Chicago Marathon 2011- An Update

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I haven’t said much about my marathon training this year.  But I’m still running it and training is going right along.  Like I’ve said before, I’m not making any claims to be a perfect marathon runner.  I don’t follow Hal Higdon’s training guide (people literally gasp when I tell them this), I only run 3-4 days a week (again, gasping) and I am convinced that doing copious amounts of yoga helped me tackle that 26.2 last year just as much as my actual long runs did.

So, I’m running, practicing yoga 2-3 times week and every long run has felt really good.  Strong.  I want to cross that finish line and make every mile before that strong.  I was scared out of my mind last year so I think this year is going to be a whole lot more fun-  I know I can do it, I know it’s amazing and I can’t wait to roll out of bed and head to Columbus Drive and Monroe to take my spot at the starting line.  Just going to focus on staying strong in the meantime.

Chicago Marathon 2011: The Game Plan

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The Chicago Marathon is less than 3.5 months away and I’m getting pumped.  Last year was my first ever marathon and to be honest, I was really scared about getting hurt, about getting burnt out.  So, I trained at a pace that felt good, didn’t go overboard with mileage and did copious amounts of yoga to strengthen my core.  It must have worked because I finished those 26.2 miles and felt great- no injuries, no passing out, no drama.

But this year, I have a goal.

I will finish the 2011 Chicago Marathon in less than 4:15.

I’m not trying to win this thing (the people who win are probably having mimosas by the time I hit mile 13) but now that I know my body can take it, I want to go after my goal and train a little harder.

The Game Plan:

June 11-July 16th: boot camp 2x a week to tone and strengthen

July 17th: Fleet Feet’s Women’s 10k to take in that race atmosphere before the big day

All Summer: Yoga!  I cannot say enough how important yoga was to my training and completion of the marathon last year.  Soothes tight muscles, strengthens the core and focuses the mind- yoga is just invaluable.

Late July: start going after long runs on weekends, finishing with a 20 miler 2 weeks before the marathon.

ASAP: more yoga!

I’m feeling strong and now that we’re finally getting some good weather, I’ve had some really beautiful runs on the lake.  With my plan in place, I’m confidant that I will crossing the finish line at my goal time.

Chicago Marathon 2011, bring it!