16 miler, yoga, etc.

This week I only ran 35 miles, which was less than I was supposed to. However, because I was sick last week, and did well on the 3 runs I did run, I'll take that to the bank and not cry about it. Today I did my 16 miler. I thought I was going to have to do it on Wednesday, but I worked things out so I didn't have to. (I did a 10 miler on Wednesday.) I was supposed to run 10 miles at marathon race pace and I ended up with an average pace of 8:09. (I'm happy with that.) I ran it indoors because of my cough and set the treadmill at a 1.0 incline for 5 miles to make up for not running outside. I felt like my body was thanking me for the miles I did at an incline because it stressed different muscles. I had to stop about half way through the run to go to the bathroom. (I wish I could figure out how to not have to do that.) I read online to take Immodium so you don't have to go. I've done that for two half marathons and my stomach was in knots after one, and hurt really bad the last few miles of another. (I attributed it to the Immodium because that didn't happen on the races I didn't take it.) I have to do an 18 miler in two weeks so I think I'll try Immodium again then.

What else...on Tuesday the esposo said I should go to yoga instead of run because evidently I was being moody and he thinks I'm the nicest person ever when I come back from yoga. So, I listened to him, and I'm glad I went. This body needs more stretching...so I guess that was a win, win for both of us.;) Tomorrow we're off to Disneyworld and then California. I'm so excited to run at home in California on my own stopping grounds. Anyways, I'll probably update my training on here sometime within the next few weeks...Happy Holidays running friends!

PS- The cough still persists but I think it's almost gone. (I do cough a lot after my runs though. Not sure why.)

This lady's back in business...

So after taking since last Tuesday off of running, I decided to try and run again today. I'll admit, I still have a cough, but it's not even close to being what it was...so I'm thankful. I did a 3 mile warmup and then did my 4 LT miles at a 7:36 pace! That's "spankin' it" for me, so I was happy about that. I'll admit, since I took the week off, I had a little something to prove, but I just focused and it wasn't all that hard...I cooled down for 2 miles and then coughed a lot after that. I didn't cough while I was running though. Anyways, I hope running fast today won't make my 16 miler on Wednesday hard. Just glad to have a run in the bag this week...Sometimes having to stop makes you realize how great it is.

I can't take it any longer...I'm running this week...

I really struggled not putting in my miles this week. Yes, I'm a little obsessive, which seems to be a common thread among runners. A comment by Thomas, an ultra-marathon guy, gave me just the kind of hope I needed. He said a week off might do me some good, and I might surprise myself and comeback stronger. When I left the doctor's office last Tuesday, my heart kind of broke and I wasn't sure what was going to happen with LA. I'm still not sure what's gonna happen, but starting tomorrow, I'm gonna get back to training my tail off and am going to see where I stand. (On a side note, I'm feeling WAY better, so I feel good about this decision.)

Here's my dilemma...

I'm leaving for Disneyworld on Friday. I plan on continuing my schedule there but am wondering if I should change my 16 mile long run to Wednesday and do a 10 miler on Saturday. It would just make things easier for me and everyone involved...(I'm traveling with 20 people.)

The following is how I've curtailed my runs to this week...

Monday- 9miles w/ 4 at lactate threshold
Tuesday- 5 miles
Wednesday- 16 miles with 10 at marathon race pace
Thursday- 5 miles
Friday- travel to Disneyworld (Flight leaves early)
Saturday- run 10 miles on the 1.5 jog trail at the Disneyland Polynesian Resort.

Am I okay doing my 16 miles on Wednesday or should I keep it on Saturday? I thought since I'm so well rested now, that it might be okay. What do you think?

Out of the game for awhile

Upon doctor's orders, I can't run for awhile. I don't really know what that means for me running the LA marathon. I'm just praying I can knock this thing out this week. I appreciated all of your advice...I was being hard headed and didn't want to quit...I still feel like not listening, but I think I'm going to...At least for now. (The doctor looked at me like I was an idiot for continuing to run like this.) Anyways, wish me luck! I wish I had better news. Couldn't be more disappointed.

Biggest Loser Winner: Danny Cahill + His Song - Second Chance

I'm not very good at watching shows every week, but I sometimes tune into the Biggest Loser and I'm so glad Danny won!!!! Loved that guy. I knew he used to be sort of a rock star and I saw this video online and thought he was really good. I'd totally listen to this while running! The esposo is a little cynical and thought this was a little too commercial...but who cares...Make some money off that million dollar smile Danny! Anyways, after watching that show I'm always inspired to drop a few. Too bad I've only lost 1 pound since I've started training for this marathon. Embarrassing, I know.

8 miles: 4 miles at 7:45 LT pace + Swine Flu Vaccine Side Effects

Yesterday I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to complete my LT workout today because of how badly it went last week. I'm still sick but I decided to go run anyways and feel things out...I did a 2 mile warm-up and then felt strained when I started my LT pace. That went away, however, and I felt pretty good. My average pace was 7:45, which is a few seconds better than I've ever done. Yeahaawww!

I read all of the side effects for the nasal swine flu vaccine and I've had a lot of them. (No wonder I could barely run the day after.) Regretting that I got it, but feeling a little better...I swigged apple cider vinegar yesterday and that actually made me feel less congested. Hoping to stick to the plan this week...

Training for a Marathon Sick: What do you do?

I was all worried about my 14 miler this week because my 8 miler went to the crapper on Wednesday because I was sick...Actually, I'm still sick but the run actually went okay. I was bummed I had to extend my 8 miler across two days to finish it, but at least I got my other two major runs in. (10 miler on Monday and the 14 miler yesterday.) I was supposed to log 40 miles this week and I logged 40.5, just by accident. I'm just glad I got the miles in. This week my long run is going to be upped to 15 miles. I've only run that far once, so this is where things could start getting hairy for me...We'll see how my body fares.

Anyways, I don't know whether to hold back because I still have a sore throat, cough, and congestion, or whether I should continue to try to do my schedule without alterations. What do you do when you're sick and training for a marathon? I know we just have to listen to our own bodies but do you have any advice?

Chicken Shawarma Recipe, H1N1 Shot, + 14 Miles Manana

The past few days have been depressing running wise. Early this week I got the H1N1 flu shot with my son because we're going to Disneyworld over the holidays. (I don't like getting those sorts of things, but because of all the traveling we're doing in December, I finally decided to do it.) I already had sort of a cold, and the combination of that and the shot, I think, have just made me down in the dumps and lethargic. On Wednesday I was supposed to do an 8 mile run with 4 miles at LT pace, but I only ran 3.5 miles with 1 mile at LT pace. The next day I ran 4 miles with 2 at LT pace to catch up on mileage. Major bummer. I was thinking that my LT pace was going to to be faster this week. I'm trying to take care of myself though, while still getting in the miles. Hopefully my 14 mile run tomorrow goes well. I still have this itch in my throat that won't go away and I hope it doesn't get worse.

On another note, I made Chicken Shawarma this week and it was really good. I think I mentioned before that I love Eastern European food because of my Armenian heritage. I've had Chicken Shawarma before, but found this recipe on CookingLight and decided to try it. The esposo told me to not put the yogurt mixture on his, but I didn't anyways, and he liked it. (He doesn't always thank me when I ignore is picky food wishes, but he did this time.) Anyways, this recipe is healthy and good. It also tasted great with whole wheat pita. Try it, it won't disappoint.