Quick Fall Racing/Training Update

It's been a while since my last post. If you follow me on social then you probably already know what I am up to and how my races have went but if not here's a quick little recap.

Celebrating post Erie!

In early September I raced the Erie Marathon and it went pretty well. I was hoping for a 3:25 but it was a little hot and humid that day so I went with the 3:30 pace group. I felt good most of the race and even managed a small negative split and new PR of 3:29:04 about 30 seconds faster than my previous PR. My husband Steve also PR'd with a low 3:12 race so we both got our 2020 BQs!

Next up was Akron. This did not go as well for me. I just felt off and by mile 10-12 I was really laboring so I opted to end it at the 1/2. Not a good 1/2 for me since I was running it at my marathon pace but it didn't really matter. I was happy to see my husband finish strong and get his 2020 BQ. I ended up not feeling well Saturday night and then within a week I got a cold that turned into a sinus infection. This could explain why I felt off at Akron.

Fighting GI in Akron

Since I was sick I sat out Doan Creek 25K. I ran the Crowell Hilaka half on Saturday but got lost on the second loop so I ran with some fellow trail friends Marta, Angie and Jen. This was a touch course especially since I added more hills with my wrong turn. on my garmin I had close to 1300 ft of gain for the 13 miles so it was hilly but a great and beautiful fall course!

My next race is not until November 23 so I am looking forward to the break. I'll be running the Reagle Beagle in Bath Township. Although I am signed up for the 50K I will likely race the 25K just to give myself a break and some rest from the super long stuff until next season when I have a pretty tough schedule planned through July, including running the Canal Corridor 100 again - hopefully better this time!

Kicking off the 2019 Training and Race Planning!

It's January, which means the race planning for 2019 is in full swing. I am thankful to once again be on board as a Cleveland Marathon ambassador as well as a Skirt Sports ambassador! I'm also excited to run the Boston Marathon for the second time this spring!

Save 10% off registration with code PM2019!

My marathon training is underway and I must admit I'm having a tougher time getting into it physically and mentally this year. In addition to my foot injuries last summer, I had some health issues in the fall and I am still not feeling 100% myself. I have lacked my normal strength and energy levels, which means some of my workouts have suffered or been postponed. I am doing my best to get in my planned mileage and workouts. I hope in the coming weeks I will feel stronger and more confident in my training.

I must accept that as an athlete there will be ups and downs. Clearly I am in a down period at the moment but this too shall pass. I am strong and I will persist! I am planning a fun race season and will do my best every time I toe the line (even if that means not being as fast as I want). I would love a shiny, new marathon PR in the spring but if it does not happen I can try again in the fall...or next season.

Here is what I have planned out for 2019 so far:

The season will most likely start with the Hinckley Buzzard 25K in mid March unless I jump into something sooner to test my fitness.

My big race in April will be the Boston Marathon of course!

May will be the Cleveland Marathon about 4-5 weeks after Boston. If you are thinking about running feel free to use and share my code PM2019 for 10% off your registration.

In June I will be running a new race called The Forgotten 25K followed up with the Eagle up 100K in (if I can swing it otherwise I will run the 50k or 50 miler).

I am leaving July and August open for now for recovery and lots of summer bike rides! I may sign up for a 1/2 marathon and some shorter stuff to help with my training for the Akron Marathon in September but will play it by ear. I then have Doan Creek 25k in early October.

The rest of the year is TBD or rest if needed. As much as I wish I could commit to more I am learning that my body needs some rest periods too. I will wait and see how I feel later in the year. At minimum I hope to run the Akron Turkey Trot and maybe a Christmas and/or New Years race.

What races are you planning in 2019?