Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts

Friday, July 10, 2020

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! While each day feels like a Friday to me, I still look forward to the real Friday at the end of the week. We don't have anything on the agenda for this weekend yet but I'm sure we'll figure something out. Depending on the weather, maybe we will relax at his parent's pool. I'm not a pool person at all but lately it has been a nice escape. Before I get into full-on Friday mode, I'm sharing some things I've been loving this week!


Dawn was a woman who never thought she  would ever want to run, let alone actually run a marathon. She shares her experience, from the moment she signed up until the actual day of the marathon, in the most fun and entertaining way possible. Along with tips about gear, fueling, and motivation, she shares her honest thoughts throughout the process, which can make the experience a lot more bearable and fun.

I've had this book on my shelf for years and finally picked it up to read between the non-fiction books I've been reading. It had me laughing from beginning to end because Dawn was just so freakin' relatable. Although I'm a 4x marathon runner, I still found some of her tips interesting and definitely enjoyed reading her point of view on certain topics. Something I found funny was that it had a handful of low ratings on Goodreads from people who were mad that this wasn't a legitimate marathon training guide when I was honestly shocked on how informative this was while also being hilarious. I'm not sure how one would mistake this for a hardcore training guide when it says "get off your butt and on with your training" right on the cover, but maybe that's just me haha.



Back in the beginning of quarantine (can you believe that was almost 4 months ago?!), I decided I wanted to treat myself to a new sweatshirt since I was spending a majority of my time in my office, which can get chilly. After many days of searching and thinking way too into it, I finally stumbled across an Etsy shop called This One Life that made customized sweatshirts using my favorite sweatshirt brand, Bella + Canvas. I reached out to the owner on Instagram and she was an absolute angel with helping me design my custom sweatshirt that would have "marathoner" embroidered on it. It took awhile to come in since it was handmade and then shipped from Canada, but I was so thrilled once it arrived that I didn't even care. The quality of the sweatshirt along with the embroidering is amazing! I love that "marathoner" is stitched into the fabric and not a screen print since it will last much longer. I've been wearing it nonstop since receiving it! It's perfect for this slightly chilly summer nights because it isn't extremely heavy. I highly suggest checking out her shop if you're in the market for a new sweatshirt that is amazing quality for a reasonable price!



Palmolive Soft Touch Dish Soap
Total adult moment over, but I had to open a new bottle of dish soap the other day and it was the first time in years that I was using something other than Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay. I'm picky with any type of soap because my eczema can be irritated so easily. This was the perfect replacement for my Dawn because it is just as gentle on my skin while also thoroughly cleaning my dishes. My favorite thing about it is the scent, Aloe + Citrus. It is so light and pleasant that it almost makes washing dishes enjoyable... almost.


Question of the Day: What is something you've been loving lately?

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 12


Happy Tuesday! We got back late from Rhode Island on Sunday night so I figured this post could hold off until today. This week was a tough one. While it start out strong with some strength training and solid runs, I ended up with some pretty nasty knee pain towards the end of the week. I made the executive decision to skip my long run over the weekend. It was already going to be hard to fit in while in Rhode Island so this made it easier. I figured I’ve put following my training plan super closely the past 12 weeks and one missed workout wouldn’t kill me. This gave me the chance to really explore the area and I even squeezed in an easy 3 mile run by the bay!

Monday: strength training


Tuesday: 4 miles

Wednesday: REST


Thursday: 4 miles with strides at the end

Friday: REST {left for Rhode Island}



Saturday: 3 miles + TONS of walking


Sunday: REST {left to head home to NJ}

Weekly Total: 11 miles

Question of the Day: Do you like to run while on a vacation?

Monday, March 2, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 11


Happy Monday! This past week was unintentionally a low-mileage week with lots of rest but I guess it paid off because my long run on Sunday was completely pain-free! I did a lot walking throughout the week so I kept myself moving. The marathon is quickly approaching so I need to be more intentional about adding in strength and speed work. I hope you all have a great day!


Monday: 4 miles

Tuesday: REST



Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: REST

Friday: REST

Saturday: REST


Sunday: 16 miles + strength training

Weekly Total: 23 miles

Question of the Day: Are you excited for the time change this weekend?

