Marathon Training Week 15

Peak week! Thank God we reached the top of our training. During peak week, we ran our longest run ever: 20 miles. I worked my way purposefully here. I built my running base and I kept it between 8-12 miles. I diligently went to the gym and worked on core and strength. It was never easy and convenient but thank God it has been worth it. My maintenance has been on point too. I've been going to the chiropractor when I need. I've been icing my muscles and using different foam rollers a couple of times a week. It's a lot of work but that's what I signed up to do. 

I volunteered to be the person who puts out water and Gatorade on the course. I run with a hydration pack but I know it is important to have extra hydration and electrolytes during such a long run. Our runners are so generous and their donations helped me get everything we needed. I went to the store the day before and loaded up on supplies.

Supplies: electrolytes, water, ice and more

The morning of the run, I woke up extra early to eat my usual peanut butter and banana toast with coffee and to put the water out on the course. I used one of my coolers in addition to the ones the runners donated. After I was finished,  I went to meet with my friends so I could actually run. That's when I realized I needed to use the bathroom again. I had a few minutes to spare so I found a gas station and then headed to the start to take this picture. 

These runners are amazing individuals!

I decided to be conservative with my running. I was in it for the mileage. I was praying that I could start and finish well while being an encouragement in some way. I've been running intervals this season. I started by not doing intervals at all. Then I realized that I needed to have a plan for the marathon. I started by running one mile and walking one minute. After a while, I saw some friends running 4 minutes and walking one minute so I decided to give it a try. I've been enjoying these intervals. They are helping me keep a great pace throughout my runs. After the season is over, I might decide to do something different. 

Running with a group is wonderful. I truly enjoyed each mile with my friends. During our 20-miler, we talked, laughed and we reminded each other that we are doing this, no matter what. At the end of the run, I thanked God for the blessing of being able to run. I'm truly grateful. 

The course was good and tough. Friendship made it easier. The thing about running in our hometown is that it is wonderfully hilly. I learned to embrace the hills. Life is like that too. You can embrace the hills. Looking at it and stopping doesn't help at all. When we embrace the hills we can conquer them. 

Not an ad. Just something I found in the store.

Drinking chocolate milk after the run has been so good. Post-run is the only time I drink chocolate milk. I've learned that recovery starts as soon as I cool down. 

When I got home, I was managing breakfast for the kids and myself. I remembered I had açaí in the freezer. Açaí is my favorite thing to eat ever. I decided to make a bowl and it was just what I needed. 

A few days later, I went to what I call the "cold pool." It feels like an ice plunge and it has helped me recover from hard workouts. Getting to the cold pool is never easy. I don't know anyone who enjoys diving in ice cold water and statying there 15 minutes. I know it is part of the plan to run a strong race so I do it.

Today I'm grateful for what's been and I have faith for what's to come.

I appreciate you praying for me and my friends as we run our virtual race in a few weeks. We started by planning to go to Dallas which was canceled. We set our eyes on College Station and that got canceled too. We decided not to waste our training and do the virtual race at home.

Other posts in this series:
• Marathon Training 2020 Weeks 1-8
• Marathon Training Week 9
• Marathon Training weeks 9-11
• Marathon Training Week 12
• Marathon Training Week 13