Chicago Marathon Training Week 7 – 7/13-7/19

July 20, 2015

Well last week was a bit of a bust.  It started off with two good (tough) strength training sessions (Tuesday = arms and Wednesday = legs).  I’ve had back to back sessions before, but never have I ever been that sore to miss my runs through the weekend (usually my strength days are Tuesday/Thursday and I am recovered by Saturday/Sunday for my long runs).  Today I am linking up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for the Weekend Update.

Monday 7/13– 2 mile walk 

Tuesday 7/14 – 2 mile walk + 60 minutes personal training 

Wednesday 7/15 – 2 mile walk + 25 minutes cycling + 60 minutes personal training

Thursday 7/16 – 2 mile walk 

Friday 7/17 – 2 mile walk + 3 mile run

Saturday 7/18 10 mile run attempt #1

Sunday 7/19 –  10 mile run attempt #2

Total: 10 miles (10 walk | 0 run)

Swim

In hindsight I should have gone swimming on Sunday, it probably would have helped with the soreness.  Instead I bummed around my apartment because I was bummed I did not get my long run in.

Bike

I cycled for 25 minutes on Wednesday ahead of my training session.  I clipped onto a bike that was on the gym floor, which was different from the spin bikes.  I couldn’t figure out how to change the resistance (set pretty high) – so I am sure that led to some of the leg burn.

Run

The legs were not having it this weekend.  They were so sore, tight, and heavy I ended up missing/shifting/skipping all my planned runs for the week. I talked to my trainer and she thinks the increased weight may have affected my recovery time.  It was a drop back in mileage, only 10 miles for the long run, so I did not feel too bad about missing it.  This is a new week, the legs are back to normal, and I look forward to some quality runs.  I will def up my foam rolling/stretching game.

Fun

On Thursday (such a beautiful day), Cliff and I visited the Washington Monument.  Did you know you could reserve tickets ahead of time vs. waiting in line the morning of? For a small processing free you can select the day/time you would like to visit (if available) and the National Park Service mails your tickets (if purchased more than 10 days before). 

Outside the Washington Monument – did anyone else refer to it as the Pencil when they were younger?

Our tickets were for 7:30PM, but they let us in at 7:15PM.  Security was easy and we were directed to the elevators.  Neat tile floor, huh?

The elevator ride was quick and the views at the top were stunning. For those of you running the Marine Corps Marathon you can see Hains Point and the 14th Street Bridge!  We spent about 15-20 minutes looking at the views/taking pictures.  The elevator ride down was really neat.  At certain points the elevator would slow down and we could view some of the plaques inside the Monuments (the stairway is closed to tourists).

Saturday was a busy day! I ended up double booking myself.  That morning I drove 1.25 hours to meet some of my old college roommates at Philip Carter Winery in Virginia.  I had no idea it was that far!  One of my friends had a Groupon or LivingSocial to that particular winery so that is why we selected that location – otherwise we probably would have chosen somewhere closer in Loudoun County.

We took a tour and a tasting (baby sips for me since I had to drive).  Following the tasting we were given a basket with cheese, meat, and crackers (part of the group buy deal).  It was nice to catch up with everyone, but I had to duck out a little early (for good reason). 

I had a 1.5 hour drive back to Rockville, Maryland to celebrate my cousin’s twins’ first birthday.  The theme was Mickey and Minnie Mouse (of course I thought of my Disney running friends).  The cake was really cute. 

My cousin’s wife made these chalkboard signs – creative, right?

After the party I returned to DC where I watched a few more a whole lotta episodes of GOT with Cliff.

How was your weekend?

How often do you stretch/foam roll?

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30 Comments
      1. Run Jenny Run

        Last year I was pretty good about rolling/stretching everyday (even when not running). This year I am not stretching or rolling as much as I should. My trainer mentioned I should prob foam roll 20 minutes if I can after a run.

    1. Those birthday decorations are super cute! I love first birthday parties… and really all little kid birthday parties. My friend’s little girl has one coming up and that’s exciting. It looks like you guys had fun around DC and I love your pictures… we went last Fall and I want to go back so bad.

