This past week was an absolute blur. I had to plan two back-to-back birthday parties for the boys (what was I thinking?) deal with inconsistencies in planning, a surprise doctor visit for Miles, freezing rain and just a crap load of pop-up items I didn’t want to deal with. I like having a plan and sticking to it and it seemed everything I planned last week just laughed at me, hard in my face. Adjustments were made. Incredibly, I survived. #PoorMe
WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2014
RUNNING: I think I’m supposed to be tapering. My body has yet to feel like it’s being cut any slack, but I think that was mostly due to the inconsistencies in my schedule. I also started having an issue with Morton’s Neuroma in my right foot and then my pinky toe was almost rubbed raw on my last 20 miler. This has never happened to me before and led me to my local running specialty store to try and find shoes with a wider toe box, three weeks before my marathon. Adjust!
I also did another version of a killer 14 miles:
3 mile warm-up
3 miles at Marathon Pace (7:40)
3 miles at Half-marathon pace (6:40)
3 miles at almost tempo (7:00)
1 mile at Marathon pace (7:40)
1 mile cool down
I had a great indoor track session with 5 x 1 mile at 6:20 and a few other short, easy paced runs and a brick to top things off.
Total miles: 40
CYCLING: I had a very direct order to “bike outside” on Friday. The forecast called for cloudy skies with a high of 58, which would be downright balmy. I woke up to pouring rain. I mean, I just can’t even with this weather. So, I parked my butt on a spin bike and did my run outside. It had stopped raining by that time but was a wet, mucky mess. I hate you Spring that isn’t Spring.
I ended up hating the new shoes with the wider toe box that the salesperson suggested so I had to cut my run short. Adjust!
Total cycling: 47 miles, all indoors
Don’t get jealous of this lovely weather people.
SWIMMING: I still think each time I get into the pool that I won’t be able to do the workout CRS has planned, and then I do it. I’m not sure when I’m going to start believing in myself but I’m working on my mental game here. As a result of my sitter not being able to come on Wednesday, I had to move my workout to the afternoon. I absolutely hate training in the afternoon. It was freezing rain on that day so I was on the treadmill at the gym around 12:30. Crickets. Then in the pool with just me and the lifeguard which led to this exchange:
Him: You never stop!
Me: I want to.
Him: Looking at my workout which is sealed in a plastic baggy You have a loooonnnggg list there.
Me: Yep. I’m getting though it. Sorry you’re so bored watching me. You can watch YouTube on your phone or something and I promise not to drown.
Afterward I hit the hot tub and sauna. I love stretching in the sauna!
Total swim: 2400 yards
RACING: The countdown to New Jersey has begun and plans are being made. I’m getting nervous that I have never been to the location of the race and looking at the course map online makes me want to vomit. It all seems so surreal. I also just found out the race starts at 7:30am. Adjust!
FUEL: I’ve been experimenting with my breakfast. I usually eat as soon as I get up at 5:00am (2 whole wheat fig bars with coffee) and then have a real breakfast around 7:00. But, by the time I get to my second workout, I’m really hungry so obviously I need more fuel. Before my hard 14 miler on Saturday morning, I tried to simulate race day and did my workout at 7:30am. I ate Kashi cereal and half of an everything bagel with peanut butter. Let’s just say it’s not wise for me to eat peanut butter before a run. Adjust!
THINGS I LOVE:Â After all my bitching, running around and organizing, I absolutely loved celebrating the boys’ birthdays all weekend and then some. The first party theme was none other then Cookies, Cupcakes and Cardio. Jen would have been proud:
My two little bakers on top!
Each guest had a try to decorate as many cookies and cupcakes as they could. It was hilarious.
Party number two was all about Scooby Doo:
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Getting a call from the school nurse, 15 minutes after the bus took the kids to school, that Miles is “Bleeding from his ear. A lot.” What????? Commence heart attack. I mean, if I didn’t do all this healthy running business I would have collapsed and died from that statement. It turns out he had a double ear infection and a blockage in the bleeding ear, the pressure from which caused it to drain, precisely when he arrived at school on Tuesday.
The issue with all of this, is that he had his tonsils and adenoids removed and has tubes in his ears, so he shouldn’t be getting ear infections at all!!
As a result, we spent the afternoon at the doctor, making appointments for another ENT visit and picking up antibiotics.
Adjust!
READING:Â If you haven’t already please read my Zelle article! I was so psyched to be published on the site and be associated with Runner’s World. I kept checking the FB page for likes and updating my husband. 880 likes! 1278 likes! OMG over 1600!! Â Please read, share, tweet and pin and I will buy you something shiny. xoxo
RANDOM TEXT OF THE WEEK:Â This is the exchange between me and my husband as he was flying home from Tulsa this week. Did I mention I was solo parenting from Monday – Wednesday? Thank God for me and all the other passengers that I was not on this flight:
Just as he was boarding the second flight from Dallas to home, police officers and paramedics rushed onto the plane ahead of the remaining passengers, and the flight was delayed. Apparently everyone was ok since they came back out with an empty stretcher. If I had been there, I would have definitely been on it!
