What Am I Running For?

Running my way through week 2/16 of Chicago Marathon training

Chicago Week 16 training recap: Off to a good start. Patience is the key for this round of training. Coming off of an injury that sidelined me for about a year is difficult but once I get my breathing back on track I’ll be okay. I feel good! This week I really begin to step it up with longer runs and my first track workout!

First race in about a year, still faced challenges even with improvements from PT. Still have work to do!

Trying something new this summer! Excited to have an event like this to break up the craziness of training for Chicago!

Currently: last week was in the 60-70s so I took advantage of it to be out and about with the dogs. Now it’s cold and rainy. Senior spring is just about as hard as I thought it would be. The recovery process it’s getting there, my hardest thing to stay on is to do the work at home and not just at PT. I had a good week of running, and than I had a bad few days where the pain returned. My hips are getting stronger so I keep hoping that this will all work itself out soon. Less than 3 months till graduation and marathon training... but whose counting!

PT was tough but I went while my blood sugar was low didn’t eat since lunch, and dinner was after the appointment. I got through fine, but I got in my car and suffered.

I’ve been struggling for years now with chronic ankle pain, finally went to PT and now I’m running with limited pain after a week! It’s a long road to Chicago this October, but I’m excited. Also my Hoka Clifton 4s made a huge difference! 2 easy miles 9:00 minute pace; Hip stretching routine; Balance routine; And 20 minute stretch. No frustration at all here!

I’m already back to running this weekend -even if it’s just 1-2 Miles. It’s good to be back! Also celebrating the fact that there’s only 99 days till commencement. Can’t believe it’s finally here!

I begin physical therapy on Monday, and I’m starting new band work in the morning. For the first time in a very long time I’m excited to be on the right track to running healthy and faster.

Distance Sunday! 10 Miles elliptical, doing this until I meet the sports doctor Wednesday. 30 minute stretch, Ab exercises, Foam roll once I got home. Looking into new shoes this week. Anyone use Hoka? I’m looking for a neutral shoe that will hold my fitted inserts well for my flat feet.

A quick insight of my fitness training! My friend set this plan up for me in hopes to build before real training begins! Headed to doctors tomorrow to work on my nagging ankle injury -tendinitis- tomorrow morning. As well S starting my last semester of undergrad!!!!! Here’s to a good week!!!

One thing I have never been good at is clean eating during training. This year I’m starting a new weekly meal prep! This is this weeks meal. Chicken, rice, peas, corn, with chili beans! A mini burrito bowl for myself plus overnight oats for breakfast!

These shoes have seen better days. It’s time to invest in some new ones before I injure my foot -again- 3 mile run 25 minute stretch Arm workouts

Big focus with Marathon 5 is fitness and endurance. Outside of running I never spent enough time in the gym. Outside of the nagging ankle tendinitis that kept me out most of 2017 with some major adjustments I feel great. Today’s workout: 50 minutes elliptical; 30 minutes of ab workouts; 30 minutes of stretching. Today’s food: Overnight oats with Greek yogurt, blueberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter; Beef, carrots, corn, brown rice, peas, green beans. Creatine for post workout fuel.

A big focus on my 2018 season outside of graduating undergrad is focusing on my body. I’m now dedicating 30-45 minutes a day with stretching. I’m eating so much better now, and the results are honestly so great. I’ll be sharing some of my new food choices soon!

Well, it’s time for work! Marathon number 5 is in less than 300 days!!!

Number 5? It’s time to go!