Chicago Marathon Training Week 6 – 7/6-7/12

July 13, 2015

About a week and a half ago Kristina kindly reminded me that Chicago was 100 days away!  Now we are down to the 90 day mark – crazy!  My training plan is ~18 weeks long – so I am about 1/3 done with training.  Today I am linking up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for the Weekend Update.

Monday 7/6– 2 mile walk + 30 minutes cycling

Tuesday 7/7 – 2 mile walk + 60 minutes personal training + 1 mile elliptical 

Wednesday 7/8 – 2 mile walk

Thursday 7/9 – 2 mile walk 

Friday 7/10 – 2 mile walk + 3 mile run – speedwork

Saturday 7/11 – 3 mile walk

Sunday 7/12 – 12 mile run @12:00 min/mile + 800 meter swim

Total: 29 miles (13 walk | 15 run | 1 elliptical) 

Swim

I got in a swim workout this week – VICTORY.  Okay that was a bit dramatic…but you all know what I mean 🙂 On Sunday I had to pick up some packages at my parents house so I stopped by the neighborhood pool for an 800 meter swim.  The water felt amazinggg since I ran 12 miles that morning.  Hopefully I’ll get two longer swim workouts this week.

Bike

On Monday I attended a spin class at my gym – I cycled 10 miles in 30 minutes.  Like swimming, I’ll need to make sure I get two bike workouts this week.  I also need to get my bike tuned up since I wasn’t able to during the holiday weekend.

Run

I completed 2/3 of my run workouts last week.  My running buddy was out of town so I did not get in any morning workouts. I set my alarm for 5:00am, but the early morning running was not happening.  I’ll try again this week.  

Run #1: 3 mile run – 1 mile warmup @12:00 min/mile, 6 x 200s (10:00, 9:50, 9:41, 9:31, 9:23, 9:14) with 2:00 recovery, 1/4 mile cooldown @12:00min/mile.

I’ve gotten quite a few tempo runs under my belt this training cycle, but been slacking on the speedwork (wait you mean those tough 3 milers I’ve had weren’t speedy…I kid I kid).  After work on Friday I went to the office gym and got on the treadmill for some speedwork.  Surprisingly, I enjoyed it! I think the ‘mill and I are becoming friends.  Aside from the mile warmup (legs were…well warming up), the 6 x 200s felt great and I was able to maintain those paces for each 200.  Next time I complete this workout I’ll increase the speed for each set.  

Run Walk #2: 3 mile walk

I intended to run 5 miles on Saturday afternoon, but I called it quits quickly into the run because my head was pounding.  Instead, I walked around the Ledroit Park neighborhood in Washington, DC. 

It was fun exploring this area and looking at all the homes. There were walking tour signs throughout the neighborhood that explained the significance and history of the area (they also have them in other neighborhoods around the city). 

Run #3: 12 mile run @12:00 min/mile

Back on the treadmill again! I mapped out a 12 mile course for Sunday morning, but I had a slight change in plans.  On Saturday evening a little guest named Mr. Rat visited my apartment.  It looks like he ducked into the walls where my landlord was having some drywall replaced. I was not too pleased and a whole lotta scared! Luckily I slept elsewhere for the evening, which meant I had a later start in the morning (temps rising).  Knowing the men’s Wimbledon Final would be on TV I went to the gym to watch Djokovic vs. Federer and get my 12 miles in (so sad Roger didn’t win). 

Fun

On Saturday morning Cliff and I went to La Piquette for brunch.  The small French restaurant is located across from the National Cathedral near the new Commons area.  They served us freshly made croissants, right out of the oven.  They were super light and delicious.

We had an asparagus appetizer to share.

And I had a croque madame as my entree.  Soooo good!

This past weekend I caught up on some blog reading and also started the first season of Game of Thrones.  The House of Lannister…they need to go! 

Do you watch Game of Thrones? 

How was your weekend? 

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38 Comments
      1. Run Jenny Run

        I know super gross! No sighting this week – which is good (but he hasn’t been caught).

