Fitting in the training runs during Thanksgiving week. This could be tough...

Last weekend I went out for my second 18 mile run as part of my marathon training. This was the first time that I was able to run with a group for the majority of my run and it turned out to be a great experience. However, after a very difficult last 6 miles I had some leg pain and overall soreness that needed to heal and now the thought of fitting in an additional two training runs during this busy week seems pretty tough.

This last Saturday I woke up and left home at 6am to meet up with a group from CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) and a friend of mine who runs with them on the weekends. My friend Scott had originally planned to run 14 miles and I was scheduled to run 18. Scott said that he would also run 18 if I came out there and ran with them plus he added an extra kick and sponsored me by making a donation to to Team Hole in the Wall.

I arrived at the coffee shop and saw that there were actually quite a few runners preparing for a run. After everyone was ready we took off out the back door around 7:30am. Several groups were available to run with running all different paces and amount of miles. We went out with the 11/min mile group and had 4 others running with us.

The route was on the Illinois Prairie path and our particular plan was comprised of 3 separate out and backs on two trails. The first 6 miles were very smooth and when we returned two of the runners decided to stop for the day. Taking off on the next next 6 miles we headed in the opposite direction and after 1 mile only Scott and I were left to finish the rest of our 18. We made it back and at 12 miles were starting to feel slightly run down, so we hydrated more and took in some calories before taking off on the last 6 miles. I knew the last six were not going to be easy, but I was determined to get to the end.

We took off and after setting a pretty slow pace we made it out to the 3 mile mark after a few walk breaks. Scott was the official mileage tracker and only tracked us when we ran and would stop tracking us whenever we walked or were in between paths downtown Wheaton. The last three miles back were very difficult, calf pain was setting in pretty strong and my IT band was starting to flair up. At 2 miles left we walked a bit then Scott said "Your running the last mile". I knew that I had to make an effort and run that last mile for myself and to get the most out of the training. I took off early and started running. It was difficult but I made it to the last stretch and could finally see the end of the path which was a stop sign about 1/4 mile away. I had made it and was so happy to complete the 18 miles. After stretching out a little we made it back to the coffee shop to take in some water and head out.

Scott and I both had some pretty severe leg pain from Saturdays run. Even though we had hydrated well the leg pain made me feel like I forgot to walk for the rest of the day and part of Sunday too.

Now I am sitting here on Tuesday needing to get in two additional 6 mile runs for this week and a 13 miler to cap it off this weekend. With Thanksgiving looming I constantly have running in the back of my head and will until I complete the runs and can check them off of my schedule.

Adding to the plan was a job interview on Monday, working at my part-time job Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and school conferences, errands, and Thanksgiving dinners to attend to. So, currently the plan is to fit in a 6 mile run tomorrow right after a few important errands my wife and I have to attend. Then I'll run 6 miles again on Friday night or Saturday morning ending with my 13 miler on Sunday or Monday. The following weekend will be my first 21 mile run which after 18 will prove to be a interesting accomplishment. I really don't know how else to put it except to say that after Scott added up all the distance that he didn't track with his GPS on Map My Run we had covered over 20 total miles all together. So, now I feel a little better about running 21 the following weekend. I also think I will plan to incorporate some additional calories for energy before the run and also during the first few miles. The ability to refill my hydration belt at the coffee shop is a bonus.

As we approach 40 days out from the start of the marathon, I am feeling more and more ready for the final event. I now have no doubt that I will run the distance and be able to complete the run one way or another. Only a few more long runs separate me from the starting line and the excitement is already starting to build up.

I hope everyone reading this is able to get in your exercise and stick with your plan during the holidays and Winter season. I know it will be difficult as it gets colder here in the Chicago area, but I am anxious to try out my Nike running pants on the next cold run.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and I wish you all a wonderful holiday season in which you are able to meet your goals. If you don't have a goal, set one now and don't wait till the new year. Set a goal and start it today! You will be so happy you took the step to improve yourself. The payoff is so worth it.

Tread lightly,

Mouserunner

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