Last week I went over my race schedule for the rest of 2013 and had a nervous breakdown.
Okay, not exactly – unless ‘nervous breakdown’ means staring at the calendar while stress eating granola out of the package.
Don’t judge.
But, I do have FIVE more marathons on the schedule for the rest of the year. And I have NEVER run that much in my life. So, I am trying to increase my weekly mileage to get my body used to that stress and distance. This week I am trying something new in doing 4 days of higher mileage to see how I feel.
Since it’s a new approach it’s partially a fact finding mission.
And the fact is, summer running should always end in a pool.
With this increased mid-week mileage I’ve been using things I normally ‘save’ for long runs a lot more often! This includes: Electrolyte drinks, New Skin Anti-Chafing Spray, Music, Donuts and ‘Excuses to be lazy for the rest of the day’.
(I still haven’t used the liquid bandages, which I guess is a good thing that I haven’t needed them?)
Anyway. I am going to re-assess how I feel after a week or two and see if this 4 day running schedule makes me happy or crappy and tweak from there.
Fall Marathon season is a very busy time for racing, so I know a lot of you are in training right now too! Most marathon and half marathon training programs are 12 – 18 weeks long so if you are signed up for a November race, you better get to getting’! Check my training page if you need some running resources. I also have a few plans to share for newer runners coming soon!
How is your summer training / fitness going?
New-Skin® has been providing active skin protection for over 100 years. New-Skin® Liquid Bandage can be used to help prevent bacterial contamination in minor cuts and scrapes and New-Skin® Anti-Chafing Spray prevents and soothes chafing and blistering from friction or rubbing.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of New-Skin. The opinions and text are all mine.
I am on my 5th week of training for a half in October. I have never been a runner myself (I just love reading running blogs), but when my niece asked me to run with her, I saw it as my oppurtunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do. My only problem, I don’t feel myself improving at all. I still have to stop and walk after just a couple minutes of running. I did slow my pace down a bit so that I can run further , but, I’m starting to get nervous that I won’t be able to reach my goal. Is it typical for a new runner to experience this?
What are your 5 marathons??
I only have a 10K scheduled for Oct (did a half in June) , so I run 3 times a week and cross train 3 times a week. I really like mixing in spin/cycle classes at my gym for some good interval training. I also do weights twice a week. My average weekly mileage is about 12-15miles and stays like that for most of the year. I usually do 2 -10K races and 1 half marathon in a year and that’s enough for me so far. Just this year I started doing CHI running and it’s really improved things for me – no injuries! 5 marathons sounds pretty crazy, wish you all the best!
I just started training Monday for my first half mary that’s in Nov! I’m excited and nervous. It’s going down in 13 weeks! I hope your body adjusts well so you can crush these next five marathons!
I wish I had more time in the mornings to put in a longer distance mid week run. You’re so lucky to have such a flexible schedule!
Nu-skin needs to have me test their products..I am tired of bleeding due to chaffing
Love the pool pic and idea! I need to do that more often! I have my 2nd marathon this year in October. I’m getting a little worn out of running, ah! You are amazing! 5 marathons! You rock!
Oh, I feel ya. I’m going to be so worn out at the end of this. I already know it.
I can’t imagine doing that many marathons in 5 months! Crazy girl!
I do have 2 marathons and 4 half marathons scheduled for the rest of the year, and that seems like a lot to me! I was out last year having a baby and I’ve been trying to make up for it this year.
My racing calendar hasn’t been as busy as yours but I have done 1 marathon, 1 18 mile race, 6 half marathons, 1 10k, 1 6 miler, and 1 5k already this year. So many races, so little time!
That is a lot of races!!!
It’s been going ok. I’m hitting a 10 mile long run this weekend and convinced a friend to meet up with me so I don’t flake out. A little nervous so I’m going to take 5 miles at a time. Kids are back in school, vacations a done, so it’s time to get busy!
Great job with all the running! You’re an inspiration 🙂 I was training for my first half marathon this summer but my plans had to be put on hold because I got hip bursitis, a partially torn ligament, and tendonitis. Fun times.
That is the worst. I think Tina had hip bursitis a while back too. Boo. Hang in there!
Doing my 4th half in September! I admire you for the number of fulls you’re doing!! Crazy!!! I think I would be in pain. ha ha Someday I’ll do a full……. someday……. 🙂
I’ve done both of my scheduled half marathons, so I’m now taking it easier, with only 10ks and 5ks scheduled for autumn.
But that means that I’m finding fun races to do, that I really want to take part in, like the Zombie Night Run, as any slips or trips aren’t going to have me panicking about how it would affect my ‘proper’ training!
Hope your 4x long runs goes well- keep us posted!
I’m only 2 weeks in on my training program, and I’m already exhausted!
My training is going! I have 11 weeks left! I kind of freaked out because I had a bit of a melt down and ran only a couple miles last week. Now, I’m back in action and ready to get to training! I have 1 5k, 1 10k, 2 half marathons, and my first full marathon this fall race season.
oh my gosh- 5 marathons! you’re a mad woman! do you have plans for your zero weeks?