Monday, February 24, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 10


Happy Monday! This weekend really flew by and another work week is here. Training was a bit wacky this week. I had to do my long run from last week on Monday which set the rest of my week off. I had bad knee pain during my run on Wednesday so I cut it short and chose to rest the next 2 days to prepare for my next long run. Although Saturday’s run was only 10 miles, I did an hour workout class beforehand, making it feel longer. I had another good rest day yesterday that I hope will set me up for another strong week of training. We are over halfway through marathon training! Woohoo!

Ran 15 miles to have brunch with this little dude!

Monday: 15 miles

Tuesday: Strength training

Wednesday: 1.5 miles

Hot tea + This Is Us = perfect rest day. 

Thursday: REST

Friday: REST

Saturday: 10 miles + strength training

Sunday: REST

Weekly Total: 26.5 miles

Question of the Day: What is your favorite thing to do on a rest day?

Monday, February 17, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 9


Happy Monday! I’m checking in early today after a nice weekend away with John’s family. Due to being away, I moved my long run to this morning since I have off. That is why last week’s mileage is on the lower side. I’m off to run 15 miles! I hope you all have a great day, especially if you’re off for Presidents Day!

Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: 3 miles + strength training


Thursday: REST

Friday: REST



Saturday: 3 miles



Sunday: 2.5 miles

Weekly Total: 11.5 miles

Question of the Day: What is one fun thing you did over the weekend?

Monday, February 10, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 8


Happy Monday! This weekend really flew by for me! We didn’t do too much so I guess I just feel like I need another day to get some stuff done. I took it easy with training this week. It was partly due to the crappy weather but also partly due to the fact that I was just feeling worn down. I figured having a light week would benefit me more than pushing myself too hard. I can already feel it paying off! Now time to drink some caffeine and power through this rainy Monday.


Monday: 4 miles

Tuesday: REST


Wednesday: REST


Thursday: 2 miles speed work + strength training

Friday: Strength training


Saturday: REST




Sunday: 10 miles

Weekly Total: 16 miles

Question of the Day: What is your favorite go-to healthy-ish dinner? 

Monday, February 3, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 7


Happy Monday! I’m checking in a little tired this morning. We went to my parent’s house to watch the Super Bowl last night which just meant we ate snacks and watched the commercials with a little football thrown in. We actually left early so I just had to google who won. Anywho, it was a good week, training-wise! I had some pains earlier in the week that made me stretch and rest a little more but by time the end of the week rolled around, I felt great. I was able to run my long with with my friend which made it 1000x better. I hope you all have a great week ahead of you!

Monday: REST

Tuesday: 1 mile
I went out for my 3 mile run and had a weird pain in my right ankle and left knee. I made the decision to turn around and go back home to rest instead. 


Wednesday: 3 miles



Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: REST




Saturday: 13.1 miles


Sunday: REST

Weekly Total: 20.1 miles


Question of the Day: What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial (if you watched)?

Monday, January 27, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 6


Happy Monday! I had some good runs last week but of course, slacked in the strength training. Eventually I’ll learn to balance everything out, right? One thing I focused on this week was stretching after my runs which is something I am not always the best at. I even went as far as doing some foam rolling throughout the week to loosen up my legs. I am looking forward to this coming week of training because I will be doing my long run this weekend with Rachel, who is training for CoDel with me! I hope you all have a great week!


Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: REST


Wednesday: 4 miles

Thursday: REST

Friday: REST

Saturday: REST


Sunday: 13.1 miles

Weekly Total: 20.1 miles


Question of the Day: What is your go-to post-run recovery?

Monday, January 20, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 5


I finally got a strength training workout in! I was sick for most of this week so the fact that I got any type of work out in is a miracle. Although I felt crappy going into my runs in the beginning of the week, I ended up feeling great during them. I’m working hard at pushing myself {as long as I am not too sick!} and getting my workouts done. Week 5 is done and we are now less than 3 months out from the marathon!

Monday: REST

A night run while it was slightly misting out. 

Tuesday: 4 miles


Wednesday: Strength Training

I was busy right after work so a 7:30 PM run it was!

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: REST


Saturday: REST



Sunday: 11 miles

Weekly Total: 18 miles


Question of the Day: What do you typically do about your workouts when you’re sick? Sit them out or push yourself?