    1. Interesting – I hate tempo runs but love short speedwork. I think I’m more of a fast twitcher. Glad you got in the pool. I’m having pool withdrawal – looking forward to Masters swim tomorrow. This is the time of the year that it feels good to get in the water (unlike those mid-winter workouts where I don’t even want to get out of bed, much less get in a pool)
      Kelli recently posted…Oldman’s Time Trial – shortest race report everMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Hope you were able to join your Masters swim! In 2016 I def want to sign up for more tris. I’ll need to start looking at the local Masters clubs – will def hold me accountable 🙂

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks! You are rocking the training, Kim! So proud of you 🙂

    1. Sounds like a great week! I bet getting into the pool after that run felt amazing 🙂 I saw an apartment pool in the middle of my Sunday run and I was really tempted to just jump in but I’m sure that the people would have been confused about the crazy lady in running clothes jumping into the pool.
      Chaitali recently posted…Wine and Dine Half Marathon training – week 1My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Chaitali! Haha I know, maybe run in triathlon attire so then its okay to jump into the pool! LOL

      1. Run Jenny Run

        I screamed so loud! My landlord was baffled that it got in the house (aside from the drywall – everything is sealed off).

    1. Clay and friends watch Game of Thrones. I’ve only seen it a few times. It’s hard for me to follow (it comes on at 9 PM on Sunday night and by then, I don’t want to think if I’m watching TV).

      Glad you got some swimming in! Definitely a cool way to cross train and beat the heat. I’m a shoddy swimmer so I don’t but I love long sits by the pool, if that counts ;).

      IMHO, tempo runs are pretty much the best speedwork for long distances. 400s through mile repeats are great if you are racing 5K-10K but for longer distances that require more endurance and where pacing is important, I prefer tempo runs. Long tempo runs. I was doing 8 mile tempos for my half last winter. Running 7-8 miles at half marathon goal pace was the most effective workout for me, but also one that I would NEVER attempt during the summer. That would be brutal.
      Amy Lauren recently posted…Training for Summertime 5Ks (July 6-12)My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        I tried watching it first a few years ago and I think it was the blood that turned me off – I just turn around now. Luckily for me I can watch all of them on demand now 🙂 Probably by the time I catch up to the LIVE season, I’ll likely watch it the next day. Sitting by the pool definitely counts! Vitamin D training, right?

        Thanks for your opinion on tempo runs and speedwork for long distance training. I was feeling bad that was I was switching some of my speedwork with tempo runs (and not following the plan to a T).

    1. Great pace on your long run! That’s a lot of treadmill miles.

      I can’t believe you had a rat in your house. Oh man — gross! I remember when I was about to go to bed years ago, a mouse ran under my bedroom door crack. That ruined my life (or at least night)! I ended up sleeping elsewhere too. Yuck.
      Christy recently posted…Revel Marathon Training – Week 1My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Christy! I took a mini break when the time ran out on the ‘mill to refill my waterbottle. Yeah the rat was definitely a lowlight of the week! At first I thought…am I confusing it with a mouse..but it was definitely way bigger and it left other clues to it being a rat (so gross). Luckily we haven’t seen it this week.

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks! It was definitely tough. I used a water break in the middle which helped!

      1. Run Jenny Run

        I know! Thankfully he was in the area this past weekend and his brother helps out as well. Thanks, hoping I get outside for my long run this weekend.