I hope your week was a lot better then mine! Tell me something good…
I would have been freaking with the plane and the test message, as well as the bleeding ear. Seriously, my heart went out to you on that alone. Hoping all is better now and also both parties looked like a success ( loved that cake).
I was so excited for you about Zelle, thats si awesome! You are the PERFECT writer for them, and I am so happy for you! I can’t believe we are already in the countdown…..although I am definitely not feeling taper yet either….but I guess thats probably a good thing 🙂 Have a wonderful week my friend!
Thanks Tina!! I cannot wish you any more love and luck for your big race. I’m beyond excited for you and I know you are ready in every possible way!!
That text message would totally freak me out!!!! Your parties looked so awesome! I love how they each got their own unique party – so important:) That cake looked so good too!
It really is! They have to share so much that I always let each of them chose a theme 🙂 Thanks Leah!
Allie that is SO cool! I will go check it out and share. I’m not on Twitter much- it’s too many words for me!
The boys’ party looks so fun!
OMG that is too funny!! I’ve never heard anyone say Twitter is too many words!
Adjust is a definite. Whoo! And what were thinking – 2 parties?!?! You crazy!Loved seeing your byline for Zelle. Absolutely perfect!
Thanks so much Angela!! How do you handle boy/girl twin parties?? Of course, based on my themes they could go either way…
Omg I am so proud of you and your article in Zelle! So well deserved!! More articles to come I bet!!!
Wow that sure was a week of adjustments. Happy you got your miles in despite this silly weather!!
If my plane had all that trouble I would have turned around gone home and taken a nap. #realtalk
I can’t believe the ear infection!! They seem so innocent but they are dangerous!! I would have been freaking out especially so early in the morning–yikes!
The marathon looks like a cool course!! You got this Allie!! Your training has been phenomenal and you are going to rock it!!
Thanks so much Nellie! I know you always have my back!!
I was so excited for your Zelle article!! You rock, lady! Poor Miles, what a little trooper he must be to have been in pain and just let it go until it all culminated in what I imagine was one of the scariest school calls of all time!!! Can’t wait to hear about how hard you’re going to own that marathon!
I know! The poor kid really has a high tolerance for pain…not sure where he gets that?! 🙂
I was totally thinking as I drove through Connecticut this week I should just stop in and say hi :)…..sounds like it would have been a great week for a surprise visit!!!!
I LOVE the cake!!!!! I just put on my blog how we love making cakes :).
That long run was awesome……you are ready for that marathon!!!!! I love that incorporates endurance and speed.
Your article…SO AMAZING!!!!! That is so cool!
I’m surprised you don’t have an ulcer or something with texts and phone calls like that. I would have been panicking just a little!
OMG you drove though my state and didn’t stop???? What the heck??? The girls would have loved the birthday party and you would have been more then welcome!!
So glad you were able to try the 14 3,3,3 this weekend too. It’s so good!!!
I was definitely panicked from that text and counting the minutes until he made it to Dallas! Crazy.
I am also curious now….what shoes did you go with for a wider toe box?
New Balance. I’m not sure what model but they were awful. Horrible. Totally horrendous.
I have heard good things about Altra as far as toe box goes…but they might be a lot lower drop then you are used to…I can’t remember what Brooks you like…
I’ve been looking into them as well. I’m getting so close to race day that I’m almost afraid to switch now. I will definitely have to sort this out by NYC! I run in Revannas now and haven’t had an issue in years!? Of course I haven’t trained for a marathon in years either… Thanks Jen!
I would be nervous to switch so close too, unless you stumble upon something that feels amazing this week and can run in them until the race. You might have already tried this, but I know you lace your shoes in different ways that make it a bit looser…that might help
I have but it does help. Thanks Jen!
It’s because you run / we run that we are able to stay clear-headed enough to make all these necessary adjustments rather than breaking down. I loved your Zelle article, which is how I was able to find your blog and become a follower ! http://www.momontherunsanity.com
Thank you so much! And yes, running endurance translates to real life in so many ways. I’m not sure what I would do without it. So glad you found me 🙂
Zelle was a great way to end a week of adjusting! So happy for you.
Listen, 7:30 is a GREAT thing for your race. Marathons this time of year can sometimes be hot, so getting that earlier start is just what you want.
Love that you are turning into such a swimmer!
You are absolutely right! I’m definitely glad for the early start time but I’m just not used to running that early. I’m sure, on race morning, it will be no big deal. I’m starting to get REALLY excited!
Love that article- so cool!!! And you are killing it in your training. I wish my body had that kind of energy this training cycle but it hasn’t. Adjust. 🙂
Well, let’s see…you just had a BABY!!! You are in an amazing place for someone who is adjusting to a having two kids and ALL that comes with it. You’re an inspiration Laura!!
