Remember that movie? I don’t really either except that I was in love with Eddie Vedder when it came out in 1994, and he was in it. I was in college at Boston University and reality was amazing. Now I’m an aging athlete with 6 year-old twins who is losing her grasp on reality, which some days, is better then the alternative.
Now, don’t get me wrong, my life is a dream. It truly is, which is why when reality comes crashing down on you, it tends to bite.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
RUNNING
Another week of strong mileage and speed work. This is what it looked like:
Monday: 7 miles easy @8:00/mile pace
Tuesday: spin class and strength training
Wednesday: 3 x 1 mile repeats at the track @6:20 for mile pace and 800 easy jog in between
This workout felt great. I always get super nervous about mile repeats because they tend to make you want to puke and die somewhere around the third lap of each one. I talked myself off the ledge by saying “it’s only three” which is a joke because it doesn’t matter how many you have to do – they sting. As much as I was pushing myself though, I felt strong when I finished and actually had to pull back to keep the pace my coach set.
Stretching it out afterward at the track on another gorgeous day!
Thursday: 5 miles easy @8:00/mile pace
Friday: 16 miles with 6 @MP
What a difference a week makes! My 16 miler this week felt good. I was strong though the 6 miles at pace (7:30) and, although definitely tired by the last three, I felt infinitely better then last week’s 13. I didn’t even have to do a handstand afterward.
Completely upright this time around!
Saturday: Rest day!
Sunday: 9 miles very easy (9:30/miles) with one of my BRFs! Please remember that easy miles should truly be easy.
Total for the week: 45 big ones!
RACING
The problem started with my goal for the year. You remember it right? I wanted it ALL. I wanted to qualify for triathlon nationals and also run two marathons, one of which being the New York City marathon. No biggie.
Seriously, what the hell was I thinking? Here I am, 5 weeks out from NYCM and my longest run has been 18 miles. That is not good. I know what it takes to run the marathon I’m capable of running but, I’m way undertrained to do it.
The problem was that I didn’t qualify for triathlon nationals in my first attempt, which pushed my marathon training all the way back until the first week in September!
I just loved swimming way too much this summer.
I thought I really wanted to focus on the marathon and try to achieve something in the ballpark of a 3:15 but, I now know that is completely unattainable with the training I have done.
I’m not sorry because I truly wanted the triathlon qualification but…
I know this – I will go in New York to push as hard as I can within my limits, and really try to enjoy it. I have never really done that in the marathon, and what better time and place to do it?
GEAR
I’m not sure this really qualifies as “gear” but I’ve been using this nubby little ball to sit on while driving. With all the miles I’ve been running, and despite all the movement I’m being commanded to do by my Garmin vivoactive, I sometimes get piriformis pain when I’m sitting. That’s the burning sensation right in the middle of your butt cheek and it’s not pleasant.
My little green passenger, when not directly underneath my ass cheek.
FUEL
I realized that I just can’t eat real food on my long runs. Even chia bars, which usually always agree with me, are not appetizing on my training runs. I’ve gone back to gel in chomp form and also had a waffle. It’s a lot of sugary sweetness but I only drink plain water so it’s all digesting well.
After my 16 miler I went straight to Starbucks for a grande vanilla soy latte and a protein box. I was also craving something sweet, which is weird since I had nothing but sticky sweetness though out the run, but who am I to second guess my post-long run craving? It was time to indulge.
Mostly, I hate all things pumpkin. I don’t do PSL or anything else pumpkin but, I spied with my little eye a pumpkin cream cheese muffin in the Starbucks case. I ordered it. I got my protein box and latte, and completely forgot about it and left. I think it’s a pumpkin conspiracy. They know I hate them.
THINGS I LOVE
My new phone case! Now, I don’t love it nearly as much as the owl I had for my old iPhone but this is a close second. Ok, maybe it’s a distant third but it’s the best one I’ve had in over a year. And yes, I’m still searching for an owl case that fits an iPhone 6.
Of course I picked orange. It’s my signature color.
