Chicago and Marine Corps Marathon Training Recap, Week 9

It’s crunch time! Just six weeks to go before the Chicago Marathon. With my increased work hours in the past few weeks it’s been difficult to get my runs in, so they have been short and sweet. I somehow have it in my mind that if I can get three 5-mile runs done in a week, I will do okay (remember, I run/walk/run/walk/run and all I ever want to do is finish!) As much as I’m sorry to see the summer end, I am happy for this cool fall-like weather. I’ve knocked off about a minute/mile with the decrease in heat and humidity. I also added a strength training session last week, which was a nice change of pace. The past week wasn’t where it needed to be, but at least I got some work done:

A quick five, then off to Wrigley Field for a Cubs Win!

Sunday, 8/20:  5.1 mile run, then off to the Cubs game for an exciting win against the Blue Jays!

Monday, 8/21:  12-hour work day; AKA rest day

Tuesday, 8/22:  12-hour work day; ditto

Wednesday, 8/23:  Strength training

Thursday, 8/24:  5.1 mile run

Friday, 8/25:  2.2 mile walk

Saturday, 8/26:  5.1 mile run

A nice cool 5 miles

My son told me this morning that he got bumped up to Wave 1 this year. Of course that means he’ll be waiting even longer for me at the finish! Chip off the old block that he is, he too has slacked on his training, but of course he is 30 years younger than me and has been running long distance since middle school! So we will see what the next six weeks holds for each of us. This will be his fourth consecutive Chicago Marathon and my fifth, then off to DC together for the Marine Corps Marathon two weeks later!

Marathon Buddies

For the next six weeks I plan to incorporate running, biking, and strength training into my weekly routine. In previous years I have mostly run in preparation for my marathons, so I am hoping the addition of biking and strength training will help. It can’t hurt, right?

How was your week? Are you sad to see summer end? Any fall racing plans for you? How is your training going?

 

22 Comments

  1. You got in some solid runs! Great job. I am sad to see summer leaving but I love fall, not winter though 🙂 I have a couple of 5k’s scheduled for September.

  2. I am VERY sad to see summer end….it’s my favorite season for running, even in the heat. Oh well, I will have a lot to look forward to next year 😉

  3. So awesome that both you and your son will be running Chicago! I still can’t believe it’s only 6 weeks away!!

  4. I think it is a great idea to add the bike and some strength training to your training… I could only do that if I were running 3 days a week.

  5. XTraining with the bike and strength training will help you greatly! Strengthens core and other muscles that we neglect with pure running.

  6. I do a lot of biking and strength training during my marathon training–and it’s been a recipe for success. I’ll be interested to see how it works for you!

  7. I do think cycling and strength training will improve your running. You are going to be fine – even if your son does beat you to the finish line.

  8. Good luck with the rest of training! I can’t believe how quickly this training cycle has gone for all of us.

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