    1. Kudos for doing 12 miles on the treadmill. It beats a hot & humid run! I gave my TM away. Yikes. I would have slept elsewhere too if Mr. Rat was visiting.
      HoHo Runs recently posted…Weekend StruggleMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Yeah, an unwelcomed guest! Hoping it stays cool for this weekend…or cooler 🙂

    1. Ah yes how good does it feel to get in the pool after doing something like running or cycling that’s tough on the legs? Definitely go get your biked tuned up. I just got mine tuned up for the first time since I bought it 2 years ago – HUGE difference! I’m easily 1mph faster since I got it back without putting in any extra effort.
      Tracy recently posted…Sunday Sweats [7/6-7/12]: B2B Training Week 5My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        That is good to know about the bike! It was so nice to go swimming, except some of the little kids were ducking under my lane (#swimmerprobs) – luckily their mom lectured them so it wasn’t too bothersome 🙂

      1. Run Jenny Run

        The asparagus was definitely better than expected. We actually ordered it b/c the other appetizers didn’t really appeal to us that morning (I had a Gilt City deal that included croissants to share, appetizer to share, and an entree). Thanks, Lacey!

    1. The countdown to Chicago is ticking away! Can you believe we’re halfway through July already?!!!!

      Great job on your 200s! The treadmill and I have been really good friends recently due to the weather and my inability to wake up early enough to go running outside.

      A couple of weeks ago I tried Game of Thrones and I only made it 3 episodes into season one before I gave up. I thought it was totally going to be my kind of show, but I just can’t get into it. Let me know what you think when you get to the end of season one and if I should give it another try!
      Kristina recently posted…Weekly RUNdown!My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Kristina! You’ve been doing great as well. When I first started GOT a couple of years ago (and gave up before the 1st episode finished) I didn’t really like the gore of the first 15 minutes – that turned me off. So far the Season 1 / 2 have been good. I think I’ve become attached to the characters and want to know what happens! (although I still close my eyes during many scenes and not fond of some of the characters – which means they are doing a great job for me to strongly dislike them). Cliff says the later seasons aren’t as great.

    1. awesome workout week! i think the treadmill and i will soon become best friends; i’m struggling in this heat and am a whiny baby in the morning. but i did manage to run both days this weekend, so i’ll consider that a win, even if they were short!
      brittney @ corral b recently posted…chicago half training: week oneMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Definitely a win! When I get home tonight I should be able to confirm times to go running! Yay!

    1. Wow! Less than 100 days already?? Awesome on getting that swim in and the 12 miler (on the treadmill!). Also, kudos on your tempo runs! Those are always hard for me. Your croque madame looks soooo good right now. I’ve never been to La Piquette. Gonna have to try it one day!
      Nathasha recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training – Week 3My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        I know, crazy right?! Now MCM is under 100! La Piquette was good – we prob would go back for dinner. If you go for brunch try to go on the earlier side and you get the fresh warm croissants 🙂 I had a Gilt City.

    1. Congrats on all your training ! I LOVE GOT. It is a bit too violent for me and sometimes I just close my ears / eyes for entire scenes but generally speaking… it is great ! (except for one seasons I had a hard time stomaching but I won’t spoil anything)
      Hope you are having a great week.
      Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…2016 Paris Marathon minus 8,5 monthsMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Yikes! Yes I close my eyes and turn down the sound several times during the season. I want to know what happens now! Thank you, Karen 🙂

    1. Nice week! That home in the Ledroit neighborhood looks beautiful!! Yikes, a rat!, I’d be freaked out too! Love Game of Thrones! Hubby and I have seen all seasons except the most recent one. Pretty crazy series but addicting! I always want to see what craziness will happen next!
      Sharon recently posted…Last Week’s Workouts and Weekend Update 7/6-7/12My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Sharon! Cliff made a good point now I am caught up with pop culture (although I have 4 more seasons to catch up on) haha.

    1. Oh, my gosh, Jenny; that pool looks very inviting right now -ha! It’s SO hot; I know you understand. I’m so glad you were able to get in a great swim; Jonathan has really been trying to keep up with his, as well, since he has another tri next month – GAH! Y’all are amazing! That asparagus appetizer looks so good; what a great idea. Thanks so much for linking up with the blog; hope your week is going well.
      Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Banana PorridgeMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        I know! One day this summer I’ll lounge by the pool – haven’t had a chance to do that yet. Good luck to Jonathan with his training! Do you think you will do one? Or a tri relay? 🙂

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