That is nuts! And so scary! Glad to hear he made it home safely!
You and me both!! Crazy! I also don’t understand why these pilots give so much info!?
Ummmm, that’s a crazy week! I’m glad that Miles is OK but that would have freaked me out! And so excited to see your article on Zelle! That’s so awesome and so happy for you!! Three weeks! You’re going to do great, even if that course map makes me a little dizzy 🙂
Thanks Christine! I keep staring at the map thinking that once I reach mile 10 I just run ALL the way down and then ALL the way back to the finish. Yikes!!!
You hit the nail on the head…ADJUST…our lives as moms are unpredictable and no longer our own. I’ve accpted my house no longer looks like a magazine cover and I’ve accepted I’ve gained 17 lbs this year and ya know what. I’m ok with it. Don’t get me wrong when I was able to go to the gym twice a day to train, I loved my fit legs and feeling great, but I’ve ADJUSTED to the curve balls life has thrown at me and there’s nothing I can do to change it other than get through it and enjoy the blessings I have. Good luck on your run Allie, you will be fine!
Thank you!!! Yes, life as a mom has changed everything – mostly for the better – but life is absolutely more complicated.
Well, it’s Monday and I hope this week is a lot kinder and requires less adjusting!!!
The birthday parties look amazing – very cool that you had 2!
Glad your husband made it home safely!!!
Here’s to a great week with weather suitable for training outside, no planes, and no bleeding ears!!!
You said it!!! Today is sunny and almost 70!! This week is already infinitely better :-))))
I don’t want to hear any bad flying stories…I have some long flights in my future! Happy belated birthdays to your boys, and get ready for that race in NJ!
Oh, and did you hear that there is another podcast coming out with more details about Adnan’s case? I don’t think I’m going to listen- I’ve had enough.
You will be absolutely fine. That flying craziness only happens to my husband and he’s totally calm about it.
Thank you!! We had so, so much fun celebrating.
I DID!! I’m shocked that you don’t want to listen?? Really?? I cannot wait!
Oh man Allie. All I can say is we have an extra bedroom here in Brazil. You are welcome to it anytime. There is a pool downstairs and I believe they sell running shoes here.
You are so awesome. Don’t be surprised when I show up!!
When it rains it pours, right?! Glad that you made it through all of the curveballs that your week threw at you. Here’s to less ear bleeding and hopefully some better weather this week for ya!
Seriously!! I’m happy to report that the bleeding has stopped and it was almost 70 and sunny yesterday. It was like a miracle to be in the sun. Thanks Nicole!
((((sending you all my good vibes and HEALTHY VIBES and so much love for the pictures of the party too. life is a CrAzY RollERcOaSter huh?))))
Yes it is!…and some days I just want to get off.
For NJ, get there SUPER early. You’ll be able to go inside (same building as the expo) and there are real bathrooms…just to avoid the ridiculous traffic getting there! Two years ago I ran the full and watched halfers jumping out of their cars in standstill traffic to make their earlier start time. Rock it and HAVE FUN!!
I’ve heard this from a few people so thank you!!! I’ll be waking up super early and probably eating when I get there, but better then running out of the car to the start!!
Love the birthday pics! You had another great week! I would have said fuck this shit and totally gotten of the plane.
Amen sister.
I feel ya on those ENT visits. My kid’s ear tube fell out but never actually came out of his ear. It was lodged in wax down deep and required a procedure to get out. And then there’s the time a spider crawled into his ear. ENT to the rescue again.
Oh no!? Why all the ear issues?? It’s so frustrating and painful for the little ones!! And the spider? I just can’t even on that one – yikes!
For the second time in two weeks, I’m solo parenting again for 6 days. And of course, the night my husband flew off, 3 days ago, one of the twins fell sick with a nasty cough. I’m taking him to the pediatrician again because last night was absolutely horrendous. I’ve barely slept and am surviving on coffee and sheer willpower. I’ve lost 2 pounds (can’t complain about that) and my will to live.
Oh mama!!! That is truly awful and I feel your pain! It DOES get better/easier/more fun and this is just nasty. I wish I were there to help! Just.keep.moving!
I’m sorry to hear about your foot! I’ve never had that injury but I’ve heard it is terrible. Fingers crossed that goes away and doesn’t give you too much trouble. Amazing 14-mile run. So hard. If you can get through that you will nail your race!!! Amazing cake, amazing party, amazing superhero running mom for the win! xo
P.S. For your pre-race breakfast, I’d avoid anything with a lot of fiber or whole wheat. Try an everything bagel (plain) a hard boiled egg with a lot of salt and some berries. Test that out and see how it works. That’s the magic bullet for me and took me a while working with the Brooks Beast nutritionist to nail. I also take a salt pill with the breakfast too. Experimenting is the name of the game 🙂 xo
Thanks Jesica! I actually read that on your blog and was going to try it. I definitely enjoy the everything bagel so I’ll try adding the hard boiled egg before my 10 miler this week. Fingers crossed!!