      I’m not a huge fan of strength training when training for races. I do BodyPump, yoga, and some body weight exercises, but for me, running has to come first. I do the other things to be a better runner, not to be good at them, so I lift less weight, only go once a week, etc. Hopefully the soreness goes away soon and you can get back on track.
      Amy Lauren recently posted…Training for Fall Races (July 13-19)My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        The little kids birthday parties have gotten cuter and cuter. The internet has made ideas/things more accessible – fun to see how creative they get. I felt much better last week and dialed down in the weights. Hope you get to come back to DC soon 🙂

      1. Run Jenny Run

        It was neat – wish I was able to see the plaques from the other states. Luckily we had a spot by teh window 🙂 The twins were really cute, it was a fun party.

    1. I have always wanted to go to the top of the Washington Monument! Every time I try to book tickets for a specific day though, they’re sold out. Guess i have to plan wayy wayyy in advance (like get tix now for December! haha). Looks like you guys had an amazing time! 🙂 The winery in Va. looks beautiful! Sorry you missed your long run. But at least you got some great strength training in! I’m sure this week will be a good one! 😀
      Nathasha recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training – Week 4 (Woohoo, one month down!)My Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Right?! Yeah I think I reserved the tickets two months ago for the “nice times” aka sunset haha.

    1. I got an M80 roller to review on my blog and it seriously is an amazing roller — it makes me *want* to roll! It hurst like whoa but m legs have never felt better. I ran 15 on Sunday and then 6 on Monday (yesterday) and I think my rolling has really helped my legs recover. I roll every night before bed.
      Helly on the Run recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training: Week 6 RecapMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        That is a good idea to make it part of your bedtime routine – that is an approach I’ll start to try. I haven’t been good about rolling after my shorter runs. I’ve never seen the M80 roller! Looking fwd to your review.

    1. Sorry about the sore legs! That’s one of my worries with trying too much with the strength training. I’ll probably wait for the next lull between training cycles for that. I love the decor and the twins’ birthday party, so cute!
      Chaitali recently posted…Bang bang cauliflowerMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Chaitali. It is definitely feeling much better 🙂 Now I just have tired running legs haha.

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thank you for the encouragement, Mindy! I knew you would like the party theme 🙂

      1. Run Jenny Run

        I definitely thought of you and Mindy when I entered the room 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement Kathryn, and last week definitely got better! Now I just have tired running legs… yay!

    1. I’m so glad you had such a fun weekend, Jenny; I’m sure it was busy, but full of friends. I can’t believe your pics from the Monument; it’s been so long since I visited there. We’ve got to make it back, one of these days! Thanks so much for linking up with the blog; hope your legs are ready to go this week – woo hoo!
      Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training RecapMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Took me 32 years to visit the monument haha. Hopefully when you come visit DC we’ll get to take you on a running tour of the monuments and you’ll get to go inside again. Right now they are doing to groundwork towards the capitol, so by the time you come back the views should be great!

    1. I foam roll almost every night before bed. It really helps keep my IT band from acting up. And, it just feels so good! I hope you have a better running week this week. We were in DC last year while the monument was closed. We were pretty bummed.
      HoHo Runs recently posted…YOU Inspire MEMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Aww bummer! Sorry it was closed when you were here. That is a great idea to foam roll in the evening – seems like the way to go!

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Victoria! They feel much better now (just tired from running – yes). Hope you get to visit the monument soon. FYI – they hours are shorter after Labor Day (prob b/c of tourist season ending and when the sun sets).

    1. I used to religiously foam roll after every run but these days I’m more relaxed about it. If I feel tight after a run, I’ll roll out for a bit. It usually ends up being 2-3 times per week.

      The winery trip sounds fun and I love that they sent you home with a few goodies. And the baby shower cakes are adorable!! What a cute theme for a party 🙂
      Sun recently posted…Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll 10k RecapMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        That is good to hear. I’ve been bad at foam rolling after my short runs. The twins were adorable!

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Yikes – hope your recovery went well. Last week was much better – now I’m just tired 🙂 hehe

    1. I have had great results with conquering DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) by going for cool down walks (at least 1/2 mile) after each workout. I swear by them. If I skip, I feel it the next day. Even on my “easier” runs. I do the walks kind of fast, but I feel it “flushes out the legs”… Beautiful pictures!
      Cheryl recently posted…Kensington Festival 5kMy Profile

      1. Run Jenny Run

        That is a great idea! I should do that after some of my tougher workouts.

      1. Run Jenny Run

        Thanks, Meredith! I hear ya… I’ve been bad with the short run rolling.

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