Marathon Training - Third Times a Charm

13 more weeks until Sugarloaf!  At times I feel like "bring it!" and other moments I'm thinking "oh crap, why am I doing another marathon?"

So how is training going?  Well, I'm only 3 weeks into my Hanson plan and I'm feeling pretty good.  I was a bit nervous that I wasn't going to be able to handle this intense plan, but somehow I'm doing it (so far!).  

This week has been a weird weather week - but then again, it's winter, in Maine, so all weeks are weird.  Last weekend we had more than 2 feet dumped on us, then we had a few days of 40F+ days, and then more snow yesterday and today.  I did get outside three times this week for some great running with Pepper and in my new Saucony Virratas.   Review coming soon - but I can tell you after 4 runs in them, they are feeling awesome!

6 miles on a glorious sunny, spring-like day in my new Virratas

What was I nervous about with Hanson plan? 
1.  Running 6 days a week.  I know, a lot of people do it, but I've gotten quite comfortable with running 5 days and resting 2 days.  Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone was intimidating, but somehow I'm surviving.  I can only hope that I feel this good in the weeks to come.

2.  Long, speed runs, mid-week.  Right now my mid-week speed runs are about 7 miles, so they are doable.  Soon, they begin to increase to 10 milers.  I am sure I have the ability to do them, it's the time factor that makes me nervous.

I did love that this week's long run was 10 miles.  Yes.  I can definitely handle that!
Poor Jill and Stacy had 14 to do today.  I kind of felt bad for them.  

What do I love about the plan?   
I am loving how easy it is to read and actually understand my plan.  The hardest part was picking my marathon goal time, but once I chose that (after hounding Ward for a few days) - my pacing for long runs, easy runs, tempo runs, speed and strength runs are laid out for me.  Right now I'm having a hard time actually slowing down to my suggested "easy" pacing of 9:39 - 10:21, but as the intensity and mileage increases, maybe I won't have that "issue" anymore.  


How is my training meshing with Best Body Bootcamp?  Right now it's getting a little harder to fit in strength training after or before a run and now that I run 6 days, it's even harder.  I did miss a day this past week.  I felt bad, but I needed to listen to my body.

However, I did replace that missed day with some body love with a 2 hour Yin Yoga w/ Foam Rolling workshop at Freeport Yoga Company yesterday.   I didn't take any pictures of yoga, but I did take a picture of the absolutely adorable hooks Terry has.   I really want these in my house.  Aren't they freaking adorable?

Back to the actual yoga class.  Stacy and I went together.  And Stacy summed it up perfectly "it hurt so good".   I've foam rolled at home, but never in a class, with an instructor guiding me and explaining it to me.   I've never rolled out my quads and my back and boy do I need to concentrate on them.  Tears came to my eyes. Seriously.  And the slow, deep stretches of yin yoga - perfect!  I need to make this a monthly goal.  And if I can't do that - I have to at least get to another session before Sugarloaf.  My body will thank me.

How's the weather in your part of the country?  How's your training going?  What shoes are you liking right now?