New York City Marathon Training: Week 9

I just enjoyed the best training week in quite a while! I was able to successfully complete every planned workout, I enjoyed my long run, and I feel like I’m getting into the groove of this year’s marathon training.  The changes that I put in place worked wonderfully and I even added a few others:

  • Switch up my music each run. Today I listened to my country mix while running which was a fresh change from my normal pop and rap mixes. I also created a whole new playlist for Friday’s long run which helped power me through the 12 miles when I was running solo.
  • Get outside! I’ve learned to love running outside which in turn means that I can’t stand the treadmill these days. I realize that it is a great running tool and serves it’s purpose every now and then but I don’t enjoy using it daily anymore. Last week I enjoyed 3 of my 4 runs outside which was a refreshing change. This week’s goal is repeat the same, only doing my speed workout inside.
  • Fuel more! During this week’s long run I brought both Clif Shot blocks and a GU pack on the run. I split the shot blocks out early, having 1/2 at mile 4 and 1/2 at mile 8. Then, at mile 11.5 I enjoyed the vanilla Gu. I felt more energized during this run than I have any of my other long runs and I really believe the fuel played a large role. I’m going to repeat this method again this week. (Question for NYC runners, it seems like the entire city is sold out of vanilla Gu! Where can I find some?)

IMG_4375 THUMBS UP FOR A GREAT WEEK!!

Week 9 Plan: September 5th-September 11th

Monday: 3/4 mile swim + 3 mile basic run

Tuesday: 45 minute spin workout+ 10 minutes foam rolling

Wednesday: 6 mile speed workout including 6 sets of pickups+ personal training session

Thursday: Rest Day

Friday: 16 mile long run

Saturday: Personal Training appointment+Vitality Class (Holy back and shoulder muscles!)

Sunday: 3 mile recovery run+yoga

Total mileage: 28 miles! SUCCESS!

This week’s plan is much like last week’s except for my half marathon which has me scared shitless. I signed up for this race on a whim one night after more than one glass of wine. While I’m looking forward to seeing Leslie and possibly Sabrina, I’m not looking forward to the race itself. I can’t decide whether I want to try and PR or just treat it like a long run. We’ll see how I feel one mile in and go from there. 🙂

Week 10 Plan: September 12th-September 18th

Monday: 4 mile basic run including striders

Tuesday: personal training session+ 10 minutes foam rolling

Wednesday: 6 mile speed workout including 6 sets of pickups+ personal training session

Thursday: personal training session+ possible yoga

Friday: rest day+ possible yoga

Saturday: NYRR Fitness 4 miler at an easy pace

Sunday: 2 mile warm up+ Philadelphia RocknRoll Half Marathon+ 2 mile cool down

Total mileage: 31 miles

Finally, on a random note, since people have been asking for more “What I Wore” photos, here’s a snapshot of today’s outfit. It was simple but comfortable! I have to get the skirt altered as it’s way too big now but otherwise this is one of my go to favorites for rushed mornings.

IMG_4419 Watch: Michael Korrs

Earrings: KEP Designs

Everything else: JCrew

Have a great week!

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8 Comments

  1. ellen September 13, 2011 / 10:47 am

    Great week! Can’t believe the marathon is 54 days away!!! I only use vanilla Gu — I buy it by the case on Amazon.

    • healthyh September 13, 2011 / 11:13 am

      Ellen: I bought Mint Chocolate and hope I like it just as much! I may take a look on Amazon since I would get it in time if I order it today. 🙂

  2. Lauren September 13, 2011 / 7:39 pm

    Just spotted Vanilla Bean Gu at City Sports today – 5th ave @ 36th St.!

  3. Katherine September 14, 2011 / 2:33 am

    Good luck on the Philly Rock n’ Roll Half this weekend!!! Always fun to change up the scenery for a long run 🙂

  4. Amy September 14, 2011 / 4:37 pm

    Love that sweater! 🙂 Hearing all of you guys training for big races has inspired me to kick my ass back into running gear. Ran the SF half marathon last year and have been half-assed running ever since.

  5. Nicole @ PancakesandPilates September 15, 2011 / 1:32 am

    Hi Ashley, I just found your blog and think its great! I am training for my first 10K (Rock n Roll New York!) and your marathon training is inspiring. I’m learning to love running outside also. Hopefully the New York weather stays nice and we can run, run, run! Best of luck 🙂

  6. Carina September 15, 2011 / 8:14 am

    I saw Vanilla Bean Gu just the other day at The Vitamin Shoppe just across the street on 21st and 6th from the Trader Joe’s in Chelsea.

    • healthyh September 15, 2011 / 11:36 pm

      Thanks Carina! I’ll stop in there tonight! I didn’t even know The Vitamin Shoppe carried GU!

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