This is the ultra slim Sena case and the reason I love it so much is because you can actually feel the real phone in your hands. You toss your phone in this super sleek leather sheath and take it out as necessary. I’ve been using it for about two weeks and, because it’s leather and stretches over time, it was a little difficult getting it in and out the first few days. #ThatsWhatSheSaid
As much as I love this case, I would swap it for the owl in a heartbeat!
REWARD! Find me this case for an iPhone 6 and I’ll give you pretty much whatever you want.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Periscope.
I’m actually just pre-judging it and also being wildly hypocritical because I just signed-up. I told myself I absolutely would not but then I heard about this blog challenge and, you all know I cannot turn down a challenge.
Plus, I’m actually doing some pretty awesome stuff next month like running with some of my best blog friends in Maine, going to the Runner’s World Half and Festival, running the freakin’ NYC marathon and going to Miami for a wedding.
You totally want to see all of that shit, right? Just say yes and follow me on Periscope: https://www.periscope.tv/vitatrain4life
Right now I have two followers and I think it’s out of pity.
PODCASTS
These were my saving grace for my 16 solo miles this past week:
A big gigantic shout out to Christine at Love, Life, Surf for recommending this one. However, I will tell you what she failed to tell me – you could cry so proceed with caution if you’re listening while running! I downloaded two episodes and headed out for an easy 5 miles. The very first story I heard was about a mom who delivered a baby with down syndrome and all the raw and honest emotion that followed. OMG, seriously? I almost had to stop. But, it’s also a testament to just how good this podcast is!
Others included a man who helped the FBI catch a most wanted criminal you have all certainly heard of, and a woman who found herself in a relationship with a man who had joint custody…of a dog…with his ex girlfriend. Hilarity ensues.
Most of you may already be familiar with Dimity and Sarah, but listening to their podcast is pretty much like having two friends along on your run. I have listened a few times before but, now I’m hooked. I listened to three different interviews and stories though out my run and it truly made the miles go by. There’s only so much music you can listen too before you start focusing too much on how much your body hurts…no matter what Taylor Swift has to say about it.
RANDOM QUOTE PICTURE OF THE WEEK
My boys love Halloween more then Christmas.
How was your week?
What kind of reality has come crashing down on you?
Have you watched anything good on periscope?
oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE MOTH as well.
Although some of the stories are sad (cue the cry) it’s cathartic for me.
I also think this nonrunner needs that nubby ball for her booty.
Lately Im a wreck after long long texas drives.
It works magic!
YOU ARE JOINING PERISCOPE!!!! Wooooooo!!!!!! I will for sure follow yours!!! I haven’t seen you in any of mine yet miss, I hope you say hi, and you can say hi for REAL this weekend, we can Run together this week!!!! Oh, and about your long run, read this http://runnersconnect.net/coach-corner/are-you-putting-too-much-emphasis-on-the-long-run-as-part-of-your-marathon-training/
So actually, you are doing the right thing 🙂
I saw your gorgeous face this morning! Unfortunately I was also giving the boys breakfast so I couldn’t hang out for long.
SO SO excited to meet this weekend!!!! And, if you go very slow, we can run together 🙂
Thanks for the article! Maybe we can discuss more this weekend…
I swore I wouldn’t join Periscope but then I did and haven’t done anything with it since I signed up. I joined the challenge because well, it’s a challenge and I love a challenge! Can’t wait to ‘scope in Maine!
The pressure of the challenge!!! Yes, we must scope this weekend!
You had an awesome week of running! Nice job! You know, I think you might surprise yourself at NYC, especially if you take your October travel/race weekends easy. It is always better to be a little undertrained than over trained. Yes, the last six will be hard but if you can stay strong mentally my money is on the fact that you can bust your expectations if you get a good weather day. Can’t wait to see you this Friday!!!!!!!