Monday, January 13, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 4


It’s hard to believe week 4 of training is already done! This week was a little lighter on the mileage as I adjusted back to working a full 5-day work week but they were all solid workouts! Strength training went out the window as I used a lot of my free time to spend time with my brother. He leaves this week for an unknown amount of time so I took advantage of the time we had. I’m actually looking forward to getting back into a routine this week, as long as this cold I have goes away quickly! I hope you all have a great Monday!

Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: REST

Friday: REST

Saturday: REST

Sunday: 10 miles

Weekly Total: 16 miles


Question of the Day: What is your go-to snack/meal for before a long run?

Monday, January 6, 2020

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 3


Happy Monday! It’s hard to believe New Year’s was just. Few days ago. With my free time this past week, I was able to squeeze in a good amount of runs. On Sunday I finally got a new pair of shoes so of course I had to try them out :)

It’s so dark here in the morning and I feel like I’m not as much of the morning person as I usually am. I hope you all have a great day!


Monday: REST

Tuesday: {New Year’s Eve} 3 miles




Wednesday: {New Year’s Day} 3 miles

Thursday: Speed Work- 2 miles

Friday: REST



Saturday: 8 miles



Sunday: 2 miles
I bought a new pair of Brooks Ghosts and just needed to take them for a quick spin!

Weekly Total: 18 miles


Question of the Day: How do you make yourself a morning person on these super dark mornings?

Monday, December 30, 2019

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 2


I should’ve known marathon training during the holidays would be a bit crazy but it wasn’t as bad as I expected! Due to all my free time, I got in a good amount of runs except for my botched long run on Sunday. Luckily it’s early in the training cycle so I’m not too worried about missing it! I hope you all had a great Christmas week and got in some relaxing!


Monday: 3 miles + Strength Training

Tuesday: {Christmas Eve} REST


Wednesday: {Christmas Day} 3 miles with Dale

Thursday: REST

Friday: 3 miles with Dale + Ashley

Saturday: REST

Sunday: 6 miles 2 miles with Dale

Weekly Total: 11 miles


Question of the Day: What does your family do to celebrate Christmas? Do you have any fun traditions?

Monday, December 23, 2019

Coastal Delaware Marathon Training Week 1


This week kicked off week one of CoDel Marathon training! It was a super light week considering 4 out of the 7 days were spent mostly on the road as we travelled down to South Carolina to watch my little brother graduate as a United States Marine! I still managed to get in 2 runs even though I was sick during one of them so I’m calling that a win! Although this coming week will be busy, I am looking forward to getting back into a strong routine!

Monday: REST

Tuesday: 2 miles

Wednesday: Left for SC

Thursday: Family Day aka the day we finally got to see my brother!

Friday: Graduation + begin drive home

Saturday: Continue drive home + finally get home

I wore a Christmas sweater sweatshirt to be cute but ended up taking that off + rolling up my pants by mile one...

Sunday: 5 miles


Question of the Day: Do you have any races on your 2020 calendar yet?

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Coastal Delaware Marathon, Here I Come!

For those who haven't heard yet, I am running my 5th marathon in 2020! It's no secret that I love the marathon distance and the training that comes along with it. Something about pushing myself to do what seems to be impossible makes me feel immense joy. 


My best running friend, Rachel, and I have been discussing running another marathon together since I joined her for her first marathon last November! As much as we both love the Philadelphia Marathon, we decided to broaden our horizons and try a new race. After much research and discussion, we finally decided on the Coastal Delaware Marathon in April!

I'm not really sure what really sold us on the race but there are a ton of nice perks! For one, the cost wasn't terrible. It would've been cheaper if we registered back when we first kind of made a decision but we wanted to be sure before forking out the cash. The race highlights include a finish line party, big finisher medals, a scenic & flat course, free photos, and more! Overall it sounds pretty exciting!

When it comes to my training schedule, I am doing a mix of two schedules. I have followed both a Hal Higdon program and Run Less, Run Faster program in the past and enjoyed both. This go around I am combining the two, which basically means I am following the mileage from Hal Higdon but throwing in the speedwork from Run Less, Run Faster. Bottom line: I am winging a lot of it. 

Prepped to start running during the most RUNderful time of the year!

