This week was a plummet to the miles. I had a lot of yoga to do , NTC and minimal running. A 6 mile tempo run and and 18 miler long run. I loved the yoga and NTC but it was mentally a bit odd to not run very much. Sunday I was registered for the Bozeman Half Marathon and took at least two minutes off my time from the half last month. I did it in 1:48:??. And it was a blast. I just wanted to work on pacing and it went really great. This event is very well organized and efficient. Last year was the first year and I took at least 6 minutes off my time from last year.
The sunglasses, although not in a color I would choose normally, are great for running. They don't move, they weigh next to nothing and the lens is great in a variety of light. LOVE 'EM! They are Nike miler sunglasses.
Sunny came over to cheer me on and take photos--THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT SUNNY!!--and then we went on a sewing supply shopping spree. I have several projects in the works and am working on several christmas presents. more will be revealed on that later.
This week the taper continues. A five miler yesterday, 6 at race pace today, and a 15 miler on saturday. Lots of NTC and yoga. It has been ridiculously smokey here. we lucked out sunday am and had decent air quality but by noon you couldn't see the mountains again. Yesterday when I was loading up my car for work it was ashing outside like snow. It is very sad and depressing.
I always have struggled with the taper. It is a mental struggle. When training you want to push yourself and hit all the targeted workouts and then you begin this downward slide to allow one's body to heal--one side of my brain gets this--the other not so much. I panic a bit, thinking, "gee, maybe this taper is too long? will i lose fitness in this time frame?" I just have to keep reassuring myself about the healing process within the muscles so I can push myself hard on race day.
We are in the homestretch of this race training for fall 2012--and I have so enjoyed the ride. I am now becoming quite excited about the Chicago Marathon and super excited for the whole experience in San Francisco. The Nike Womens Marathon looks like a stellar event. I am looking forward to the expo, our gorgeous hotel, seeing the city while racing, and of course meeting my #SistersInNike. I am already wondering what the heck to pack... workout stuff obviously, but then what else will we be doing? hmmm...
Saturday was a 22 miler. The last long run before the taper. And it was so smokey here you could barely see a mile away. chunks, not just ash were falling from the sky. Friday I frantically phoned the college, gyms, etc to try to find a place to run on an indoor track. Alas, I was treadmill bound. Friday a 6 mile run on the treadmill made me want to rip my hair out so I was not looking forward to this. Friday night Hubbee and I went out for sushi. I know this meal works great for me pre-long run. I wanted to stack the deck in my favor for success. Also, since I wasn't trying to beat the heat and could sleep in a bit (my body doesn't really allow me to sleep past 7:30) I had a glass of wine.
Saturday I went to my studio to begin my longest run of the training portion on the treadmill. i refuse to refer to it as the deathmill etc. My treadmills name is Freddy the Tready. We are friends. He has made some runs possible that otherwise would not have happened and I appreciate him. I decided every mile I would hop off and do the roman chair--10 straight leg lifts. This just helps me think about 1 mile at a time. I kept the clock going from start to finish--even when did the chair, and ran to bathroom. The 22 miles took 3:08:33. I would not allow myself to go slower than 7 mph. the first three and the last three miles I really wanted to go slower but I kept steady.
I also wore compression socks. I have only worn them one other time, as part of our costume at the Disney Princess half marathon. The week before i had a twinge of a calf cramp so I didn't want to experience that again. As dorky as they look on me I think they really helped!!
I am now on the hunt for a nike pair to wear at the Chicago Marathon and The San Fran women's half. I normally run in capris, but these socks seemed to help a ton and I felt great all day and the next day!
Sunday was supposed to be a rest day, however, hubbee and I hiked about 8-9 miles with our dogs. I did jump in the alpine lake--my favorite type of icebath! Monday was a yoga day (thank god!!) so I locked myself in the sewing room and worked on my pinwheel quilt. The top is really coming together. I am going to put gray strips in between each pinwheel and still need to figure out the backing and a binding fabric...
The two squares to the side will be pillows to coordinate with the quilt. Also my fabric arrived for me to begin making my sister-in-law's bridal shower gift. She is really into retro/vintage things and likes one of a kind pieces. When I saw this in my BurdaStyle it screamed Jaclyn. I ordered a white fabric with white dots, a black with white dots and red to make ruffles and trim. She loves polka dots so I think she will like this ensemble.
I hope I can do it! I have never made anything like this--requiring underwire, etc. but it will be worth it to create a unique gift for her. I wasn't sure at first and hemmed and hawed and then that night she texted me a pic of the pool bag I made her for her sunday pool parties at the Valley Ho--and i took that as a sign that she will like this too! :)
So I am on the downward slope of training: the taper. I struggle with this part but am becoming very excited for both trips. Also this sunday I am running a half marathon (Bozeman) and can't wait to race for fun--not stressing about time etc. I want to do well--but there are no consequences/goals/etc.
I am still amazed that I am going to be flown to San Fran for the Nike Women's Marathon. I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET MY #SISTERSINNIKE!!!!!!! We are going to have an epic weekend!! And I hope its one of many!!!
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