Peak Training Week: Sick, Tired, Stressed, & Under-trained
What do you when it is your peak training week for a marathon and you are sick, tired, stressed, and extremely under-trained? This week I am participating in the New Orleans marathon. I am happy to say that I am almost ready for a race that 3 weeks ago I thought I was going to have to drop out and run the half marathon. Training for any endurance event is difficult. The extreme cold winter in Chicago made training even harsher for the February 2nd marathon. Icy, snowy days which often dipped below my 15 degree running threshold made it difficult to train outside and I have a difficult time running on treadmills. Since the Ironman in August, I have found it difficult to stick to a structured training schedule. Already out of shape, I planned what I thought...
Read MoreRunning Word Cloud
This word cloud is based on a question is asked to my Chicago Marathon survey participants: What words describe what running means to...
Read MoreChicago Marathon 2013 Pre-Race Pulse
My pre-Chicago marathon survey got responses from 7 other runners. Not bad for sending it out 3 days before the race! Out of the 7 runners, 3 were first time marathoners. The experienced respondents were running their 2nd, 3rd, 7th, & 10th marathons respectively Check out their pre-race pulse responses: What advice would you give to first time marathon runners? Ø Enjoy every mile. Ø Slow down – You can’t really do anything great in the first 5 miles of a marathon. But you can really destroy your chances of a good marathon in the first 5 miles. RUN SLOWLY. If you give up 15 – 20 seconds per mile in the first part you can make that up. But if you go out and run beyond yourself you will be guaranteed to suffer later. Ø Start slow, ridiculously...
Read MoreCassie’s Pre-Race Pulse
Cassie is a fellow University of Michigan alumni who I met when our fraternity and sorority were paired for Greek Week. We performed an awesome A Capella version of Mr. Brightside by The Killers. She is still seeing the bright side of things and is out to running in Chicago these days. Cassie was the first to respond to my survey and graciously answered some extra questions about the charity she is running for and her running team. Q1: What are 3 words which best describe running to you? Dedication, Perseverance, Victory Q2: How many marathons have you run? This is my first. Q3: What attracted or inspired you to run the Chicago Marathon this year? I watched the marathon as a spectator last year, and watch my boyfriend finish the race and be so elated. I’m excited to have that same feeling as I cross the...
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