This will be my first time training for a marathon through the winter. I have trained for a half during the winter before but that training is a lot less involved than full marathon training. I am actually looking forward to winter training but am already anticipating many treadmill runs or even missed runs due to weather conditions. I think the second biggest concern of mine {besides weather conditions}, is the time of day I run. Before work is the most ideal for me but it is obviously darker and colder then. Running after work is possible, but I am usually a lot less motivated and tired at that point in the day. Overall, it will be a learning experience for me but I think I am going to end up enjoying it! I tend to enjoy running in the cold so that should make it good, right? Haha.

I will be documenting my training weekly so keep an eye out for my training updates every Monday! 

Friday, December 13, 2019

Friday Favorites

Wow what a long, yet good, week! I started out the week on cloud 9 because we had heard from our new MARINE {my brother} on Sunday and Monday was my birthday. Work was busy since we are trying to wrap things up for the year. I have a semi-relaxing weekend ahead of me with just plans to celebrate my birthday with the in-laws on our agenda. Other than that, you will be able to find me parked on the couch with a blanket and Grey's Anatomy! Before I truck through this Friday, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving this week.


Mahogany Teakwood B&BW Candle
Thanks to the suggestion from Maureen, I picked up this scent while at the Bath & Body Works Candle Sale this past weekend. Not going to lie, I wasn't 100% sold on the scent just by smelling it but the jar was gorgeous so I figured I'd try it out. I am so glad I did because it gives the room a warm and cozy feeling. The candle is a mix of rich mahogany, black teakwood, dark oak, and frosted lavender with essential oils. It is pretty strong so I don't recommend it for those who like a more lighter scent.


Vanilla Bean Noel Whipped Confetti Body Scrub
This was an impulse buy while at B&BW on Saturday because 1. I had a coupon and 2. I can't pass up a body scrub that has the word confetti in the name. I've used it a few times already since buying it and I'm in love! It has a wonderful vanilla scent without being overpowering. I use my hands to apply it and it actually starts to create a light lather which is cool. I'm actually surprised at how moisturized it leaves my skin but of course my eczema makes it where I still need to put on a ton of lotion post-shower.

I'll talk more about it in a post next week, but I am running a marathon in April which means I'll be training through the winter. I trained during the summer for my other marathons and did half marathon training during the winter once but that is different. I turned to the good ol' internet this past week to find some helpful tips/information to help motivate me and out of all the articles I read, this was one of my favorites. They went beyond the basic tips of what to wear and how to be safe, which is what I was looking for. I just wanted something to get me pumped to run in the winter. I won't spoil the whole article, but my favorite tip was that winter training helps you not feel so "bleh" during the colder months when you're so tempted to just hide under blankets and snack on junk. I tend to gravitate towards comfort foods during the winter which leaves me feeling not my healthiest. Following a marathon training plan will keep my body moving and make me eat healthier, feel good foods, which makes me more motivated for this spring marathon!

Question of the Day: What is something you're loving this week?


Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Marathon #4, Here I Come!

In case you haven't heard the news yet {I haven't been too vocal about it}, I am running the Philadelphia Marathon this Sunday! Yes, the marathon that is FOUR days away! I know, I know. You're probably thinking I am nuts since there has been no talk of marathon training and that is because there really hasn't been any real marathon training going on... Okay, I really need to explain myself!

WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!

Back in the spring, I acknowledged the fact that running a fall marathon was pretty much off the table with everything going on this summer. Between wedding planning, the actual wedding, and my honeymoon, I knew getting in my runs would be impossible. After some thinking, though, I came up with the idea that maybe, just maybe, I could attempt to train for Philly and if I felt like it was possible come October, I'd sign up. I pushed myself to run a lot leading up to the wedding and continued on that streak after my 2 week hiatus while I was busy getting hitched and honeymoonin'. 

Fun fact: my sister had to really convince me to run my first marathon. I told her that I’d get “26.2 tattooed across my but when I crossed the finished” which never happened. She still talks about that and even included it in her maid of honor speech at my wedding haha. 

The idea of marathon got put on the backburner when my sister convinced me to train with her for the Hershey Half at the end of October. I was okay with that because I really focused on the training, hit all my long runs, and even incorporated strength in more than ever before. Sometime throughout the month of October I entered a contest through Michelob Ultra to win a Philadelphia Marathon Weekend entry. Something in me felt like I'd win, so after Hershey, I kept up with my running schedule.

