied 2 x 20
S - Ran 12 Miles (2 w/u + 10 @ 9:39)
Total Miles Ran = 30
Total Miles Cycled = 20
Total Miles Water Skied = 40
The first week of taper started out pretty rough. I could absolutely feel the prior week's peak mileage and long run. Coupled with that, I awoke with a headache every morning that most days never went away. I even skipped my Thursday bike day, which I enjoy so much. By Friday, a little spunk had returned and I pulled off a progressive 7 miler (10:33 to 9:06). As usual, I crammed in as much into the weekend as possible. And in case you are wondering, IT IS STILL SUMMER here.
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| Another cute tank by Sarah Marie Design Studio |
Late Saturday afternoon we scooted to the lake (it was 97 degrees) where I very likely had my last ski "runs" for the year. This is a sport that requires the aid of others -- two others in some states. So a special shout out to PoPo who has humored me all these years by being my boat driver extraordinaire. Thanks for another wonderful season. I know it wasn't easy missing several hours of college football {wink}. We stopped at our favorite Oyster Bar on the way home. It was our official end to summer.
The clouds were so pretty with their silver linings...which I took as a good sign of things to come.
Sunday, I was pleased with my last double digit run of this training cycle. After a couple of warmup miles, I tried to run at steady race goal pace. But honestly, I don't know what my pace will be come race day! Every mile, every step, I ran in this training cycle was in our southern summer unrelenting heat and humidity-humbling weather.
I look forward to some crazy taper days as I'm on final approach. I plan to second guess everything I've done, obsessively review my training log, calculate my pace over and over, think every little niggle is impending doom, stalk the weather, obsess over what to wear, eat too much, do my mental packing, Google Chicago repeatedly, and generally drive everyone around me nuts.
And that's a wrap!
What are your best taper tips for keeping me distracted?
Awesome last long run to end your last week before taper. Those all seem like exactly what you should be doing during taper, ha ha! I bet your goal pace will feel much easier on race day, which is of course a good thing! Happy tapering! (And hey, I'm #1 to the linkup this week--first time that's happened!)
ReplyDeleteThe weather will probably be the deciding factor in my performance, but not my attitude. I intend to enjoy that race! Congrats for being #1. You were quicker than me!
DeleteI know how hard it is to run in the south in the summertime - you've put in more than your share of sweat toward this marathon. Glad you are on the downhill part now...well, except for the actual race, that is. :)
ReplyDeleteHasn't this summer been relentless? The goal is to arrive at the start line healthy. The race will be the icing on the cake! Yep, I'm licking that bowl too!
DeleteHopefully race day will feel so much better after all your hot summer training! You are doing great and are almost there!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the tank in your first pic!
Sarah Marie has some really cute stuff. You need to check her out. This take is super soft and comfy!
DeleteOh my goodness, that tank is soooo me! I'll have to check that out! Hopefully, it will be nice and cool in Chicago on race day creating the perfect scenario for you to "fly" through 26.2 miles! So excited for you ...can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteI can say this tank is very soft and comfy. I hope you'll check out her designs. The perfect scenario would be such sweet redemption!
DeleteYou need to be rewarded for surviving the southern summer heat with a cool crisp fall day in Chicago! That is my wish for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle! That is such a sweet wish! Oh how I hope it comes true.
DeleteSounds like the perfect taper! It must be bittersweet to end water skiing season, but you had some great days on the water this year!
ReplyDeleteI did have some great days on the lake this year. Beautiful. It is hard to say goodbye. But I do enjoy each season and it gives me something to enjoy during our hellacious summers.
DeleteMaybe you'll see my sister in Chicago!
ReplyDeleteIt's still summer here too. On my run Wednesday my Garmin recorded 90 degrees! What do you suppose the silver clouds mean? Sorry you've been having headaches lately. Do you have any idea what they are from? -M
I didn't realize Lacey was running Chicago! I think the headaches are allergy related. I started taking what I typically do in the spring and thankfully they went away.
DeleteI really love that tank! I definitely need to buy some cute shirts from her shop :)
ReplyDeleteThe water skiing looks like so much fun!
This tank is super comfy, which is an added bonus. The water skiing is a great way to survive a southern summer.
DeleteWay to go with your final double-digit run! And woe to the end of summer. At least I hope you get fall-like weather here in Chicago come race day! I won't be around on race day, but let me know if you would like to try and meet up on Friday or Saturday! (Saturday pending my long run for MCM!)
ReplyDeleteMy plan is to go to the expo Friday afternoon. MCM is right around the corner too!
