Tag: Long runs

Marathon Training Day Day #35: 18k on Leslie Spit

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photo (31)

Thanks to a combination of stress, bad posture and no yoga, my back was tense. I booked a massage on Sunday, with the plan of running 18k beforehand. Then I slept it, so I went to my massage first.

The plan for the massage was to tackle my back and shoulders, but once I casually mentioned “if she had time” if she could work on my IT Bands, it turned into a runner’s massage. And it was painful — in a good way. I learned I was “doing something right” when it comes to my calves (I’m assuming my compression socks are working) and that my hip pain is a result of my IT Band, as expected, but my band is messed up at my knee. And my IT Band is probably why I don’t have a ton of mobility in my knees in yoga — which explains SO MUCH. My hip flexors are pretty open, but I can’t do pigeon or anything that requires my legs to be bent in different directions without pain. And now I know why.

I came home, ate lunch, then headed out to do 18k around 3. I wanted to be done in time to watch the SuperBowl (how crazy was THAT game?). 10 and 1s, slow and steady. I like running Leslie Spit because it’s practically deserted in the winter and there’s no stop lights to worry about. And the view of the Toronto skyline can’t be beat.

I started to fade about 15k in, and convinced myself to power through. After a certain point, running becomes a mental game. That’s something I need to work on before I tackle 42.2.

 

 

The run: 18.2k in 2:23:51
The route:

Marathon Training Day #7: Running long

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marathonday7

 

Yesterday, I dropped my old running shoes (above) off at the Nike store on Bloor Street. Their Reuse-a-Shoe program will turn them into basketball courts and tracks and other good things. I’ve been hanging on to these shoes for way too long (garbage guilt), so I’m glad they are being put to good use.

Also being put to good use are my new bought-for-marathon-training shoes. Today, I tested them with my first long run. The plan? 13k, run as 10 and 1s. My pal Kendal emailed me last week wanting to know if I wanted to do 8k with her and our friend Kate. The answer? Yes! (It’s always yes. If you want someone to run with, email me. I will come.)

We planned to meet at Danforth and Coxwell at 10am. I would run the 5ish kms there, we’d run 8ish together, then finish at Kendal’s house for coffee and cornbread (mmmmmmmm).

I woke up later than planned, headed out later than planned and ran slower than planned. This meant I didn’t get to Danforth and Coxwell until 10:15. (Sorry, Kate and Kendal!). I did 10&1s until that point, but ran straight for the group run, as Kendal and Kate are not 10&1-type runners. It was good to have them there, they push me. This was my first run over 10k since August and it was snowy and cold and generally gross and our post-holiday chatter was a welcome distraction.

I was sore and worn-out by the end, but felt accomplished.

Tomorrow is an optional rest day, but I’m going to take it. It’s only week one, after all.

 

 

The run: 13.8k in 1:39:15

The route: