Desperately channeling 50s and overcast!
Less than two weeks until my next marathon and I am now on the taper side of things. Not going crazy in the least, I might add, but rather enjoying some cut back in miles/pace. Truth be told, I came into last week feeling pretty tired and ready for the break.
This training cycle has been anything but conventional for me, and I think that is going to pay off. I have done more marathon pace and tempo miles this time through than ever before. I have run my long runs on tired legs, done progression runs, and accomplished some really big workouts that I never thought I could do. Using my “one run at a time” approach, I have managed to complete just about every workout as it was written.
What I have I gained from this? Confidence in my marathon pace, for one. And comfort in my marathon pace. Somewhere around the middle of the training cycle, paces that had been hard for me became almost comfortable. That’s a great feeling–knowing that when I set out at my goal pace, it’s going to feel like second nature to me.
So the work is done, the rest is happening and now do you know what I need? Some good weather. This is my third marathon in 11 months, and I need a third time is the charm miracle on that front. I had the heat of Boston, the torrential downpours of CIM, and do you know what is happening here in the Mid Atlantic this week? Yep, a pretty big snowstorm. After an entire winter with a total snow accumulation of two inches, we are staring down a monster snow event in March. My marathon is on a paved trail–about 10 years ago, after a major snowstorm, they ended up canceling this marathon because they couldn’t get it cleared enough to hold the event. I know I shouldn’t worry about things I can’t control, but after all that hard work, seriously?
One more reason I need to move somewhere warm!
Have you tried anything new with training lately? Have you ever had a race cancelled or otherwise compromised due to weather?
Confidence is a wonderful thing going into a marathon. It’ll be really interesting to see how you go after your change in training.
Char recently posted..Wardrobe Malfunction Number 2 (Or The Perils of Built-in Undies)
Fingers and toes and arms and legs are crossed for you that the weather cooperates. You most definitely deserve it. I love hearing your confidence shine through when you talk about your training this cycle. So glad that you are doing and feeling well.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Unplugged
I tried to do your progression run yesterday, but my course that I run on is really hilly and it didn’t really work. However, my average pace WAS faster than normal, so something worked! Good luck on your marathon! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t snow!
No I haven’t. Though I still remember the New York marathon being cancelled! And I wasn’t even going to run it, but I did feel sorry for all those people who had been planning to participate.
Mom’ s Home Run recently posted..To run, or not to run: it’s not a question really
I can remember a 10km beem cancelled because of wind, Well I still ran… a 2.4km run in the army was called off because it was over 40*C… maybe you should move here, today it’s 35*C and amazing.. Pitty I have to work!
They also stopped a cycle race early because of heat 38*C, but I was past the cut off point… My first Ironman was delayed because of wind!!!
Role on Marathon, enjoy the taper
Coach Dion recently posted..DOWN TO THE WIRE
Oh man! That would suck. A local 1/2 was just cancelled 2 weeks ago because of a snowstorm. I had thought about doing it but had a feeling that something like that would happen. February in NH? Too risky. I’m hoping the weather forecast is completely wrong and it’s nothing but blue skies and perfect running conditions for you. Fingers and toes are crossed!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Marathon Monday Week 3
Enjoy the taper! You have put in some serious hard work. And hope the conditions work out to where you get to put it to good use.
Taper crazies =) I will keep us all (I have the NYC Half on 3/17!) in my thoughts/prayers that the weather holds up – I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it would be if they cancel it :/ UGH.
Really excited to see how your unconventional training plays out on race day. Enjoy the next 2 weeks!! =)
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..Menu Planning for Ironman Training
Love that you tried new things this cycle! I’m hoping to be brave enough to do that next time around. As for the weather, I hear you… I’ve had the worst luck this year, too, but finally had perfect conditions yesterday. Fingers crossed that the snow will be gone, and you’ll have a beautiful cool, sunny day!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Sugarland Half Marathon Recap
confidence is a wonderful thing going into ANYTHING.
xo
Miz recently posted..The power of MONOtasking.
ugh! weather is so annoying! you’re gonna rock it no matter what though
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Bean Bytes 27
Oh man, I hope that weather cooperates. Sounds like you are READY.
I guess the one thing new in my training is that I’m actually TRAINING for my goal races, and I’m training for a goal time rather than just to finish. That’s kind of exciting.
Kate recently posted..Weekend +
2 weeks is a long time – so much will happen weather-wise. I’m predicting a balmy spring marathon for you.
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..Training: 2/25/13 – 3/3-13
Love feeling your confidence! YOu will do awesome!
Hoping the weather cooperates!
Kierston recently posted..Gratitude: Competition Prep!
This brings back memories of my first attempt at a 70.3 at Muncie. A freak heat wave hit the midwest and at the athletes meeting, they announce they were shortening it to an modified olympic. Being 70.3 ready and only getting to race half the distance, at first, made me mad, but after a couple hours to cool my jets, I realized it was the right thing to do.
Scott recently posted..Question of the Week: To Train or Not to Train While Sick?
Weather better creaking behave, it’s so dang testy!
Kat recently posted..Motivational Monday: Gels powered by chia seeds!
I feel like they NEVER cancel races here! I don’t even know how much snow it would take for them to call a race, and it never rains here, so the races pretty much are always a go!
Heather@Just a Colorado Gal recently posted..A Birthday to Remember
Enjoy the taper! My favourite pre-race quote “Be Proud of how far you have come. And have Faith in how far you can go”
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..My Boobie-versary – An Ode to Silicone
I am really excited for you and can empathize with every single word. I too have had a tough marathon training and I can’t imagine if when I wake up on April 15 a huge snow storm or heat wave occurred. I know we can’t control the weather but dang, marathon training is a huge commitment. I have a good feeling for you, fingers crossed it is cool and free of ice and snow, one of those perfect Maryland running days. I can tell your ready, so excited for you Amanda!
LisaM@RunWiki recently posted..A letter of apology to my body
You sound ready. Now if that damn storm could just shift and leave you alone!! I am feeling better after reading your post, hoping that I too can fall into feeling more comfortable running for long periods at my marathon pace. I am thinking this just may be a really solid race for you!!
Shut Up and Run recently posted..11 Reasons You Might Be Running Slower Than You Used To
Enjoy the taper, let all that great training be absorbed by your body/mind! I hope you get great weather for this next one! I’m sure you’ll do great!
Robin recently posted..Back from Vacation, Resuming Training
SOunds like this cycle has been stellar for you! You’ve controlled the things you can, alas weather is not one of those. We’re hunkering down for 10+” more snow tonight, on top of 12″ last week and a bunch the week before. Praying the planets and mother nature align this time so can run the race that you’ve trained for!
Marcia recently posted..Motivation Monday: Fan Edition
Looks like the training principles you have adopted are working well for you. Embrace the taper, mentally we hate it but it will be so good for you come race day!
Laura recently posted..Weekend in the ROC
You have had an amazing training cycle! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you don’t get all that much snow and/or that it immediately melts away (and fully away not the melt and refreeze ice business)!
Raquelita recently posted.."Race" Report: Running of the Reindeer
Yay for taper! I finally feel like I have figured out how to taper “right” for me and it has made a big difference (and I don’t go too crazy!!) Fingers crossed you get perfect weather and can put all of that awesome training to good use. I think you are going to have a wonderful race. I will be cheering for you!
Erin recently posted..Inspired
Well, at least if you have to race in crappy weather again, this training cycle has made you Iron Woman! Fingers and toes crossed for perfect conditions
GreenGirlRunning recently posted..GUber
After all of the hard work you have put in, I hope these taper weeks go great and you feel ready to hit it. I sooo hope the weather cooperates!!!!
Kim recently posted..Too Busy for a Deployment – Thanks Anyway!!
I would be nervous too. I mean, all that training. I’m still not believing that I won a lottery spot into NYC, only to have that cancelled. Crazy how these things happen right? Odds though are in your favor. Not many races get cancelled.
When you get a chance, will you read the blog I posted today and tell me what you think? It’s about my minimalist shoes. Thanks ahead of time! Coy
Coy recently posted..My minimalist shoes. I need your input.