You make a good point about better to be under then over-trained – yes! And I’m praying for good weather since this weekend is not looking so good 🙁
I need to check out this challenge!!! Welcome to periscooooooope! I just followed you! I can’t wait to follow your upcoming adventures, just beware since its a live show it is a battery and data suck. But man is it addictive!! Once you get comfortable you will be scoping all the time.
I think you will have a great time at the marathon this year. It is so unique to itself and it is one of those races that will make you want to enjoy every moment. I am so excited for you to experience it!!
I will miss the owl! I remember that thing from Fitbloggin 🙂
Thanks for the follow and the heads up on battery suckage!!!
I think the marathon will be amazing!!…I just need to get out of PR mode:-)
Periscope–just can’t make up my mind. I have an account, but without a blog, I’m not seeing any big bennies to me for having it. And I definitely don’t need more on my plate. So? Not sure but probably not.
I am a big believer in quality over quantity when it comes to the marathon, and you’ve definitely got that in place. I think you’ll be just fine–better than, in fact! Let your body, not your watch, dictate how you run it.
Can I tell you that I bought my iphone6 a couple of weeks ago and got all cocky, only buying a tempered glass piece, but not case. Yep, day two I cracked that sucker! I need to check into cases. Long live the owl!
I know how you feel about Periscope. My thought is how much Allie do people really need? Sheesh.
I hear you (and thank you!) about the quality piece of training but I just know I won’t be able to hold the pace I would need over 26.2 miles. I’ll have to finalize a race plan, but right now I’m just focused on quality and no injuries!!
That is awful about your phone and totally something that would happen to me:-(
Argh I haven’t looked at periscope yet but the seed certainly has been planted… Tick tock.
Reality Bites! Yes I’ve only seen that movie with Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawk like a billion times. It was filmed in my city near where I live! But I don’t think Eddie Veder was in it… But I know he was in another movie of that time period that I also watched a billion times: Singles. It has Matt Dillon and Bridget Fonda. Another great teenage angst movie and great grunge rock display. Thanks for the happy walk down memory lane!!!
I’m going to an Airrosti doctor today to finally see what the heck and if I can run again. Fingers crossed
OMG that is hilarious that I totally called out the wrong movie! Thank you for keeping this blog honest!! LOL!
Good luck at the doc!!
Look at you…periscope! That is definitely not behind the times…hehe! I haven’t ventured to figure out what it is yet :), but if I do I will follow you for sure!
I don’t know girl…I think you still have enough training under your belt to run a pretty great marathon!!!! Are you planning 20 this coming weekend. Sometimes when you think you are undertrained and take off the pressure you nail it!…just a thought 🙂
I am just laughing at how we have the same things happen to us!!! After my speedwork Wed I noticed a little pain in my piriformis. It was not anything major but when I feel pain I try to be crazy on top of it. I also knew I was thinking about a 5k Friday night and had 22 miles on Sat!!! Thursday I was googling all the you tube videos on how to fix it :). I started with the lacrosse ball…OUCH! Switched to a tennis ball. It is really helping but even the tennis ball is pain! I have that ball that you use…I use it on my feet, but maybe I should sit on it :).
6:20 miles….that is awesome!!!!!! And to finish feeling strong and pulling back is even more awesome!
LOL yes, I’m jumping right into the Periscope trend! We’ll see how it goes…
And no, I can’t run long this weekend because I will be in Maine running a half with some of my best blog buddies! I so wish YOU could be there!!! But, I’m doing 19 this Wednesday at a slower pace.
So sorry we have all these little injuries in common!!! Definitely try the nubby ball. It works!
AHHHH!!!! SO FUN!!!!…I forgot about the blog retreat! All of my favorite blog friends :). You guys are going to have so much fun. Where are you all staying? I would LOVE to be there :). 19 this week will be perfect..I should drive up and run it with you…that would make it fly by!
I did try the nubby ball….PAIN!!! I suppose that means 2 things…it works and I need it!
I would absolutely love to run with you. I know we would push each other in the best possible way! We’re all staying in Wells Beach at a house. It will be like “real world blogger house!”
And yes, the nubby can be painful but I now haven’t used it in 3-4 days so it definitely works!
