So, last week I ran 70 miles. Those miles weren't much of a struggle at all, the only real issue was simply finding the time to squeeze them all in. Last week, I would set out on a casual run and glance down at my Garmin and be surprised to see that I was knocking out 7:00 minute miles relatively easily. It was my highest mileage week since September 2011, so for the sake of preventing myself from doing too much, too soon, I needed to cutback on mileage this week. However, this week has felt like anything but a cutback week. Every single mile has been kind of a struggle, my legs are tight and my lungs aren't responding as well as last week. Sometimes I'm fighting to maintain a 7:45/mile pace over short distances.
So what gives? Well I have a few theories:
1)
High Mileage Hangover: I am feeling the effects of the easy-breazy miles from last week. I can't expect to hit a 3 year mileage high without any after effects. What goes up, must come down.
2)
Rhythm: Running higher miles got my body/legs in a regular rhythm of constant running. Taking more time-off makes it harder to restart all systems when I want them to restart.
3)
Heat/Humidity: It was about 10 degrees cooler last week, which despite the fact I'm trying to not complain about running in the heat this year, makes a big difference.
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| Running on the Monon Trail in Indiana last Sunday |
Starting this Sunday, I'm upping the mileage again, so we'll see if the miles will be easier next week than this week.
As for my marathon training, here is a graph of my progress so far (blue line is actual, red is forecasted):
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| Marathon training 2014 |
So, believe it or not I only have about four more weeks of high mileage before the taper begins! Time is just flying by. I need to focus on staying healthy and back off on my mileage goals if they prove to be too ambitious. I think I am in a good spot for a course PR (3:10:40) right now. I will be able to zero in on my marathon pace once I finish the Chicago Half Marathon in two weeks. I can then punch my half marathon time into the McMillan Calculator and see the corresponding marathon time. Then I can start getting a pacing plan together for October 12.
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| Yesterday at the track (for one whole lap)! |
Also, has anyone else not gotten their corral assignment for the Chicago Marathon? They were supposed to be posted to the "Athlete Center" webpage on the marathon's website on August 1st and my corral is still blank.
Mo and I are getting concerned!
Have a great weekend!
Yes, the humidity is a killer. We just need to get acclimated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTime is flying for sure! Can't believe the Chi half is only 2 weeks away. I suspect it's a combo of your body adapting to the training stress but mostly this humid weather that's making things tough this week.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's hard to believe the Chicago Half is almost here. Yes, agreed that I'm not used to the mileage stress and I am adapting to it. My body is telling me to get some rest so it can get stronger. Just hoping runs will get easier soon!
DeleteDefinitely the the weather making it tough.
ReplyDeleteI have not received my corral assignment. Then again I am expecting an email. I am supposed to check on the website?
I think that they are supposed to send out an e-mail as well, but I have not received one. The August 1st corral assignment deadline seems to have been pushed back without any communication that it would be pushed back. Oh well, I guess we'll all just have to wait...
DeleteI've heard a lot about folks not receiving their corral assignment. The Chicago Marathon is usually lauded for its stellar organization so I find this very disturbing. I hope they send out communications of some sort SOON.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think it's a tossup for many runners on cutbacks. Some folks love it, some folks hate it. For me, I'm so injury prone that the cutback weeks are really key for me. But I do have times when I feel lumpy and lethargic from sitting around, so I can understand both ways! I think the body gets into a rhythm and it is hard to change the flow of momentum, whether one way or the other.
I'm happy to know that I'm not alone in not getting a corral assignment. A simple e-mail explaining the current situation would be nice! Yes, I really never did cutback weeks in the past and I think that it cost me in terms of injuries. I also am taking a rest day a week, whereas last training cycle I took none until my taper week (and that cost me with tired legs during the marathon). Yes, I like your observation about momentum. Once lethargic it's difficult to switch gears to activity and once in activity it feels strange and slow being lethargic! :)
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