Long may you Run!!

For a song that has such a cool title, the actual song (which can be listed to here) isn't all that inspiring as far as motivational running songs, but it seemed like a fitting title as I take you on a recap of how marathon training (and fundraising) has been progressing as I hit the 7 week mark.

Long run goodies

I have covered over over 350 kilometers, and consumed dozens of Gels, GUs and Stingers along the way - I have been humbled by the generosity of family and friends and am getting to know my running partners better than ever.

If I had to rate my compliance with my training program to date I think I would be around an 8 out of 10.  I certainly have missed some sessions, and have had a couple stinkers in their too, but overall I am happy with how things are progressing. 

I often get asked what a typical training week for a marathon looks like, so I thought I would give you a little snapshot of my program. For the first time in all my years of running I have actually hired a coach to help customize a plan for me, and it looks something like this...

Sunday: Long Run (anywhere between 90mins to 3hrs +)

Monday: Yoga

Tuesday: Group work-out (approx 9-10km)

Wednesday: Gym + Easy 30-45min run

Thursday: Hills/Tempo (approx 13-15km)

Friday: Gym

Saturday: Trail Run (approx 8-12km)

Average weekly mileage: 50-65km

The dark days of winter certainly aren't the most inspiring to train in. And on the south end of Vancouver Island wind has been the flavour of this season.  My running partner, Jani and I took on a wild wind storm two weeks ago, where we were literally 'smacked around' for 25km. We had rocks in our eyes, leaves in our hair and were ducking under fallen power lines.  I can honestly say that was a first. Jani was a super trooper and together we managed to keep each other from being blown into traffic.  

Amazingly, I caught some live footage of the storm on my phone which you can watch below (you'll notice we weren't the only ones out running that day!!)

My training highlight to date, without question was my long run last week. Jani, Kat and I ran from Victoria to Sydney for my longest run in 7 years!  After 2 hours and 47 minutes we arrived at the Roost for breakfast and between the three of us has piled on 96km!! It was one of those runs that just felt...GOOD! The odd little nagging knee pain - but overall I was super happy with the result. Eggs Benny followed by an Epsom salt bath were all this chick had planned for the remainder of the day.  Oh...also of note is the purchase of my new compression socks!!  Loved every step in them. :-)

 

On the fundraising front, things have been steadily increasing, along with the size of my 'pack'. Together we have raised over $3000 and are now a team of 8.  I am blown away by their dedication and commitment to their own goals. I will write more about these fabulous ladies soon, but my goal for the coming month is to get out and run with each of them. They all have varying running aspirations...all impressive and all meaningful.

We made it!! Eggs Benny tasted soooo good. 

There you have it...an update in a nutshell. Planning has begun for my main fundraiser, which I think will be an 'urban scavenger' hunt in April, so get your game face on and plan to be there! Entries will be limited, so stay tuned for details.

Long may you run!!

xo

H

If you haven't had a chance to sponsor the LaceUp4Lupus  team yet and would like to do so, please follow this link to our team page and donate today.