Marathon Mondays: Week 1

in Running

July 7

It feels like 98… but only if you’re just standing in the sun.

I couldn’t think of a better way to officially wrap up the first week of my marathon training plan than with an mid-week holiday, too many margaritas, and a stomach bug.

Actually, that’s a big fat lie drowning in a pool of contempt and sarcasm. I could think of EVERY OTHER WAY that would be better for a first week of marathon training.

My “big” run of the week was a slow, wheezy, painful, chuggy ordeal. But I hit my distance and wasn’t so far off my targeted training pace of 15:00.

My Plan
I’m using the runDisney training program for beginners.

There are two runs during the week and a “big” run on the weekend. Each workout starts & ends with a 10-minute warm-up/cool-down in addition to what’s on the calendar. My goal is to run as long as I can, as slowly as I can… and to stay in front of that 15-minute pace.

My Gear
ASICS Nimbus 12. They’re the most awesome shoes in the world… and of course, they’re now obsolete. I bought an extra pair after finding them on Zappos clearance last year because I loved them so much. I’m on that last pair right now.

Garmin Forerunner 610. The watch, heartrate monitor, and foot pod turned out to be a pricey investment up front, but I’ve gotten some great mileage out of it. I bought it on sale at REI a couple of years ago and it came with that happy 10% dividend. I get detailed information – I’m a numbers girl when it comes to motivation – on cadence, calories, speed, and pace.

An iSomething. I must have music. MUST have music. Whether it’s my phone (which I annoyingly have to carry because I don’t have an armband) or iPod shuffle (which annoyingly keeps coming unclipped from my shirt)… Must. Have. Music.

My Stats

Week 1 Stats

My Jams

Daft Punk ft Pharrell

Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft Pharrell
Not Ready to Make Nice – Dixie Chicks
Starships – Nicki Minaj
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Carrie Underwood
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
Long Time Gone – Dixie Chicks
Whistle – FloRida
Fearless – Taylor Swift
It’s Time – Imagine Dragons
Rock Your Body – JT
Happy Girl – Martina McBride
Spider Webs – No Doubt
Hey Ya! – Outkast

One week down, 27 more to go!

12 comments… add one
  • Katie

    Sounds like you know what you’re doing and you’ve got a plan! Is this your first marathon? It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but feel quite intimidated by. How often were you running before you starting training?

    Btw, you GO girl!

    • It is my first marathon! I was running 3x a week using Couch to 5K, ran a 5K last fall, but then was sidelined for nearly 6 months by tendonitis in my foot. I recently started running 3x a week again using the C25K week 3-5 runs (depending on how I felt).

  • Carol

    Good luck with your training! I signed up to run Houston this year after a very long hiatus from marathons. I’m so excited!

  • Girl, you are so much tougher than me.

  • Mellybrown

    You go, girl! I think a Disney Marathon is the only marathon that could ever motivate me to run that much. Keep at it!

  • Pat

    You keep at it – one run at a time! I give you huge props for running in that humidity and heat. I need some inspiration to exercise so thank you 🙂

  • It is rough training for a marathon during the hot summer months but just keep reminding yourself that by the time you get to the cooler temps the runs will actually feel easy!

  • get it!!! so proud of you for dedicating yourself to your next journey!! you have me wanting to start training myself! keep up the amazing work!

  • You got this!!

  • LOVE IT!! SO proud of you chica!

  • You go girl!!! So organized and inspirational – thanks for sharing what works for you!!!

  • Way to go!!

    And I totally get it. My goal on my runs lately is to survive and stay conscious. It’s ridiculously hot/humid outside. I can’t wait for fall training…running will be a breeze, right? 🙂

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