 |
| The purpose of this linkup is to support active women. UPDATED RULES can be found HERE. |
*************************************************
Thank you for supporting the NEW Weekly Wrap
*************************************************
In my world, the start of Spring occurred Tuesday February 13th. I know because I sneezed all.day.long. After 24 hours on Allegra, I had it under control. This week, the yellow pollen made its appearance. The Bradford Pears are exploding with their white blooms. It was over 80 degrees each day and with our high school senior's baseball season in full swing [<< get it?] Spring it definitely here! In typical southern fashion, it'll be a mere few weeks before I say it feels like Summer. Oh wait...I think I've already said that.
I ran three times this week for a total of 20.2 miles and cycled an hour on the mag trainer for cross training for 19.6 miles. There was nothing noteworthy except it was extremely humid during all three runs. In fact my mailbox was covered with moisture, as if it had rained, when I took this picture.
I ran with the crew on Saturday morning at 6 a.m. Mucky, mucky, mucky. {OK, I'll stop whining. Maybe.} The other ladies stopped at various distances and I was very grateful to Leigh for hanging around so we could get a total of 10 miles. Conversation definitely helps take my mind off the humidity and the miles.
If you didn't catch my announcement on Friday's Runfessions, I'm signed up for another marathon. I'm already trained for the half distance -- in fact I still have two more on my schedule -- and will build from this base.
Even though I'm less than 100 days out, I'm not increasing my long run distance just yet. I am gradually increasing my mid week runs, however. I had already upped my strength training while contemplating the decision. Of course, I'll continue to cross train on my bike. My weekly speed work will now all be downhill intervals because...
Yes, you read the graph correctly. The course drops 4700 feet. Wall sits have already become my new best friend. I ran the half in 2014 so I know what I am getting into. I was able to twist Teresa's arm enough to join me. It'll be fun to share the experience of this breathtaking course with a friend. Let me know if you plan to be there!
The great thing about REVEL is they allow you to withdraw, change distances, defer until next year, or switch to another of their locations. If I feel I am not sufficiently trained, or if my body simply protests, I can make a change. I don't plan on it, but it's nice to know I can easily do so. For me, it takes the pressure off.
And that's a wrap!
Even though I'm less than 100 days out, I'm not increasing my long run distance just yet. I am gradually increasing my mid week runs, however. I had already upped my strength training while contemplating the decision. Of course, I'll continue to cross train on my bike. My weekly speed work will now all be downhill intervals because...
 |
| ...this is the elevation profile |
Yes, you read the graph correctly. The course drops 4700 feet. Wall sits have already become my new best friend. I ran the half in 2014 so I know what I am getting into. I was able to twist Teresa's arm enough to join me. It'll be fun to share the experience of this breathtaking course with a friend. Let me know if you plan to be there!
The great thing about REVEL is they allow you to withdraw, change distances, defer until next year, or switch to another of their locations. If I feel I am not sufficiently trained, or if my body simply protests, I can make a change. I don't plan on it, but it's nice to know I can easily do so. For me, it takes the pressure off.
And that's a wrap!
Have you had any spring like days yet?
Would you run a downhill course?
If you've run a downhill course, what was the elevation drop?
I was also wondering if all the warmer temps would mean the allergies would be back sooner. Who Knows? That is exciting that you will be training for another marathon. I would definitely rather run down hill than up!
ReplyDeleteMy allergies start in mid February like clockwork, no matter what the temps say. I'd choose downhill over uphill any day!
DeleteBig Sur had the uphills but it was the downhills that killed me. I trained for them too.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to already be so well trained, you can just jump on in to a marathon training plan 12 weeks out?
The downhills will make their presence known, just like last time. But I'm flying from there to the beach and my plan is do absolutely nothing but lie on a beach chair for a week.
DeleteHmm...Revel must really like the downhill courses? I did their Cottonwood Canyon marathon which had a TON of downhill (followed by the last 10k being uphill- tough on the legs!) It was/is my marathon PR though.
ReplyDeleteYes, all of Revel's courses are down hill. It would be nice to PR at this distance, but just finishing is on my plan.
DeleteGL with your new adventure. I think a downhill course would be great. And even better to run it with a friend.
ReplyDeleteIt is still cold here. And we still get snow. It won't warm up until June. Occasionally we do get a warm day and I am thrilled.
We don't get your humidity but I'll be in Fla in 3 weeks so I may get to experience it firsthand.
I do fairly well with down hill courses, but they still can have some serious DOMs attached. I hope you'll have fabulous weather in Florida!