I trained for and ran my second marathon solo and it was actually really awesome!

On November 1st, I got the email that I had won an entry into any of the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend races {8k, 13.1, or 26.2}. All day at work I went back and forth between two thoughts. 1. I run the half marathon in hopes of possibly getting a PR and 2. I go all the way for the full! In order to make this decision, I decided I'd run a long run that weekend and if I could do more than 15 miles, then I'd choose the full. Up until this moment, the longest run I had done in the past few months was 13.1 miles but I knew my body and what it was capable of.

That weekend I laced up, filled up my hydration pack, and hit the road. Surprisingly enough, I was able to crank out 17 pain-free miles! I probably could've went even farther but John had gotten home from work and I wanted to spend some time with him. I gave myself one more day to see how my body felt and sure enough, I felt great the next day so the decision was made. I'd be running the full marathon just like I had wanted! And the best part? It was all free of charge thanks to Michelob Ultra!

I ran marathon #3 with my best friend when she was running her first marathon! It was such a great experience!

Since that 17 mile run, I have jumped head first into maintaining a marathon training schedule complete with another long run last weekend and an 8 mile run this past Sunday. For such little training, I actually feel prepared! Most people are probably reading this think "man, you are CRAZY!" and to be honest, I know! For some reason I just feel like I've got this and am excited to see what I can do! I am fully expecting to run this very slowly with a little bit of walking. There is a small part of me that feels like I might actually pull off a good pace but that will be a huge surprise if it happens! Now yes, I am aware that running a marathon on a minimal training schedule is risky but I am aware of those risks and am fully prepared to drop out if I feel it is necessary. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that ;) I mean, I ran my first marathon with tendonitis in my ankle and I survived!

Monday, January 14, 2019

My Week in Pictures V

Happy Monday! This weekend definitely flew by for me and I could use another day added on to it, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. This past week was a good mix of busy and relaxing. I'm hoping it's the same for me this week! Continue on to see what adventures I was up to last week!


I got an amazing deal on blueberries over the weekend so I enjoyed them with my lunches all week.


I went back to the grocery store on Tuesday and stocked up on more blueberries! I froze a lot to use for smoothies later.


I got some quiet time on Thursday to read before John's parents came over for dinner. I'm currently reading That's Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger. It follows the story of a high school student who survived a school shooting who is trying to share the truth of what really happened and not what people are assuming happened. So far so good!


I received my first Nuun order as an ambassador! So far I tried the cherry limeade and it's good.


Friday was jeans day at work and I finally got to fit in with a school shirt I got from our spirit wear sale a few weeks back!


 I have a weird schedule on Friday's which means I eat lunch alone. I can't complain though because I get the chance to read during lunch.



 My grandparents came over on Friday to eat dinner with John, my brother, and I. They brought us sandwiches from a pizza place near them!


Later on Friday evening, Dale, John, and I were watching Nailed It! which had us craving sweets...
so we went on an adventure to this pretty cool diner...


We found the most YUMMY cake there! Such a good decision! This chocolate fudge cake was so fudgey- exactly what I was craving. It was a lot though so I took most of it home to snack on later.


Saturday night was a thank you/retirement party for my mom and a few other scout leaders who will soon we leaving the troop as all their boys have aged out. It was a good time and I enjoyed seeing some people I don't see often.


Later that evening I enjoyed relaxing in bed and reading my new magazine- something I don't do often!


We woke up to a beautiful snowy morning on Sunday which meant I just HAD to get out there and run!


Something I saw on my run in one of the courts in my neighborhood... #dedication.


I stopped at 3 miles so I could get back home and get ready. My friend was up from Delaware so we went to get her bridesmaids dress and also grabbed some lunch. It was such a fun afternoon catching up and seeing the gorgeous dress on her!


I used some of my Christmas money to buy new running shoes. They're the new Brooks Ghost 11 and I am dying to try them out because they felt so amazing when I tried them on!


John and I ended the week with a spontaneous date night to a local diner. I decided to try out their "tex mex platter" and I was NOT disappointed! It was like a taco salad/taco bowl all in one! It was huge, though, so it will also be my lunch today and tomorrow!


Question of the Day: What was something fun you did this weekend?