7 Week Marathon Training Plan: Week 5 (and Week 4 Re-Cap)

So week four started off with a bang. And when I say bang, I actually mean a splitting headache, runny nose, and low-grade fever. I have been fighting this cold for the past week, and my workouts have been almost non-existent. I was feeling better and got a run in on Thursday, but felt slow and sluggish during it. And I managed to overdo it (typical) and set my healing back by a few days, as I woke up sick again on Friday morning.

7 Week Marathon Training Plan: Week 4

I can’t believe I’m already halfway through my condensed marathon training plan. Time flies when you’re…having fun? I don’t know, this marathon training hasn’t particularly been “fun” for me.

7 Week Marathon Training Plan: Week 3

Week 2 of marathon training went fairly well. I was able to get all my key runs in, and only neglected one easy run (in favor of an impromptu rest day). I had to shift my running plan around slightly because of working late. My five mile tempo run at the end of last week was incredibly tiresome, and I had to do it on a treadmill because of location and timing. But, no excuses, I got it in and got it done.

Standard Leg Day Workout

Besides all of the running I’ve been doing for my marathon training, I’m also attempting to maintain any muscle I might have. I really enjoy weightlifting, and while it’s playing second fiddle right now, I’m still trying to fit it in whenever possible, without negatively affecting my runs. So here is a leg day workout that I struggled through this week.

7 Week Marathon Training Plan: Week 2

Week 1 of condensed marathon training went surprisingly well. I made some mistakes, but managed to hit all of my runs and most of my lifts. My long run on Sunday was…rough. Rough in that, I thought I could do the nine measly miles without water.

Keto, Triathlons, and Some Science

Keto, short for ketogenic diet, is a type of eating that limits carbs and lets fats run with abandon. Carbs are generally kept below 50g total, but true keto-ers keep it around 20g net carbs per day. Protein is kept at a moderate level, depending on your fitness goals. In order to maintain as much muscle as possible, about 1g of protein per pound of body weight should be consumed. And fat, well, you can basically go to town on fat. Avocados, cheese, heavy cream, fatty cuts of meat, fat is what will keep you full, functioning, and sane when you cut those carbs.

7 Week Marathon Training Plan: Week 1

Now that the Nation’s Triathlon is over (race report in the works), I can focus on training for the Marine Corps Marathon which I recently signed up for. I only have 7 weeks left until the marathon, and I already know it’s going to be rough to get myself in marathon shape in that time. But, I’ve written a decent marathon training plan for myself, and I thought I’d share it here, week by week, as I progress through the plan.

2016: Why the Nation’s Triathlon Cancelled the Swim

Two days before the race, at 10am, The Nation’s Triathlon sent out an email titled “Important: Swim Portion Cancelled.” Every one of the thousands of triathletes got that email, and by 10:30, the Nation’s Triathlon Facebook page was blowing up with angry triathletes. Triathletes are as good-a-natured bunch as they come, but you mess with their race day schedule, and they will cut you. 

Things No One Told Me Before I Started Triathlons

Looking back on my first year doing triathlons, I’ve realized that I’ve completely changed as a person. My entire life has changed, my mindset has changed, and my athleticism has changed. I have experienced countless learning mistakes with triathlon, although I have yet to start the run with my helmet still on! So, in honor of my one year triathlon-aversary, and all the growing pains that come with it, I thought a list of things no one told me was appropriate.

Episode #256 of “I Can’t Believe I Just Signed Up For That”

In typical triathlete style, I tend to (well, try to) plan everything. Now, do I always follow that plan? Absolutely not. Life gets in the way, stuff happens. Plans get derailed. One of my goals I’m working towards is running a full Ironman in 2017. I’m shooting for IM Maryland, because it’s so close to me, and frankly, because the course is pancake flat. As part of my IM prep, I plan on running at least one marathon leading up to the race. I had originally planned to run a marathon in April/May of 2017, but last night I threw the plan out the window for once and registered for the Marine Corps Marathon. …Which is happening in less than 60 days. Crap. What was I thinking??

 

Does anyone have any good marathon training tips?? Any tips for prepping in a hurry?! It’s two months away!