In case the title didn’t give it away, I’ve officially made it to marathon week. In 6 days I’ll be running my second 26.2 in New Orleans.
It’s so hard for me to wrap my head around this fact and I’m pretty sure I’m in some sort of denial. I have zero nerves right now (they’ll probably kick in Saturday) and I haven’t even given much thought to race weekend logistics (which includes not having a clue what I’m wearing).
I have a pretty laissez faire attitude towards this race which is the exact opposite of how I was during my first marathon four months ago. I pulled up my recap from the last week of my Marine Corps Marathon training and was amused to see such a difference in attitudes. My nerves were pretty darn apparent in the week leading up to the MCM.
This weekend my running girls and I got together for our last long(ish) run. I say ‘ish’ since it was only 10 miles. Despite being cold and windy, we had a great run. I’m so proud of us for making it to the end of training and I’m especially excited for my friend Lorena who will be rocking her first marathon – EEK!!
Stretching post 10 mile run.
Next long run will be the 26.2. Say whaaaaat!?!?
I’m linking up with Kat from Sneakers and Fingerpaints to bring you my weekly workout roundup.
Monday: 3 mile run, weights (biceps, triceps, deltoids), and I attempted a 15-1 WOD of jumping squats, pushups, leg raises; however, I only made it down to 10 in 12:12 which is 75 total reps each. #OUCH
Tuesday: Cycling 15.91 miles in one hour, 86 pushups
Wednesday: 7 miles tempo run, kettlebell workout
Thursday: 100 pushups, jump roped for the first time since I was a kid – hello calf pain
Friday: 4.08 miles, 120 pushups
Saturday: 10 mile run, yoga
Sunday: 130 pushups
Whew. Even though I had reduced running miles, I actually feel pretty proud of my workouts last week. I tried a few new things (WODs and jump roping) that I’m excited to work into my regular routine. I’m also pretty darn pleased on the pushup front. I did a total of 511 pushups last week!!
It’s been really nice to have support from the ladies behind the #nogirlypushup challenge. I made it to week 6 day 1 of the 100 Pushup program – the final week. If you remember from the 100 pushup fail post this was the furthest day I got to before quitting. I’m feeling really good so far and am looking forward to completing the program.
As far as my workouts go this week, I’m really going to take it easy. I’m going to finish out the pushup challenge but I’m not going to do any weights workouts or anything else that would tax my muscles. I want to make sure to be as fresh as possible for next Sunday. So here’s hoping I stick with that plan.
Question: Do you do anything special during race week?
Noshing On Asphalt 
Haha I consider 10 miles a pretty long run 🙂 You got in a ton of pushups! I can’t even do 10 soooo you’re better than me! Also, obsessed with your sneakers. That is all.
I guess it’s all relative. When I’m not marathon training, 10 miles is long but compared to the 21 miler three weeks ago it’s pretty short. I’m in love with the shoes, too! They actually glow in the dark!! (I’m know, I’m a dork…)
I’m SO excited for you!! In 8 weeks I’ll be saying the same thing. Although I’m already super nervous, I can’t imagine how nervous I’ll be the week of! You’ll do awesome, girlie!!
I can’t wait to cheer you on, Katie! You’re going to do fabulous!!!
gosh i need to do those pushups, I can’t even do girly ones…
Alex, you’d be surprised with the pushups. I couldn’t do more than 10 pushups 3 months ago. 😉
Woohoo girl! You’re gonna ROCK your marathon! That one was my first marathon last year…awesome course! This year I am running the half. I hope to see you at some point during the weekend! 🙂
Yes, yes! I hope we can manage a quit meetup, too! Do you know what corral you’re going to be in?
Good luck with the Marathon you’ll smash it 🙂
Thanks so much! Fingers crossed for a smashing effect. 🙂 I guess we’ll see what happens Sunday.
Hooray for race week! I haven’t been to NOLA since high school. WTG on the workouts and pushups!
Sounds like it’s time to plan a trip to NOLA. You definitely have some beignets calling your name!
I make sure to rest 3 days before for 2 days before the day before’s shakeout run! SO excited for you girl, you motivate me to keep on runnin’! 😉 xo
Thanks, Kat! My last run is on Thursday so I’ll be plenty rested. In 8 short months I’ll be giving you the same advice. 😉
If your recent half is any indication, I’m pretty positive you’ll kick that marathon’s booty. I’m excited to hear about it!
I hope so Amanda! With PR’ing at the 1/2 last weekend I’ve now managed to confuse myself on what pace I should keep. {face palm}
YAY! Race week is finally here:) I always love the excitement and anticipation of the final days leading up to a big race! I make pasta, sleep extra, take time to relax, go on a few walks, and hydrate hydrate hydrate!
