The fine line between crazy and insane....kickin' asphalt on the way to Goofy '08

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks Laurie

We'll see...there are days when I worry about the lack of mileage. I drive Scott crazy worrying if we're putting in enough pavement time. And I figured it was worth mentioning that our plan is kind of unconventional LOL. My body can't handle a bunch of LRs. I'm really good in the 8 to 10 mile zone...but start to fall apart after that. Anything over the half marathon distance really kills me. Sooo....this is why we came up with this plan . That is definitely NOT to say that running the big distances (16, 18, 20, 22 plus plus) isn't smart. I think every runner has to really figure out what works for him/her. And for many, they can't imagine heading into the marathon without at least a 20 miler under the belt. I do have the confidence that I can finish...but how fast is a big mystery?! Time will tell...but I sure hope it helps people who might be considering running a marathon to see how there can be so many ways to approach training .

 

[ScoJo15]

Hello Amy

Thought I'd chime in on the training plan issue : Last year I noticed that after a certain point (that 15 mile range for me) the runs pretty much felt the same. I felt like I was only opening myself up to injury by pushing into the 20 mile marks. If I could do 18, I sure as heck could do 26. And if the marathon was supposed to be a big accomplishment, why would I run within a mile or two of that distance during training? Doesn't that take the accomplishment out of it?

We aren't trying to break any records or run a super fast time, so getting to the starting line in one piece is the most important thing. I do believe that if we were trying to push ourselves in terms of pace, we'd need to up the mileage each week in addition to doing the 20+ runs...in the same vein that I trained at the 3.1 mile mark before my first 5k...the 6.2 mile mark before my first 10k, etc.

It all boils down to personal goals and personal ability. My goal is to have FUN (at least as much as you can covering that distance)...miles 20-26 are gonna hurt anyway, regardless of how I trained

Sorry to hijack, but I wanted to add in my .02

 

[AlyssinWonderland]

Wow...if there was such a thing as Goofy Marathon Idol I would vote for both you and Scott. Amazing! You guys are a picture of will power. Good luck!

 

[toystoryduo]

You're doing a great job, Amy! Keep up the good work!

 

[postesf]

Just my 2 cents... I think you guys are really training smart! You have a great plan and I know you'll be awesome!!!

Keep it up chick! You're doing great!
Stacie

 

[MIdanceMom]

Hi Amy,

I really like your philosophy. You know you can run the distance, you aren't out there to break any records, so staying healthy is the priority. Sounds like a very solid plan. I do have a concern though. Do you ever REST your body? You seem to either run, xt, or do pilates. You mentioned last week that your body was crying out for a rest day. I don't mean to question you, but I just worry about you.

Have a great training week, and take care,
Beth

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hello everyone...

Not much to report on the training front .

I managed to do a lot of Pilates on Monday and Tuesday. But the run didn't happen on Tuesday due to life totally taking over....kids being busy....and I was feeling completely destroyed. The lack of rest days are really taking a toll. I wouldn't recommend this type of schedule to anyone sane. But I can't pass up opportunities to teach and I can't pass up training. Errr..well...I did pass up training. I woke up on Tues with bad body aches....and a miserable headache that was pounding. I had two classes to teach, a 6 miler scheduled and a private training session with my Pilates Instructor. The 6 miler got shelved.

So yesterday I attempted the 6 miler even though I was so tired I truly wanted to cry. Sadly I got less than 4 miles into the run and had to make a quick sprint to the house. Without going for TMI...it appears that I'm battling a stomach bug. So i crawled into bed...sweaty clothes and all...and crashed. Still feeling off today so I'm shelving the workouts AGAIN. I will teach my class...but I'm giving myself permission to recover.

I'll try to run again tomorrow. Sorry for the sob story LOL! I'll hit journals today and catch up with everyone.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

 

[Caitsmama]

Amy, Hope you start to feel better soon!! Those stomach bugs are the worst!!!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hang in there buddy I hope you feel better soon!!

