The Eugene marathon is only three weeks from this Sunday! Hard to believe. My training is going well and I'm feeling strong and prepared. This week my legs are starting to get tired and a bit sore but I'm so close to the taper I'm pushing forward.
This week I've also finally really committed to making yoga part of my life. This became a goal of mine after the Ironman when I was recovering in Phoenix. My best friend Inga really spent some time doing yoga with me and telling me how it changed her life, and I knew then that I needed it. I've kind of dabbled in the last few months going to classes at the gym and doing some short practices on my own, and of course I've been doing some gentle yoga with my mom over Skype. But I know that's not enough. I need this in a real way. I don't want to get into it here, but I stand to gain so much from a yoga practice. Peace, stillness, presence, awareness, acceptance, etc. It's time for me to make this happen.
So, this week I joined a yoga studio for a trial period and I went twice this week so far. One 90 minute Vinyasa class and one 75 minute meditation class. I loved them both but especially the meditation. I am going back tomorrow and this weekend and so on. It's wonderful. :) It's expensive but worth it.
Anyway, back to running! I am in the midst of another 50+ mile week, my last one before the taper. Here is how my week has gone so far:
Monday: rest
(90 minutes Vinyasa yoga class)
Tuesday
6 miles/56:08/9:21 average pace
Recovery run on tired legs.
(plus meditation yoga class)
Wednesday
10.1 miles/1:27:11/8:38 average pace
Hills and Track. What a combo! Here's the breakdown:
5.33 miles warm up on Terwilliger hills @ 9:11 pace
4 x 1200 m intervals - averaged 5:29 (7:19 pace) with 400 m recoveries
1.07 miles cool down on the track @ 9:10 pace
So not my fastest intervals ever but not bad! The hilly warm up probably cost me a few seconds. Also I was just feeling kind of tired and didn't push it as hard as I probably could have. But it was a great workout and I'm happy. The track is always lots of fun. Especially when Zach is there with me! :)
Thursday
12.0 miles/1:45:19/8:47 average pace
I thought this run would be pretty brutal since my legs have been tired all week, but actually once I got out there I felt pretty great! I had a nice run and was grateful the weather stayed nice (it's been kind of wild and unpredictable lately).
Tomorrow is a rest day but I'm planning on going to yoga. Then this weekend is a short recovery run Saturday and then my last 20 miler on Sunday! Zach's parents are in town from Montana so we're spending the weekend with them doing fun stuff around town too. Should be a really nice weekend.
Thanks for reading! :)
14 comments:
I am doing a 7-day yoga challenge next week! 7 days of hot yoga for only $20. I couldn't pass up such a good deal, I wish it was that cheap all the time, though. Yoga is sooo expensive!
Gosh girl I can't believe you're 3 weeks away from your marathon - that's really crept up hasnt it? You seem to be on top form.
And as for yoga - I am SO with you. Post Boston it is my goal too. Absolutely. Any inspiration / suggestions / tips / advice send them my way.
Jen, you're SO close and SO ready! I wish I was on the yoga bandwagon bc I hear great things about it... I just have no time! Do you do that in lieu of running one day a week? Or is it an addition to your training? Anyway, you are kicking butt!
Good on you for committing to a little yoga action - it's one of those things that I keep telling myself that I really *should* work into the routine, but don't. Sigh. Maybe you'll be my inspiration?
I'm excited about your race!
I love yoga, but sometimes it just seems that it gets left out when trying to shuffle all the other stuff - swimming, biking, and running. I am finding out that if I double up a couple days and then do yoga on a rest day, it works... even if it's only 30 minutes! I love how it makes me feel and I need to remember this when I am thining about skipping out on it.
Bikram Yoga is one of my favorites, but there isn't a studio in Fargo, ND that offers it... yet. Hopefully in the near future!
SO awesome for you with the yoga. i have never been to studio, so haven't tried the "real" stuff, but i have tried at home and just cannot sit still to get through it... haha. i will keep an eye on you and maybe give it another shot this summer. i know the stretching is so good for you!
great job on the week!! wow taper time next week :) this training cycle has FLOWN by! have a great 20 miler!!
How awesome that you got into yoga. It is also one of my "I should really do that more" things. Good for you for commiting and really doing it! It doesn't hurt that you've already spent the money. That gets me every time. Can't wait till you run Eugene!
Yoga is SO great! Maritza and I were going quite a bit last year and it does make you feel very zen and in a happy place :) Nice job on all the workout this week! Have a nice time with the fam this weekend :)
Yay! I am so proud of you!! I love that you tried the meditation class - I am very jealous. A studio here just started offering ones on tues/thurs so I'll check it out and we can discuss. Teaching this weekend - very excited! Keep up the great work. Will check in next week...
Jen - Good luck in Eugene! Thanks so much for your advice - I'm trying to be a little more thankful and try to remember the world doesn't revolve around me and my training schedule (as much as I would want it to - ha). I really admire the balance you achieved. I got rejected from the NYC marathon, which probably isn't a bad thing. I'm working on deciding between running Philly, a half IM, or both!
Yay for yoga and meditation and peace and tranquility and focus! Sounds like you have it all in line! I have done many a yoga class at the gym, and I actually took a meditation class in college. Did you know they have free, guided meditation podcasts on iTunes? I should really get back into those, I haven't done them in YEARS!
I can't believe it's already 3 wks away...you have trained hard and will do great!
That's great that you're getting into Yoga. It seems like a great way to keep your mind AND body healthy during all the training!
Your marathon is getting closer, and it sounds like you're right on track! Taper is just around the corner! :)
Happy yoga-ing and happy tapering! I'm sure you'll run well at Eugene. Those 1200s were good - if you ask me, any intervals around 4:30 k pace are speedy.
I soooo need to do yoga....I'm glad you mentioned that in your post. it reminds me that I need to do it too. Are you still loving it? And, um, adorable that you skype yoga with your mom. So cute.
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