Bad weather just cannot happen to you for the third time! I was one of the NYC Marathon peeps that got the cancellation notice just minutes after traveling across the country and landing in New York. Oh well, it ended up being an amazing experience anyway.
I have been trying something new by following the Hanson’s Marathon Training Plan for Boston. It will be hard to evaluate the plan since I had my little injury setback, but I have never run 6 days each week before, and I’m loving it, says the injured person
.
Beth @ Miles and Trials recently posted..Marathon Monday – 6 Weeks to Boston
I have loved watching your training. I truly believe all your hard work will pay off. You’ve certainly earned a great time. And hopefully your good training karma will extend to great weather for your event.
I have never had one of my events cancelled, but a few years ago I was the volunteer coordinator at a local triathlon that was held in October. It was raining so hard and with the temps in the 40s, they were really afraid for the athletes out on the bikes, so the race was cancelled. Disappointing, but really the right decision when it can be dangerous.
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Weekly Training Recap: La Jolla Half Marathon Week 6
I hope the weather holds up for you! My first half I had been training in under 30 degree weather and then showed up for the race and it was a humid 70+. It was a hard race and scary seeing other runners actually go down from the unexpected heat. They actually ended up canceling the full marathon midway through the race and diverting all the full marathoners to the half course.
Amanda recently posted..Workout Recap and Workouts 3/4 – 3/10
I hope the weather cooperates for you this time:) I agree about the moving somewhere warm thoughts. I need some sunshine badly!
rachelle q (hikermom) recently posted..Hot Chocolate 5k Race Recap
Fingers crossed for you that the snow melts and you have nice weather for your race! I can only imagine the disappointment I’d feel if I busted my butt and my event was cancelled.
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted..ORRRC Half Marathon Training: Week 1
You’ll be ready for this one but you seriously deserve some good weather. Lets not think in “3′s”
Joanne recently posted..Heart Run and Arugula–Bean Cakes
Keeping my fingers crossed on the weather for you….and am so excited for you as it sounds like you run smart, challenged yourself, and seen amazing progress. The biggest change in my training lately has been to do more walking….I am feeling finally ready to start stepping things back up.
Your confidence is awesome! Good luck and I hope the weather is good! I haven’t had a race cancelled due to weather, but that would really suck after all the hard work you have put in!
Christy @My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted..What a Thunderstorm Looks Like
Hay is in the barn, indeed! Come on, good weather!
I’ve been trying something new this cycle: glycogen depletion (per your experience and recommendation), and I could use some advice, actually. Other than a light bfast before my LRs, I haven’t been taking any fuel during my LRs (even the 20′ers). They’ve been going great! No bonking, feeling strong for the most part. Alls well.
My concern is, after having NOT eaten any GUs, etc for all these months now, will my stomach/GI track digest them OK on race day? Should I eat fuel on my last 20 miler in preparation? Should I eat GUs for mid-day snacks to train my stomach? Hahaha, I’m legitimately curious! I don’t want any stomach problems after all this hard work!
Efo recently posted..Monday Musings
I have loved following your training cycle for this marathon. You have put up some great workouts and times. Definitely keeping my fingers crossed for you and hope that the weather stays nice. I really think that this is going to be a great race for you!
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Week 9: On top of the world
I ran a race 2 weeks ago, that I wish had been cancelled due to rain. The rain wasn’t so bad but the flooding was horrendous. At times I was running with water up to my calves. I have a good feeling for you! All will workout.
Taylor @ LiftingRevolution recently posted..The Super Burpee Workout & PMS Relief
I love how ready you sound for this race. I will be keeping everything crossed for you that the weather cooperates. Can’t wait to hear how your new training approach pays off!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..February Buh bye
Miss Zippy–I hope the weather holds up so you get to run! It would be frustrating to have put in all the hard work only to not be able to race. Good luck and enjoy the taper.
Sandra Laflamme recently posted..Fresh Friday Recipe: Chocolate Mango Power Smoothie
Wishing good weather for you!
Paul recently posted..9 Weeks to Tacoma (and that pesky "Inner Voice")