While I’m not crazy about the pumpkin spice latte, I do love everything else pumpkin. I’ve never been on periscope….I’m scared to go on. I don’t want to get addicted to even more things than I’m already addicted to.
I hear you!!!! I’ve watched a few, just for a few minutes each, but I can already see an addiction forming!
haha. I too swore I wouldn’t join Periscope and now I’m glad that you all are joining and we’ll do the challenge together. At least I’ll have 2 viewers?? 🙂 And the MOTH!! Again, apologies for not including the disclaimer. But those two stories you mentioned at the end – the FBI and the splitting custody of the dog were so good! See you SOON!!
Seriously!! However I’m sure you will have 1.2k followers after your first one 🙂
And yes, OMG the moth stories, tear inducing or not, are amazing!
So I am having a hard time getting into periscope. I’m on there and I’m a lurker, I have yet to broadcast anything! I’ll have to look into that Moth podcast!! You are going to have so much fun in Maine. I am really jealous, like REALLY. Enjoy! I’ll be running Ragnar this weekend!
I’m such a lurker too. I have yet to broadcast anything because I haven’t really done/thought of anything broadcast worthy!
I’m so mad you won’t be in Maine!! But I will feel good knowing you are getting a much needed girls weekend…of running…with other girls 🙂
And def check out The Moth especially if you have another LONG treadmill run!
Listening and following your training I think you have a lot to go by. I honestly think you are going to do well at NYCM. My personal recommendation from running the course is add some long gradual uphills (so much easier just adding incline on the treadmill). That is what messed with me during the middle miles!
Thank you Hollie! That definitely means a lot and yes! I will be doing 9 miles of 19 as a gradual uphill on Wed. I’m tired just thinking about it!
I only just gave in to pinterest (but have barely been on) so periscope just seems like way too much. I will need a few more years to wrap my head around an additional social media site!
I love pumpkin but I don’t love SWEET pumpkin. Leave out the sugar. PSL makes me want to gag. But I made pumpkin/plantain muffins (no sugar added) and they are delicious. And pumpkin oats. And smoothies. Just not desserts.
OMG please send me those muffins!!! I agree 100% about the sweet – I can’t take it. Hmmm, maybe I can find them on your Pinterest board 🙂
I can’t bring myself to get Periscope – it just sounds overwhelming to me and probably all that would end up on it are videos of my dog.
I love pumpkin but I cannot do PSL or any other super sugary pumpkin. I cut out half the sugar when I make pumpkin pie and I love pumpkin in oatmeal or savory, but no Starbucks pumpkin for me either.
I honestly think you’re going to run a great race at NCYM! You’ve had so many quality runs in your training!
Exactly right on with all the pumpkin. I enjoy the seeds…salt is more my jam then sweet!
Thanks for the encouragement on the marathon. I know I have a lot of solid training under my feet, just not the mileage I need to run super fast and comfortable…well, as “comfortable” as you can be in a marathon!!
I just started listening to Fast Girl by Suzy Favor Hamilton. So far, so good. The prologue had to be turned off so little ears wouldn’t hear about her escapades as an escort in Las Vegas but the the backstory is ok for all ears. Ever since the Madison Holleran story came out, I have been thinking about the relationship between sports and anxiety disorder/mental issues. I just keep asking: What would make her do it?
Great work on your runs. I hit a 3:15 with minimal miles. I think the quality speed work helped me. and the fact that I was only 30 and didn’t have kids to chase:) You can do it.
Unfortunately there is probably a lot of information and stories about athletes and anxiety disorders. There’s just so much pressure to deal with and usually at a very young age.
Thank you for the suggestion!
What I think I wanna do is actually make my pie thing on my blog this week, into BARS and treat them like fuel bars!! And I think you should do the same because those gels – UGHHHH! I do not approve 😉 ha ha ha ah!
I do not approve either! Seriously. They are the one thing I put in my body that is pretty awful. I would love your creamy pie bars in my mouth instead 🙂