OBX Marathon Training Week 4

Can you believe it? Already one month into this marathon training cycle. Things seem to be going well so far. This week was about incorporating a little more cross training as I prep for two more triathlons this summer in the next couple weeks. I also had to be more flexible with my schedule since my mother and father in law were visiting over the weekend, so I couldn't fit in a much longer run.

Monday: Swim, 1800 yds. Sunday night we learned that the community pool near us is actually being run by the YMCA this year. This means they are open almost all day, every day rather than only 2 hours a few days a week like previous summers. So for our Monday workout we went to check it out and swim a few laps during the open evening lap time.

The pool was a little crowded with kid's swimming lessons, and an aqua aerobics class, but they cleared a little space for lap swimmers. The area of the pool with lane markings on the bottom (no lane lines!) was short... about 17 yards. There is a second part of the pool with no lane markings that is longer at about 25 yards. For this day, I stayed in the 17 yd area.

I'm really excited that there is a pool that is easy for me to get to through the end of August! It is less than one mile from my house! Time to add a little more consistent swimming into my weekly schedule.

Tuesday: AM -- 3 miles easy. PM -- 1k repeats x 5

Now that I'm one month away from Hood to Coast, I want to incorporate a few double day runs into my schedule. I kept the AM miles easy to complete fast repeats on tired legs. I thought this wouldn't be a big deal due to last week's strong workout. It actually turned out to be much more difficult than I expected. Even the first 1000m repeat felt really hard! On the fifth, my left calf started cramping up, and I cut the interval short at 800m. I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't finish this workout strong, but I know I will do better next time.

Wednesday: P90x legs

Kept this workout quick so we could go out with a few friends to a local food truck event for dinner. Yummm.

Thursday: Swim 1500 yds in the AM.

Mixed things up this week. The pool is only open in the morning Monday - Thurs, and I wanted to get in a second swim. Marathon training is all about being flexible, right? Had to be flexible this week! I swam in the long side of the pool and worked on my sighting. It definitely made for a harder swim, but I think it was good practice for me.

Friday: 7 mi with 3 at tempo pace

I knew this weekend I wouldn't have quite as much time for the long run, so I made this tempo run a little longer than I normally would. It honestly felt so great! I was on pace and felt good the whole run. I think some cooler temperatures also had something to do with it.

My mother and father in law arrived around mid-day, so we spent the afternoon going out to lunch, and baking cupcakes.

Saturday: My birthday!! 8.1 miles with 6 hill repeats in the middle.

Celebrated my birthday with a morning run and an evening cocktail party. I incorporated some hill repeats into the run to make it a little more difficult since I wasn't completing as long of a training run. My stomach was a little off during the run, but I finished pretty strong.

The rest of the day included shopping for new shoes, lounging and getting ready for my party. Lots of tasty food and cocktails! It was so wonderful to celebrate with my friends, and have everyone get dressed up for the party.

 {not pictured: the many desserts!
including oreo truffles, cupcakes, and ice cream bon bons.}

Sunday: Slept in, enjoyed time with my family, and went kayaking! This was a great end to the weekend. The weather was perfect for being outside and on the water. 

Overall great week! :) How can you not enjoy your birthday week, right?!