DeleteWe (finally) have a touch of spring today, and it is well-earned after the yucky week we just endured. I seldom ever feel any strain on my quads when running hills, but yesterday I did. Usually it's in my hammies where I feel anything, but YIKES. My quads were a little over-worked yesterday LOL
ReplyDeleteMy hammies have complained in the past on uphills but it's the quads that speak to me on the downhill. All I can do is try to prepare for that and then roll the dice.
DeleteWe had a couple of spring like days but not enough to make my allergies act up. I don't think Ive ever done a downhill course like that. While it seems like it would be nice to have a decline, I know there are lots of challenges that go along with a downhill course. Sounds like you will be all set by doing downhill sprints and wall sits!
ReplyDeleteI had no problems with the downhill in the half marathon during the race but did have some substantial soreness the next day. I hope to avoid as much of that as possible.
DeleteI've never done a downhill race! It sounds a little scary, actually. haha!
ReplyDeleteWe're definitely heading into warmer weather, that's for sure. We've hit mid-70s the past few days with anywhere from 95-100% humidity. We got a little humidity break today which I am so thankful for!!
I had a taste of that course when I raced the half. It didn't bother me during the race, but the next day...and the next...OMG! I'm trying to be proactive.
DeleteWell, as you'll see on my post, it was a crazy week weather-wise.I understand both extremes, the south & the north. We had one spring day (no humidity) and it was heaven. 80s & humidity are definitely not my idea of heaven!
ReplyDeleteMy half in July is another downhill one. Like 3000 ft of elevation loss, something like that . . .
I really like races that are so flexible and allow you to defer and change.
3000 feet of drop for a half is pretty strong. I bet you'll really enjoy it though. Which half is it? Why can't all races be that flexible? I bet participation would be higher.
DeleteMy marathon PR was on a point-to-point downhill course (Steamtown Marathon) and I remember how sore my quads were after that race - running long, fast, and downhill makes for very sore quads! Sounds like you're a step ahead with your training with wall sits.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup!
The downhill half made my quads very sore...but it didn't bother me during the race. I hope the wall sits and downhill intervals, among other things, will have me prepared. Regardless, I plan to lay on the beach for the week after that race and do a holottanothing.
DeleteYay for another marathon! I've run a few long distance races that were "net down hill" read - they felt pretty flat lol. But I've never run anything like that elevation profile. I'm a fan of downhill running so that would totally be my jam. We have also had spring like weather and it is glorious!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy downhill running and have done the half and absolutely LOVED it. However, I get a little nervous every time I look at the elevation chart. HOLY COW.
DeleteOoo, wall sits. I need to get those in my routine. Bay to Breakers is uphill and downhill. My chiro's already said I need to do thigh exercises in preparation.
ReplyDeleteWalls sit are tough. I end my strength training sessions with them so I'm already "sitting" on tired legs. But oddly, I enjoy them. They remind me of water skiing -- and holding out just as long as you can before letting go of the rope!
DeleteI was sneezing like crazy this week too! I didn't even think it could be allergies until I saw the crazy 70 degree weather on my phone app - ugh!
ReplyDeleteSo fun that you and Teresa will be running the same marathon! I have never done one of their races, but I have many friends that have and they love the course!
Their half still ranks at the top of my list of 52! I adored it. I just can't explain how pretty it was. And, it will be so much better with Teresa along!
DeleteHaha, like you I like to call the start of Spring early too! March 1 is when I call it spring, although Mother Nature might have other ideas! Congrats on signing up for another marathon!
ReplyDeleteIf it's 80 degrees for 10 days, it can't be winter. It just can't be. LOL. Mother Nature is crazy.
DeleteHonestly, that down hill route looks brutal to me! Good thing you know how to train for it!
ReplyDeleteI remember being sore from the half (with no downhill training), but hope I'll be better trained this time around.
DeleteIt was ridiculously humid here this week as well. I'm not ready for all of that! Congrats on your new marathon venture! I'll be cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteIt just seems really early this year for the humidity. But, I probably think that every year and enjoying the winter weather.
Deleteyes, it felt finally warm here for a few days this week and so much so that the snow and ice melted!
ReplyDeleteI like this weather and am not looking forward to the return of winter this week. It was in the 50s near us, which was GREAT! Good luck with the next marathon!
It seems as if everyone had a taste of spring this week, which just makes the return to winter that much harder.
DeleteAhh the yellow pollen...when I lived in TX I had a white car, except during spring when it became a yellow car. Don't miss that at all.
