Marathon Training Week 12: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

the good

I never thought I’d say this but I actually really enjoy long runs. Similar to last week, running 18 miles wasn’t that bad. Even I think this sounds absolutely crazy considering I used to cry my way through 10 mile runs not too long ago. Sometimes it’s hard to feel like you’re making any progress when it comes to fitness and working out. For the first time in my life I have hardcore proof that I am getting hella stronger every week.

The thought of running a marathon is becoming less and less ridiculous and more and more “I think I can actually do this”.

I would like to thank the Hamilton cast recording for giving me some awesome tunes for the first 13 miles. I would also like to thank the delicious Honey Stinger Chews I happily munched on every few miles.

I’m trying really hard to not let these past two long runs set unreasonably high expectations for next weekends 20 milers. I can’t believe I’m actually at my 20 mile run… and then I’m going to run 22 the next weekend. Welp.

the bad

I am SO tired all the time. By nighttime after a long run I’m basically a useless mush of exhaustion and just want someone to feed me soup. If you’re wondering what I’m doing Friday or Saturday night from now until marathon Sunday, just assume I’m in pajamas and half asleep on the couch.

the just plain ugly

I’ve come to the conclusion that marathon training is the antithesis of sexy. Seriously. There is nothing sexy about texting your boyfriend in great detail about the current state of your chafing armpits (yup, that happened.) There is also nothing sexy about asking your boyfriend to examine a painful blister post long run. Guilty all around.

I’ve been pretty lucky so far– my chafing as been pretty minimal and cleared up quickly with some coconut oil, I’ve only had 1 blister so far and I still have all my toenails.

Poor Jeremy gets to deal with all my gross ailments because I feel the need to share all the details with him. I guess it’s the price you pay for dating a future marathon runner…

This Week’s Plan

MONDAY: Exceed
TUESDAY: 70 minute run
WEDNESDAY: yoga + trapeze
THURSDAY: Hill repeats
FRIDAY: REST
SATURDAY: run 20 miles
SUNDAY: Soul Cycle at Dare to Bare