You might remember that I am currently “training” for the Marine Corps marathon, sorta. It’s been a few weeks since I talked much about that specifically, so I thought I’d share my progress today.
My original plan was to just focus on building base for 4 weeks, an informal plan until I reached 12 weeks out from the race. For the past 3 weeks, that’s exactly what I’ve done.
And I’m pretty happy with my consistency getting back into focused run training – with 4-5 runs per week. I’m hovering just below 30 miles a week right now, which is where I wanted to be at end of this base period.
But it’s not all good.
As I mentioned before, I certainly underestimated how HARD running at altitude was going to be. My long runs have not been good. In fact, I’d be pretty thrilled to learn I ran over half of the total distance of those. Maybe I did and I’m being hard on myself, but I walked…a lot. I don’t do that typically and it scares the pookie out of me.
So…consistency is what I’m going to focus on for now, but I have some work to do. I’m focusing on getting my runs in and trying to be force myself to slow down and avoid walking as much as possible. Working to stay positive is a BIG objective right now.
Friday, I’m going to attempt intervals outside. Now that should be interesting. If nothing else, I’m sure it will be another beautiful run!
But it’s also not all bad.
Because when I’m struggling to run, that usually mean the view is incredible.
Make sure you follow me on Facebook & Instagram so you don’t miss any of the gorgeous Colorado scenery. Pictures like this:
And before you think I’m feeling sorry for myself…
I know that I’m going to go stronger when I get over this hump. So watch out! =)
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Questions for you:
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What challenge are you overcoming right now?
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Do you run with your dog? I’ve been thinking of starting to do that more, since it’s so much cooler in the AM.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Speed training has never been my strength. I’ve always been a fan of L.S.D. (long slow distance ).
I know, speed isn’t necessary for everyone, but I like to get faster. :)
Good for you for sticking with it, even though it’s getting hard. I’m sure you’ll get used to it the more you keep running. It must be so frustrating knowing that it wouldn’t be so hard if it wasn’t for the altitude, though. That sucks :(
Miranda @ Biting Life recently posted..“The Watch” Review & My Date with the Scale
I’ve heard it takes anywhere from 1 month to 3 months to adjust, I’m hoping for the 1 month. that would mean I’m almost there. :)
yeah – just wait until you’re first run away from that altitude. I bet you are going to be faster than ever!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..PB & Aggs + WIAW
I hope so!!
You really have great scenery to train in, way to get those base miles in.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Whacked Out
Exactly – I try to keep telling myself that when I want to scream mid-run. Or pass out. ;)
I wish I could run with Murphy. He’s bad at it. He needs to stop and smell things like every two seconds. If we run in the middle of the street, he’s fine, but we’re running in the middle of the street!
Lee recently posted..Eating and Watching
I think Abbott would be like Murphy, but Zurie seems like she might be a good running buddy. Maybe we’ll give it a try for my shorter run on Saturday.
My challenges aren’t so much physical right now but rather I’m working to get over a mental hump of growing up and being in that weird mid-20s part of life. I’ll get there but in the meantime, it definitely has it’s days when it gets me down.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
Mental humps are sometimes harder, because you don’t feel like you can “do” something. My view is that age doesn’t matter – which helps me not feel old. :)
You’ll get into the groove, no doubt about it! The scenery in CO is so beautiful, what a great place to run. Plus, the altitude will make you faster once you get used to it.
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog recently posted..Cascades at The Stanley Hotel: Estes Park, CO.
Love the positive words here – thanks Carolina!!
I’m trying to find normalcy with my eating again!!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Itz WIAW from Cancun
You did SUCH a good job from the looks of it though, you are a champ with clean eating!
looking for the positive that’s where it is at with running! the humidity in miami is killing me so I’m embracing it as a seriously awesome training for a fall marathon…even if i want to die while running :)
RunToTheFinish recently posted..Eat Clean 30 Kick Off: August Challenge
Ugh, humidity! That’s exactly what I keep telling myself, because Atlanta was killing me in that way. We’ll be stronger after pushing through!
ahhh good luck! you’re right, there’s always a silver lining to look for, and the views are definitely worth it :)
Char @ http://www.charskitchen.ca recently posted..Rustic Plum Tart, Baked Beans, & Cookies
Now if I could only convince myself of that silver lining *during* the crummy runs. :)
I still think you’re amazing for even walking the hills. I can just imagine how tough that would be!! I HAVE been following you on Instagram with all those gorgeous pics. At least you can say the views were nice, even if the itself wasn’t haha. I know you’ll rock the race still ;)
Aw, thanks! Small victories, right?! I’m glad you’re enjoying the instagram photos!!
I bet it is hard to run at that altitude!! I am trying to be okay with cutting back on exercise. That is a hard one for me.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..WIAW #11 Summer Staples
You can do it Brittany – take that challenge head-on! :)
Those harder runs DO make you stronger! Love the scenery you have.
Jen recently posted..Marathon Training Check -In
Thanks Jen – I really appreciate the extra encouragement. :)
Continue to stay positive girl. High Altitude running is hard, and it just shows how great of a runner you truly are for getting out there & overcoming it. I know you’ll work on your speed & get faster. So smile, enjoy the views & just know your AWESOME!
Jessie recently posted..WIAW #2
I’m on it – positive Heather! :) You made me smile with this awesome encouragement, thank you!!
Oh you are welcomee girl :) Whenever ya need some positive energy, let me know!! haha
Jessie recently posted..WIAW #2
Love it – your determined nature, that is, not the adjustment to altitude. I’m reminded of the lyrics, “That that don’t kill me…will only make me stronger” – cheesy (oh Kanye) but a great pump up song and some truth when it comes to training, especially mentally! Thanks for sharing with us; way to get those 30 miles in and keep moving – it WILL get better running in those Rockies! Love you friend. :)