Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon - Week 16 training

Week 16 was another good week for me.  This was my first taper week as I begin to heel up for the big race in 2 weeks.  After last weeks 20 miler and 8 miler in a 24 hour period.  I decided to place more focus on cycling this week.  By doing this, I am able to keep my fitness level up while giving my joints a break. As a clydesdale, my joints take a beating on 20 mile runs and I like to give them a break after that long of an effort.  On Wednesday, my workout turned into quit the rage run/ride.  It turned out to be good though, as I have a few duathlons planned in the near future and was able to gauge where I am at with my multi-sport fitness.  The rest of the week was spent resting and preparing for the Indy Mini Marathon.  I won't go into that now and should have my race report up within the next week or so.

This week will be a continuation of my taper.  I have some ideas in place for what I want to do.  Some of which are a little unconventional.  I haven't finalized my decision yet, so you will have to tune in next week to see what I decide.

I am a massive race fan and couldn't pass up the chance to pose next to an Indy car at the race expo.

Monday

20.26 mile ride at 16.8 mph

Tuesday

21.64 mile ride at 18.1 mph

Wednesday

Brick

31 mile ride at 22.5 mph

2 mile run at 7:30 pace

Thursday

Rest day

Friday

Rest day - travel to Indianapolis

Saturday

Indy Mini Marathon

Sunday

Rest day - travel back to home

Miles:  88.02 miles

Calories burned:  5,205

Time:  6:08:11

BEAL

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon - Week 15 training

Week 15 is now complete.  The hard work is done.  It is time to taper, rest, and prepare for the big day in 3 weeks.  First off, this has been another great week.  I couldn't be happier with how my training has gone in 2012.  Last year was a struggle and I learned a lot.  I was excited this year to not only apply what I learned through training, but also through the marathon.  This week was my 3rd and final 20 mile run.  I continued my improvement with each one.  My first was 3:12, the second was 3:09, and Saturday I busted out 3:00!!!  I couldn't believe it.  It was a full 1:36 per mile pace better than what I raced.  This race was a huge confidence booster for me.  I know all runners pick up time from their long runs to the race, but I always worried I would not be able to run 9 minute miles on race day.  On Saturday, that is exactly what I did.  So, I am ready to rock.

This next week will be the start of dialing it back.  The temps here are going to jump this week to the high 70's.   We haven't had temps like that since early March.  I had planned on riding a lot this week as I wanted to not only get work in, but give my joints a break from the pounding from running.  Part of me thinks I may be better off running as it will help me get used to the heat.  Not sure what I will do yet.  I'll see how the legs and make a decision then.  This weekend I will be heading to Indianapolis Indiana for the Indy Mini Marathon.  It is the largest half marathon in the United Sates.  It is a race from downtown Indianapolis to the Indianapolis speedway.  Once you make a loop around the track, you head back to downtown.  I am not worried about a PR as I will not be passing up the opportunity to kiss the bricks!!



Monday
Rest day

Tuesday
5.00 run at 8:51 pace

Wednesday
26 mile run at 17.6 mph

Thursday
5.01 run at 8:44 pace

Friday
Rest day

Saturday
20 mile run at 9:01 pace

Sunday
7.75 mile recovery run with @clecraftbeerrun

Miles:  70.78
Time:  7 hours 37 minutes
Cals burned:  7,053

BEAL