week in training | 9.6 – 9.12

I don’t know what’s circulating in the air lately, but my allergies have been swarming lately. Most mornings I awaken with a clogged nose and itchy throat, and I wouldn’t say I have a large propensity to succumbing to allergies. The most noticeable morning was Saturday during my long run: most of my systems were a go, but my lungs screamed against whatever allergen plagued them. I’m apparently not alone in this observation, however, so despite the royal suckage, at least there’s camaraderie in suffering.

Otherwise, a good but tiring raining week. This is my penultimate build week before taper begins, which is relieving but also ultra frightening. It’s crazy to think Chicago looms so close, and my first real test in the marathon distance approaches so quickly.

Monday, 9.6: 14.01 miles, 10:55 pace + 40 min strength

Really good medium long run despite still, dead air and high humidity. I averaged 152 bpm and felt like I was cruising comfortably the whole time! I think the amount I eat over the weekend contributes to solid Monday sessions.

Strength:

• 4 x 6 weighted jump squat
• 3 x 10 pushup to twist
• 4 x 6 ea. weighted leg extension hop
• 4 x 10 wide toe calf raise
• 4 x 8 ea. reverse lunges
• 4 x 10 hike
• 4 x 12 ea. single leg squat
• Core work I didn’t write down

Tuesday, 9.7: 8.47 miles, 10:38 pace + 20 minute swim

My midmorning swim plans were foiled by a stray thunder boom that closed my lap pool, so I came home and improvised a session in my apartment pool. It’s never easy to get a workout in such a small place, but I managed! Another lady actually swam at the same time as me and we harmoniously, and wordlessly, stayed out of one another’s way as we did our workouts. It was actually quite peaceful.

Wednesday, 9.8: 10.51 miles, 9:33 pace + 45 min strength + 1,550 yard swim (33:36)

Another horridly sticky morning, and during this workout I definitely felt it. After my easy 3 mile warmup I stopped to stretch and absolutely dripped with sweat. I had hardly a breeze to take the sting out of the session and I definitely succumbed to the heat by the end, but I did well enough and am proud I didn’t bail despite my desire to after like two reps. 6 x 1k around 8k-10k pace: 4:46, 4:48, 4:46, 4:45, 4:43, 4:45, with 2:30 jog recoveries in between. Those paces translate to 7:36-7:45.

My watch restarted in the middle of my swim once again. This is the third time that’s happened and it’s really obnoxious, but I managed to get everything done and it went okay. I probably averaged about 1:59-2:00 and a 43 SWOLF.

Strength:

• 4 x 8 weighted jump lunge
• 4 x 10 triceps dips
• 4 x 8 reverse squats
• 3 x 10 overhead press
• 4 x 10 bent arm side raise
• 4 x 10 calfraise
• 4 x 10 lateral hop with leg extension
• 4 x 12 ea. hip dips
• 4 x 10 ea. oblique lifts

Thursday, 9.9: 21.85 miles, 21.9 mph cycling (1:00:00) + 1,300 yard swim (24:52)

Loving my 90 RPM rides lately. The effort is just enough to feel worthwhile but is certainly not a strain, and I’ve noticed these weeks progressing the length of my 90 RPM goal that keeping such a cadence feels easier each time. I averaged 124W which is slightly higher than the past couple rides!

Storms threatened before my swim and I found myself practically hauling ass to get at least 1000 yards done before they swept through. I broke three of my standing records during this session, including a 1:45 100 yard set and a 19:08 1,000 yard! I swam 1,000 straight, then 300 before the lifeguard blew the whistle for thunder. I averaged a 42 SWOLF and 1:55/100 yards.

Friday, 9.10: 6.22 miles, 10:44 pace + 4.4 miles, 10:14 pace

This was the first time I actually felt scared during a run. Some guy across the street from my trail was wandering around yelling, though I’m not sure whether that was at me and I’m not unaccustomed to random folks spewing words around since most of the time they’re not very lucid and likely don’t remember they’ve spoken anyway. The part that really pricked my adrenaline was a car, also on the other side of the road, hitting reverse and backing up at the same pace I was running for a spell. I’ve never run with so much adrenaline and the feeling was really strange, almost like an otherworldly entity took control of my legs and spurred me on. I dropped to about an 8:30 pace for a bit before the car changed gears and sped off down the road. I do not know if either of those in question even noticed me, but nonetheless I’m grateful I carry a knife with me and nothing came of it anyway.

Second run went much more smoothly, though I curse nature for clearing the rain right when I started! I performed 2 minute run/:30 walk for 45 minutes. Both runs I averaged a 158 bpm.

Saturday, 9.11: 18.35 miles, 10:38 pace

As mentioned prior, my allergies really made this run pretty crappy-feeling. My legs and heartrate were fine, but I wasn’t having a great time. I was quite useless the rest of the day aside from having snacks and drinks.

Sunday, 9.12: 5.21 miles, 11:31 pace

Slow run Sunday, felt pretty good aside from very sticky air. A breeze broke up the monotony of the humidity, though, which was helpful.

Total running mileage: 67.3

Total cycling mileage: 21.9

Total swimming yardage: ~3,750