Yes, my plan for zero weeks are Rest, Eat, Repeat.
I’m on a 4 day a week running schedule as well, with 2 days of cross-training. I’m a little worried that 4 days a week isn’t enough to really get me the mileage I need to run a decent marathon on Oct. 6, but considering I had to drop out last year due to injury, I’m just happy that I’ve stayed healthy so far. I just got back from 8 miles at what I hope will be my marathon pace, and will tackle my longest distance ever (18 miles) on Sat. I hurt my posterior tibial tendon on this same training week last year so the superstitious side of me is soooo nervous….I secretly feel that if I make it through the 18 miler, I’ll be golden : )
5 marathons – I can’t even imagine!! Bring on the carbs!
Bring on the carbs! <- YES.
I’m doing something sort of strange…I’m training for a half marathon that I haven’t exactly signed up for yet (Baltimore). I’ve never run one and I can’t seem to bite the bullet on registering…Every week I say “if my long run goes well, I’ll sign up!” but it does sell out so i need to do it!! Trainign is going well so far, I started unofficially trainign a few weeks prior to the 12 week training because I know me and I needed to bump up my mileage a little slower than just adding one mile to the long run every week. Hoping to sign up soon and even though it’s know for its hills, I’m hoping to rock it!!
Just do it!
I’ve been slacking on my training. I’m doing the Rock N Roll LA half in October but I’m doing my first full next June.
Five marathons is A LOT! Haha so glad I only have one. Unless I count my century ride as like… 3.8 marathons, but on a bike.
My training’s been going pretty well. I’m not taking a very scientific approach to it, though. My basic plan is to just run a lot when I feel like it, which lately, has been 3-4 times a week. The other days, I am biking, so I hardly take any complete rest days.
That’s totally 3.8 marathons! Love it.
I started my NYC marathon training during the first week of July and so far, I feel great! I had my longest run last Sunday (17 miles) and I wasn’t even sore afterwards. This is going to be my first marathon and I am SO EXCITED!!!
You’re a beast — no question! Summer running is coming along, trying to find the balance of pushing out of my comfort zone, and respecting what messages my body is sending me. I’m hopeful that if I stay strong through this half session, that I have my first full in me next year! You should probably make another training group like you did for Las Vegas next year 🙂
5 marathons?! Dang girl that is impressive! When is your next one?
This summer I have been loving the swimming, biking, but not so much the running. I just signed up for the Space Coast Marathon Dec 1 so I need to get running (even in this oppressive heat). I can’t imagine doing 5! Marathons for me right now are one and done (though I guess I am doing 2 half ironmans this year within 3 months of each other so I suppose I am just a different flavor of crazy). Good luck with the new program!
I’m gearing up for my half marathon in September. I did it last year and am looking to shatter my previous PR! Not too difficult to do when I didn’t train last year! I’m really excited now, but I always get nervous/excited before the race. There’s great community supporters and they put your name on your bib, the experience is so much fun! I can’t wait.
Fun fun! Good luck!
Marathon season is almost upon us! I won’t be racing until the Spring (well at least not the Marathon) but I look forward to getting into the thick of training. I too am trying to increase my mileage to get my body used to the mileage and the stress – good luck!
I’m just about ready for my first half marathon in October! I’m hoping the hills won’t kill me. Good luck on your marathons this fall, you’ll be great!
You got that half!
I just realized last week that I am approaching a new “high-mileage” threshold too! I Was training for my first half marathon in July, and it went great! But i was in th egroove of one long run and 3 short runs a week.. so only one day for gels, anti-chafing stuff, etc.. Now I am training for my first full (hopefully in Oct!!), and I have a second run on the agenda that requires a gel (I like one @ mile 6 on an 8-miler).
Plus, my laundry is out of control!!
Based on what you did the first half of 2013, I think five marathons is just keeping the trend going!!
Damn girl! You are looking so skinny! And good luck on the 5 marathons. If anyone could rock 5 marathons, it would be you!
Today is the first day I actually got nervous about my big race: Ironman Louisville in less than two weeks. I have no reason to think nervous thoughts except that it’s A LOT of mileage on one day and I only get one chance this year to do it right.
Tri training makes me love running/biking races all the more, because you gets tons of opportunities to race
Good luck Kailin!!!
I’m done with races for the summer! I have a half marathon in wine country in October, a 10K in SF in October, and the North Face Endurance Challenge in Martin in December. It’s a 50k, yikes!
My training is just starting to really pick up for my November marathon. I will be hitting a personal distance record this Saturday when I finish my 15-mile training run!
Good luck!
Good luck with the 5 marathons!
Oooh crap. I have the Malibu Int Marathon in November! Thanks for the reminder to get started on a training plan soon 🙂
Three weeks before that, I’m running a full marathon as a pacer, so I think it will be the perfect “last-long-run-before-tapering”.
Good luck with the rest of the races this year (as well as training)!
I did the Malibu half a few years ago. Gorgeous race!!!
Training is getting serious! I’m keeping mileage lower than previous marathon training seasons but intensity high. Four days a week might work — maybe keep you injury-free and sane :). Good luck!