ReplyDeleteI would love to run a downhill race - I've eyed some of the Revel half marathons before, but I don't usually travel for races.
When the yellow pollen is at its extreme, I prefer that it rains often so I don't have to wash my car. I saw where REVEL has added another location. Maybe they'll have one nearer to you soon!
DeleteHow exciting about the marathon! I've heard great things about that race too. A downhill race is enticing just make sure you do lots of downhill training. Hello quads! ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember how my quads felt after the half distance. I'll be working hard to minimize the soreness that I will no doubt experience.
DeleteCongratulations on signing up for another Marathon! I have never seen a graph quite like that for a race - not sure how I would handle it! How do the wall sits help for training for this kind of race (excuse my ignorance!).
ReplyDeleteFor that type of drop, you have to add relatively steep downhill running into your training so that it's not a shock to your quads (and knees) on race day. Wall sits help strengthen the quads.
DeleteI am fairly sure I would love a downhill course! We don't have any kind of major elevation here, so the flat does get boring. I can see how 26.2 of downhill might make for some soreness and aching, but it would be a total change of pace, which I would always welcome!
ReplyDeleteI love a downhill run! I've done a few downhill half marathons and had no problem at all. However, I know the full distance is a different animal. I'm trying to prepare as much as I can.
DeleteWow, that downhill course is insane! I love that you're always challenging yourself!
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed the other downhill half marathons I've done. Hopefully I can prefer enough to have the same great experience on the full distance.
DeleteHa. We had fake spring here two weeks ago and yes, I sneezed all day too! Check out my awesome healthy breakfast or lunch bowl, perfect healthy meal for after those long runs! Thanks for hosting again!
ReplyDeleteAt least I had an allergy pill that works! I love food bowls!
DeleteSeason started early this year! I don't blame you, I'm not a fan of mucky icky weather either.
ReplyDeleteWe always have a little cool spell around Easter. I'm looking forward to that.
DeleteWow, that's an interesting elevation chart for the race! It's smart to start preparing for all that downhill :)
ReplyDeleteI've got to do what I can to be able to manage that downhill successfully!
DeleteAlready 80s??? I'm going to cling to my HK mid-60-70s for as long as I can! It's great that the race gives you so many FREE options (just in case). Sounds like you have a plan to be ready.
ReplyDeleteWe've moderated some to our more typical 70s spring weather. I am very grateful for the options if something happens and I can't run the full distance.
DeleteWow! Can't believe it's in the 80s over there? I have yet to do a Revel race and that's cool that you can withdraw, defer, etc.. They just started a new one, close by, Mt. Hood, which I might have to do sometime.
ReplyDeleteI saw where they added Mt. Hood. You should definitely check it out. Although it's a relative new race series, they are getting great reviews.
DeleteGood luck with marathon training, and it sounds like a great policy to transfer or drop out or defer. I hope you won't have to use those options, but as someone who is injury prone, I always appreciate when races do things like that. That is a CRAZY downhill on that course though, yikes. I feel like it would crush my quads.
ReplyDeleteIt was insanely hot and humid here last week too! Glad you survived it though and got some good runs and some biking in.
I'm working my quads extra in prep for that slope! I'm known to be injury prone at the full distance too, so knowing I have options definitely helps.
DeleteYes, the pollen! It's crazy. It's yellow everywhere here, and my allergies are still flaring. But I'm glad for the warmer weather!
ReplyDeleteMy car looked like it had grown yellow hair when I left work today. LOL!
DeleteBoston is the only downhill course I have ran and it wasn’t THAT bad. Your marathon will be an adventure! Wall sit it up! I’m so excited you’re running another full. They are so strangely addicting! 🙌
ReplyDeleteWhen I ran the half distance, the downhill didn't bother me at all during the race. But, I admit to serious DOMS. I hope to avoid most of that this time.
DeleteExciting!! The scenery should be pretty nice on that marathon.
ReplyDeleteThe half was stunning so I expect the full to be doubly stunning!
DeleteGood luck with your training! That course looks fun. LOL We are finally having spring weather and I'm loving it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are enjoying your spring weather! Thankfully, we cooled back into the low 70s. It's just too early for that heat.
DeleteUgh allergies! I forget that that is also a sign of spring...we had some pretty nice weather in Philadelphia in February, but now we've got another Nor'easter coming. I definitely envy you right now!! Nice job with your workouts esp with the humidity!
ReplyDeleteI definitely have to stay on allergy medicine for about two months here. I've enjoyed our recent return to cooler temps though.
Delete