This was a fabulous week of training. 3 weeks out from the marathon is usually taper. And, in a sense, this was a cut back in that the workouts themselves didn’t have the volume that I’ve been doing. But overall mileage was still about 90% of max. And it was actually MORE miles than I ran last week because last week I took two rest days because sleeping late in Florida one morning sounded more enticing than running 8 miles. 🙂
I have to say that I loved this week of workouts though. I nailed the paces and mileage on everything and – most importantly – it felt freaking fantastic.
The workout of the week was today’s 12 miler. It doesn’t look that challenging on paper. But I did a 6 mile out and back and the back was in to 18 mph headwind and then the last 2 miles, where I was supposed to go 7:35 pace, was a combo of 18 mph headwind/cross wind along with a 1/2 mile gradual uphill at a decent incline. So even though my pace was 7:38 in the last mile, Strava’s grade adjusted pace said 7:18. So basically, I kicked ass! 🙂
So I’d say that taper really starts NOW. 13 days to get the legs rested and springy feeling.
Phoenix Marathon Training, Week #14 Recap:
- Miles Run: 52.5
- Pilates: FIVE times! Yes, you read that right. I am ultra flexible with abs of steel. Sort of.
Details:
- M: 6 miles (9:30); pilates
- T: 7 miles (9:30)
- W: 7.6 miles (8:27) w/ 3 x 1 mile (6:55; 6:50; 6:45); pilates
- Th: pilates
- F: 6 miles (8:29) w/ Deek 200s; pilates
- Sa: 14 miles (8:22) w/ middle 10 at 8:10 – 8:20
- Su: 12 miles (8:34) with last 2 at 7:40ish; pilates
13 days til race day! Yipee!
*****
Side note: I have to say that I think shaking hands to greet one another in church should be BANNED. Really. It’s such a germ-spreader. Our church never does it. Except today. 2 weeks out from my marathon, when I’m trying to avoid germs and the pastor announces that we will all turn to one another and greet eachother. UGGGGG. I’m sure I didn’t make any friends when I shook hands with 4 people with a big sneer and look of disgust and fear on my face. Lesson learned: I’m not going to church anymore during taper. 😉
Pingback: My Phoenix Mantra: “Keep the Faith” | Runnin' From The Law