For now I'll leave you with some "running" words of wisdom (otherwise known as poor "potty" humor):

--Don't worry about those missed runs...I'm sure there are some runs you don't mind missing...
--Don't forget to hydrate after the runs, er, I mean hydrate before the runs, er...maybe that's counterproductive? Oh geesh...nevermind

Anyway...I do hope you get to feeling better! Hope to see you running out there again soon! LOL

 

[AmyBeth68]

All that laughing is making my stomach hurt worse. You kill me Scott!

 

[MIdanceMom]

Gentle Amy,

There is a nasty flu going around, I hope it doesn't last too long for you. Bed sounds like what you need most. Feel better. I know I'd be wasting my time asking you not to push yourself too hard.

Take care,
Beth

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Amy--sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Make sure you take care of yourself and rest. YOu will be fine if you miss a few days of workouts. Better to take care of yourself now than get worse.

Hang in there!!

 

[postesf]

Hi ya Amy! So sorry to hear you've been feeling bad!!! I'm kinda glad the run got shelved. You do so much!!! You really need to rest for a few days!

Hope you're feeling better! If you manage to make your LR this weekend...hope you have fun run!!!

Have a great weekend!
Stacie

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi everyone

Thank you so much for the well wishes and gentle hugs. I'm back to normal...yay!

I taught an early am Pilates class today (subbing for somebody)...then hit the old treadie for a nice 5 Miler....then took a pilates mat class that my friend was teaching! I didn't really do much other than teach, correct and talk in my class so it only counts as ONE pilates class today. I'm being good...i promise .

The 8 Mile LR this weekend sounds good to me. I'm glad we're backing off this week. My legs will be happy .

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[ScoJo15]

So glad that you are better!

Didn't waste any time getting back into things did you?

Hope you have a great weekend...good luck on the "step back short little almost not a real run" 8 miler Amazing what marathon training does to the perceptions

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Amy--I am so glad to hear you are feeling better! You are so dedicated to your training, and that's great that you got right back out there and back into your training.

Good Luck with your 8 miler this weekend...hopefully it won't be too cold!

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Amy--just checking in to see how your 8 mile LR went today.

Hope you had a great weekend!

 

[kimwim8]

Hey there, girl! I've missed ya!

I'm glad you're feeling better. Sorry you had to go through that stomach bug, but maybe your body was just finding some way to get you to rest.

You're truly awesome. I don't know any other way to put it. Maybe, I'm in constant awe of you.

I'm your biggest cheerleader, and so so proud of you.

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Amy

How'd that long run go there buddy?? Looks like you had some cold temps and either rain or snow...did I see correctly...3-5 inches or something like that?? Geesh! Does Asics make running snowshoes??

Hope all is well :

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi guys

This has been a decent week of training despite the stomach bug. So here's the recap...

Ran and Walked: 21 Miles (shy by 2 miles due to getting sick)
Pilates: 300 minutes
Cardio/XT: Zero, Zippo, Nada
Classes Taught: 8

Today I had a good solid 8 Mile run . Felt pretty strong throughout and really kept a consistent pace. I finished with an avg. mpm of 9:35. I think I'm finding my groove and played around with different invervals today. I did 4 miles all running and the second 4 miles at a 4/1 run walk interval. Turns out my first 4 were only slightly quicker...the second 4 felt a lot more difficult. I think I prefer less walk breaks. I am just able to zone in more and find my rhythm when I walk less! Anyway...after my run I came back and did an Advanced mat class w/ the Circle. Wow...it was so much more difficult after the run!!! Yikes!

The upcoming weeks look like this (if all goes well ):

Monday: Teach 2 Pilates Classes
Tuesday: Run 6 Miles (may back it down to 4 or 5); Teach 2 Classes, Take a class with my trainer!!!
Wednesday: Cardio XT 30 minutes; Teach a class
Thursday: Turkey Day!!! Run Ashenfelter 8K Race. Hope for a PR!!!
Friday: Teaching a master Pilates class with two other instructors . Cardio XT for 30 Minutes
Saturday: Teach Pilates; 7 Mile Walk/Run
Sunday: 14 Mile Long Run

Have a great holiday week everyone!