DeleteWay to go on the training! If you can do all of that "heated" training, I would think you should be prepared for whatever happens on race day ;-) I had a very hot (and humid) half marathon (and marathon relay), and I'm thankful for all of the hot runs I've done over the summer. Although I had some surprise issues with cramping calves (???) and achy shins, I never felt "done" until I crossed the finish line ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've had calf cramps before, usually when it's humid and warm. It's the reason I take SaltStick. The DOMS are pretty intense on mine too.
DeleteLol, time for the taper craziness. I will be checking the weather constantly. I'm really hoping the weather cools down!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Although, I guess I can say I'm prepared for warm weather.
DeleteWater skiing sounds like an awesome way to work out! I spent lots of time on the water this week too, but since it's too chilly in Alaska right now it's all on a kayak where I can stay nice and dry.
ReplyDeleteI love any activity related to water. Or -- even just being on it or looking at it. Enjoy that kayak!
DeleteYes! Bring on the taper craziness. It's been awhile since I was training for anything but I totally understand and remember. And I love that tank top!!!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll be able to keep the crazy in check. Check out all the cute designs by Sarah Marie!
DeleteFall marathons always sneak up because it takes so long to feel like fall here. I can't believe Chicago runners are tapering. Sounds like a great last weekend of summer.
ReplyDeleteI think we are finally going to get a glimpse of fall later this week. I'm looking forward to at least a couple of shorts run in it.
DeleteTaper can be so tough-I can't believe it's time to taper for Chicago already! That's great that your double digit run went awesome. I also really love all those Sarah Marie Design tanks and shirts!
ReplyDeleteI hope the taper goes well for you too! In some ways, training seemed to fly by, but in others (heat and humidity for example) it seemed to crawl.
DeleteCrowd out all of that taper-madness with positive thoughts. You nailed this training cycle and as I told you, I've got Chi weather in a groove for you so NO WORRIES! You're going to nail this one. Those silver-lined clouds know!
ReplyDeleteI'll just live in the clouds this week then. LOL.
DeleteUnfortunately I have NO good taper tips. I tend to take the taper a little too seriously. So I'm still working on finding the happy medium.
ReplyDeleteI overthink everything, like it really matters. It doesn't...only the training and resting.
DeleteI'm sorry about the headaches! I hope they go away soon. And good luck with taper without going too crazy :)
ReplyDeleteThe headaches are much better. I think they were allergy/sinus related.
DeleteOk so you've put all the taper crazies out on the line! At least your admitting them here right! You'll be fine and just like me when we get in our own heads, it's time to just leave! I'm wishing for you a wonderfully cool Chicago race day!!! Have you decided what your going to wear?
ReplyDeleteNo, I'll second guess my apparel up until the day of the race. You know I'll take several options!
DeleteHolly, I strongly believe that training in the heat builds a lot of stamina for the fall! I'm sure you will rock this Marathon!
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope so. Last year I trained in the heat and didn't get the reward. This year will be extra sweet.
DeleteSounds like a great week and I can't wait to read your Chicago report!
ReplyDeleteTaper distractions... Maybe use the time to do things that you've been putting off whilst you've been training? Or find a good book that you can get lost in?
I do have a book in mind. Yes, that is a great idea! I like to read when I travel too.
DeleteMarathon training in this sultry humid southern heat will make you so strong for Chicago! There's supposed to be a slight cool down soon so I'm hoping you get some fall like temps on race day. Even if it's 75 it will feel like a cold front!
ReplyDeleteLove the ski and cloud pics. I think the silver lining means that even though summer training is hard, you will reap the benefits by having a great race!!!!
Hang in there during taper, catch up on all the things that got pushed to the side during peak training, catch up with friends.....Or just catch up on Netflix
😜
There are quite a few projects around the house and yard that need completing. But, those just don't sound like any fun. LOL.
DeleteI like taper because I get more time to be productive around the house or in non-running parts of my life! I used to doubt my training a ton going into races, but since I only run halfs I don't really worry about it as much. Mainly worry about tripping over something and getting a dumb injury. I like the suggestion above to find a good book. Enjoy your taper! Chicago will be here soon! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how gingerly we walk around? Or at least do! I'm hyper aware of curbs and slick surfaces right now.
DeleteSorry to hear about the headache and skipping the Thursday bike, but I am glad you were feeling better by Friday. Wowzas, still 97 degrees!?!?!? You aren't kidding about summer still lingering by you! I enjoy tapering for the mental and physical break - I'm so injury prone that the taper period is usually very beneficial for me. I remember spending a lot of time cleaning and organizing things during my peak taper periods. =) You are going to rock it out in Chicago!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYikes. My house is in need of some major organization. I'd rather find something a little more enjoyable to occupy my time though. LOL.
