My 6th week of marathon training was … successful!
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
| Plan | Rest | 3 m run | 5 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 9 m run | 6 m run |
| Actual | Rest |
3 m run | 5 m race! |
Rest | 3 m run | 9 m run | 6 m run |
Monday:
Rest! Love those days 
Tuesday:
3 miles in 31:00 (10:30 pace)
Easy run on the treadmill. I was working in production the last 2 days and it was physically tough, but I still got my run in. Felt good!
Wednesday:
Race day! 5 mile race in 42:12 (8:26)
First we did a 1 mile warm up with an 11 min/mile pace and then lined up for the race. I had a great time (read more HERE) and finished in 42:12. Over 1 minute faster than last year! I’m feeling great and this training cycle is the best so far!
Thursday:
Rest
Friday:
3 miles in 30 min (10:00pace)
Easy 3 mile run on the treadmill, perfect way to shake out the legs and start the weekend!
Saturday:
9 miles in 1:43 (11:30 pace)
Group run! This Saturday we ran together with another group and we started a little slower since it was so hot. At 7am the temperature was already in the 80′s, so no time pressure, just trying to finish. We decided to have fun and enjoy the run. The first 5 miles we ran with the other group and our pace was 12-13 min/mile. At mile 5 the other group finished and we kept going for 4 more miles. We ran a little faster and averaged a 10 min/mile. Great run, I felt good, just a little hot
Sunday:
6 miles in 1:03 (10:30 pace)
Recovery miles on the treadmill while catching up on The Bachelorette. The run felt good and easy. I felt my right calve was a little tight, but nothing a foam rolling session can’t fix.
Total miles:
Planned 20-26 -> Actual: 27
Feeling:
Great!! So excited to keep my training streak going! So far I only missed 1 workout and that was my optional Sunday recovery run. Couldn’t be happier!
Aches and Pains:
a little tight calve on Sunday, but overall really good, no tired legs!
Long Run Fuel: 9 miles in humid hot weather (80+ F)
The night before: pizza
Before run: apple sauce
During run: 1 sport bean and 32 oz of Gatorade (blue)
-> felt good!
Comments/Thoughts:
Currently I “only” run and have not included any cross training. I was thinking of doing some type of strength training on Mondays, my off day from running. I have a few Jilian Michael’s DVDs and I think they will do a great job on a quick strength session.
Any other strength training ideas?
How often do you cross train? And what type of cross training are you doing?
12 weeks until marathon #3!
I know it’s hot back there! Good for you for staying strong through this heat.
Yay for week 6! I’m one week behind you, and you are helping keep me motivated. Thank you!
That was a successful week! A single sport bean?
Yes
I used to overeat and learned it the hard way.
Im yer reverse.
too much weight training…
should run more
Wonderful training week Christine! I cross train strength training and yoga currently using Les Mills Pump DVDs. I seriously need a treadmill!!
I love my treadmill and can not imagine a life without
I can’t believe it’s already week six of your marathon training. Glad it is going so well with your mileage build up.
Your training is going so well! Love reading these updates!!
You should definitely get in some strength training! I find that it helps my running & also keeps me from getting injured (i am very prone to knee injuries). I keep it simple with mostly body weight exercises like squats, lunges, pushups, planks, etc. When I can (as in, when my friend who owns the videos invites me over, haha) I like to do an Insanity or P90X video. Cross training for me is the only way I’ve stayed strong and injury free while running
Thank you so much for your comment. I heard Supreme 90 Days is really good and also bought the DVD (only $20 at Target and amazon), but never looked at them. Oops!
Wow great job. That was a very impressive week. You are an inspiration. I haven’t quite gotten to the point of doing 20-26 miles a week myself, I am more in the 10-12 range, with a little bit of tennis and swimming mixed in. Keep up the work ethic and good luck!
Greg at Dazadi.com