Meeeeeeee, too!! I’m glad I’m not the only one who feeds off of the excitement – especially race morning! I’m hitting up the pasta tonight and have definitely been hydrating. Great tips, Caroline!
500 push-ups, Gina?!?!?!?!
And you’re totally going to rock the marathon!! Take a break on the push-ups if you need to 😉
Hey.. I know you have all this marathon business going on… but sometime in the next couple weeks, would you like to write a short guest post for my blog on your push-up experience so far? Maybe something to motivate other runners to incorporate them? Totally get if you have too much going on, but I think it may be encouraging! 🙂
It shouldn’t have been that many pushups but the WOD I attempted added an extra 75 – whoops. I’m going to double up on my days this week so I can finish the program with enough time to let my arms relax. I’d love to write a guest post but I might not be able to get it done right away.
I seriously am so much in envy of you and your push-ups!! I cannot do that many AT ALL, so hoping this program helps!
Keep the guest post in mind.. if you could do it by the end of the 100pushups program, that would be awesome – it not, that’s fine; i’m sure I can use you in a future post somewhere 🙂
Have a great run! Can’t wait to read your race recap!!
Thanks! I hope I have a good recap and not an “I died on the course” one. 😉
Oh, so jealous of a race in New Orleans. That would be so amazing.
Congrats on pushing further in the push-up challenge. So glad you have joined us.
Come do a race down here sometime, Jacki! They have so many fun ones to choose from.
Ten miles is a pretty long run for me! 😉 It’s great to hear you’re relaxed–my high school track coach/social studies teacher called it “calm confidence.” And I’m *sure* it’s because you’re so well prepared, not to mention you’ve already done one 26.2!
I like “calm confidence” much better than what I think it really is….ignorant bliss. HA! I guess time will tell on Sunday but I actually feel less prepared for this one then the first. o.O
Hi Lady! Good luck prepping for your marathon this week!!! I will be cheering for you!!! Oh and love the push up challenge! 130 push ups??? WOWZERS!
Yaaaaaaaaaay! I love virtual cheerleaders!! Thanks so much Tara. And yep, 130 pushups. But they weren’t consecutive. I took a 45 second rest break in between sets.
I do find that doing something new and unexpected definitely brings out my nerves, but if I’ve done it once in my life already, I sort of know what to expect so I’m not so nervous. And other times I’m too busy to be worried or whatnot!
Congrats on making it to the final week!! You can do it! I’ve changed my goal to be more proficient at chaturangas, so I am not sure I will do 100 consecutive, but since you are so close I hope you accomplish it!
Thanks Nicole! I definitely feel that part of my attitude comes from having run one marathon but I still shouldn’t feel so lax. I think all of the nerves and ‘Oh my freaking gosh what am I doing?!!?” feelings will come out after my last official run.
I think modifying the challenge to become more proficient at chaturangas is a great idea and totally fits you and your yoga loving lifestyle! And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do 100 consecutive pushups; the most I’ve been able to do in one shot is 40.
Take it easy this week. So sad I don’t get to meet you in NoLa, but so excited for you.
I will eat a beignet or two for you, Abby. I mean, it’s the least I can do, right? 😉 Wish you were going to be here. Although, I know our paths will cross eventually.
I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to crush this next weekend! xxoo
Thank you so much, Mindy! I hope to not disappoint. xoxoxo
Way to go on the 10 miles! Good luck on the race, I was just in New Orleans this past weekend!
How fun, Brittany! NOLA is such a fun place for a weekend getaway. So much stuff to do and see and EAT!
Can’t wait to hear all about R’n’R NOLA – love that city so much. Don’t forget to refuel with beignets 🙂 I’ll be cheering you on from Atlanta!
How I can I forget about those delicious fried pieces of heaven topped with a mound of powdered sugar?? It’s torture but the race route actually runs us right by Cafe Du Monde about mile 10 (I think, maybe 9). I’m hoping if I throw some pitiful looks at the customers someone might let me swipe one. That’s acceptable mid-race fuel, right?
Awesome!! I hope you have a great race! I know what you mean….it’s amazing the change from the nerves of a first marathon. So crazy!
I know, right?? I know the nerves will make an appearance shortly but right now I’m enjoying the low key week. 🙂
Exciting!!! Have a fabulous race! 🙂
Yay! Thanks!!
You rock! What a kickass weel of workouts. I’m totally borrowing your 15-1 workout idea for a crosstrain today. Thanks!! Oh yea I dunno what changed but I cant comment from my work pc anymore. I have to pull up your blog on my phone or at home. 🙂 stupid work pc rules