DeleteWas your headache allergy related or did you end up with a cold? Whatever the case, I hope you're back to feeling 100% and have a nice and event free taper. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup!
Yes, I believe it was allergies. I started taking what I normally take in the Spring and that helped tremendously.
DeleteFind a series you haven't watched yet on Netflix or Amazon and binge watch! That seems to help keep me distracted when I need it. so happy we are well into fall weather and enjoying gorgeous temps in the 50s and 60s, although I think this week we may see the high 70s later on. Enjoy your taper!
ReplyDeleteBinge watching does sound like a good idea, especially over the weekend. Now I just need to find the right series.
DeleteI love that you have such honest expectations of taper craziness. :) You'll be great! Hope the headaches have subsided!
ReplyDeleteThe headaches are much better. I think it was allergies.
DeleteI'm glad your taper is going well and agree with the southern heat and humidity. It's hard to prepare for a race day but you can truly say that if you train for a marathon in the South, during the summer months, you have trained in some rough conditions and endured. I hope you're feeling 100% for the marathon because it's coming up really soon!
ReplyDeleteIt's truly a feat to train in the South for a marathon. I did every single step outside in that horrid humidity. In some ways, I feel I've already crossed the finish line.
DeleteHahaha yes!!! Gotta love the taper crazies 😁 Put your feet up, visualize yourself running with ease and trust in all of the miles you have put in. You've GOT THIS Holly! Woop woop! Have an amazing time in Chicago!
ReplyDeleteI intend to enjoy that race! No matter what the day brings or the pace I can lock into.
DeleteI am so impressed that you have trained in that heat. If it is hot in Chicago you will be ready. If it is cooler, then you will just run faster ! You are ready woman ! Can't wait to see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it will be cooler, at least at the start. I'm looking forward to that.
DeleteSorry to hear about your headaches! Glad you are feeling better and had good runs ending the week. I'm not sure what my pace will be race day either, but hoping it is decent! :) Hoping the weather cooperates as well!
ReplyDeleteI've decided not to worry too much about it and just do what I can. Most importantly, I want to enjoy it.
DeleteGreat workout week!
ReplyDeleteI totally get the it's still summer here, because where I live it's still summer too.
It may still be hot, but all that training in the heat and powering through is going to give you that much more of an edge if the temps in Chicago are cooler, and if they are warmer you'll be mentally ahead of the game because you already know you can!
Have a great week!!!
P.S. Gorgeous pictures, oh that sky I could put that photo up on my wall its stunning!
I need to work on that this week! So much of it is controlled by attitude and mental preparedness. We finally got a little taste of Fall. I'm hoping you did too.
DeleteHappy Tapering HoHo! You have done an awesome job training for this marathon and I'm so excited for you! You'll be great! The last week of tapering is always the worst. I think the best advice I was given is to keep hydrating properly throughout that last week of a marathon.
ReplyDeleteI do pretty well with that by keeping a huge cup of water at my desk with a straw. I think you end up drinking more when you use a straw!
DeleteLove that clouds photos! Honestly, I suck at tapering. It's so hard to try to keep my mind off running, especially if I'm not supposed to be. You'll get through it, though, just because you know that it's the means to a very wonderful end. You've got this!
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here stressing that I haven't rested or tapered enough. It will make you crazy!
DeleteI love my tapers . . . almost into mine . . . I'm just usually tired by then and ready to ease up.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, here, it's finally Fall. I hope that it is in Chicago. You deserve it -- you've worked damn hard for this! So trust your training.
I'm trying Judy! I'm definitely tired.
DeleteThat truly is my taper reality. I'm able to (if I could) sleep a little later in the mornings with the decrease in mileage. It's weird.
ReplyDeleteOysters sounds like a great way to end the summer! Sorry to hear about your headaches. What a bummer!
ReplyDeleteI can't resist Oysters Rockefeller! I think the headaches were allergy related.
DeleteSounds like you had a great week! RIP summer...
ReplyDeleteYes, I've had enough summer. But I know it will rear its head a few more times this month.
DeleteYou made it! Now it's time to just relax and let all the training settle in! So excited for you.
ReplyDeleteI've been waking up with headaches too. It's gotta be allergies, right?
That's what I think. I started taking Allegra again like I do in the Spring and it seemed to help.
DeleteSounds like your taper is going great! I hope you get some cooler weather soon. And I can't until to hear about your race!
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray I have the BEST story to tell!
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