NYMC 2013 Training: Week 3 Recap

How exactly does one become addicted to Nuun? I thought people were overreacting before when they wrote about Nuun in their posts. I first tried it in April at the Nike Women's Marathon and bought a tube a week later. I didn't use it again and didn't need to until this past week. The ENTIRE country seems to be on fire and it was the only thing I was craving when I got back from my runs

And somehow I was craving it more than chocolate or coffee. Those crazy food chemists sure know how to mess with our tastebuds!

Total Weekly Mileage: 45.6 Miles

Monday: 6 miles at 8:01 min/mile pace and squat and arm workout
This was the day after my 5K. My legs were slightly sore, but the type of sore that tells you that you worked hard the day before. I ran an easy run to prepare for Tuesday's speed workout.

Tuesday: 8.5 mile track workout (with warm up and cool down) and 3 easy miles at XC Fun Run
The morning consisted of a speed workout. I did a 2.5 mile warm-up run to the track. Once there, I ran six 600 intervals. My goal pace was between 2:20 and 2:25 per interval, and my goal was to be consistent or get faster. Actual splits: 2:20, 2:19, 2:20, 2:18, 2:22, 2:21. While I stayed well within the goal (and faster) I did fade at the end. It was a pretty hot day with incredible humidity so I was ready to head home. The cool-down was another 2.5 miles home.

The evening consisted of a very slow easy run with two XC kiddos. My legs were tired and I was thankful for the slow speed. The run loosened them up and they felt a little better by the end. But boy was I starving! All of this running is making me hungry quite quickly.

Wednesday: rest day

Thursday: 6 mile tempo at 7:16 pace
The Garmin wouldn't work so I had to do a known 6 mile loop that was a little hilly. My legs felt refreshed from the day off and the race gave me confidence to keep up the speed for the entire time. When I returned home I discovered that there was a code orange air quality alert. Oops! I usually use air quality alerts as a reason to take a day off.

Friday: 7.1 miles at 8:23 pace and UVM Core Workout
My legs were screaming for a slow day before I headed out. Once outside my entire body wanted a slow day to quit running. It was disgusting out there. The dew point was at 75 degrees and I could see the water in the air. Sweat had no wear to go and would not fall off my arms like it normally does. Everyone that happened to be running (basically no one) was drenched.

The run wouldn't end. It kept going. And then I started to sing the song from Lamb Chops. But instead of the normal lyrics, my heat-fried brain mixed them up. See below.

This is the run that never ends

It goes on and on my friends

I started, running this morning not knowing how hot it was,

and I'll continue running until I'm finished cause that's how it's done..... 

(Repeat singing in your head until you finish your run)

Folks - that's what one does when they're on a run they hate. It was so ridiculously hot that I could feel myself going crazy.

Saturday: 5 miles at 7:53 pace
I headed into the woods for a flatter run. The humidity and dew point had lessened so I was able to breathe easier than Friday. My legs felt much stronger and were ready for Sunday's long run.

Sunday: 10 miles at 8:02 pace
An easy long run that including a Santa Spotting! Yes, Santa Claus runs in DC on the weekends. And he always greets anyone that he passes. He has quite the beard and I can only imagine that he wishes he could shave it.

Thoughts on the week

1. I did not mean to run such high mileage. It's a huge increase from the week before. I'll take it a little easier this week.

2. I got my new orthotics and went for my first run in them on Friday. The old pair were almost 7 years old. Apparently that's 6 years too old for orthotics. 

 My feet hurt a lot after that first run, but they got used to the new footing. In fact, I think my feet are more stable on the landing and takeoff. I don't feel as much twisting of my foot/leg as I used to. Perhaps this will help me with my form! My right foot seems to feel OK still. 

Week 4 has begun and one run is in the books. As each week progresses I cross my fingers tighter, hoping that no injuries will come this way!