3:54:47

Almost there...

Wow, it’s really been a while since I wrote on the blog. Somehow, time just has a tendency to fly, especially when you're busy, and here we are the Friday before the big Sunday run. Yes – in my mind it’s just another run, which, in the end will equal to a marathon distance.

Here’s my strategy for running a marathon: divide it up into shorter distances. So that, I usually start off with 10km, then up to 21, then 30, 35, etc. I think this helps me quite a bit mentally to keep on going. It’s never “another 30 km” – but much shorter distance.

Anyway, I’m very excited about this race. My training has been going pretty well, although one problem that I may face is that I’m not used to running on the street. Virtually all of my runs were done in the forest so that going out on something hard might do a number on my knees. We’ll see. My longest run was 32km, and it was OK. I didn’t push myself very hard then and finished in just about 3 hrs. That would leave me another hour to run 10km, which should be just enough.

Weather predictions look good. Up to 17 and sunny. No need for anything else. Now it’s just time to relax, do a short run tomorrow (I mean really short – 20-30 mins) and CARBOLOAD. For carbolading, I’m using a drink from Sponser. Worked for me in NY, so don’t see a reason to change now. I did try running with the Vitargo carboloader once but I got stomach cramps.
So, I guess that’s it. Next post after Sunday’s run!

Running in the rain

So, this morning we woke up and saw a gray sky outside. But, as we didn't run yesterday, this morning we braved the cloudiness and got ready to go outside. It wasn't supposed to be an especially long run, but I did want to get about 45 mins of running in knowing that I won't have a chance to do so in the evening. So off we go to the forest. M decided to do his recovery run and keep me company. But his "recovery" tempo is my tempo run so it took a lot out of me to be able to keep up with him. But I did. Then, I thought I felt some rain, but (as we are usually lucky with running weather) we kept on going. It got darker and darker and then a real DOWNPOUR. We were exactly in the middle of the run. Thought it would be a quick rain so we went into a shed. It wasn't easing up though. Anyway, as we were already wet it didn't really matter. So we ran in pouring rain. Trying to avoid streams of water (more for danger of slipping). But it was all kind of fun. Plus, there's no guarantee whatsoever what marathon weather we may get, so it's best to go out in something like this every once in a while....

2:14:48

That was my time for 25km run this past Saturday. Very happy with this time. I didn't push myself very hard. Just stayed with my tempo and tried to enjoy the run. Walked only through the aid stations, which is a lot better than during my past runs. Nutrition-wise - just had one gel which I split in half at km 15 & 20. That worked very well for me. Oh, and paid a lot attention to the breathing - I think that's what caused the stomach cramps in Radzymin last weekend.
Today - suprisingly, almost no soreness. Still took it easy though - just went for a long walk. But tomorrow, back to training!

It's been a while.....

I don't believe that we're almost half way through August. And busy have I been up to now. First - Tatry Tour 100km race - done! I was pretty unsure about my cycling prior to the race having almost no training up to it. Plus, this 100km would be my longest ride ever! But I did it and enjoyed it a lot. It was a bit discouraging when I discovered that I'd be one of the last finishers of the race. But somehow I didn't let me bother that (besides I was one of 9 women doing the race - out of approx 170 competitors), and just enjoyed the ride. The views were amazing, road perfect, climbs just a bit challenging, but in a good way.

After TT, we spent a few days in Zakopane, and did some training there as well. A few nice hikes, bike rides and one very hilly run. Then, of course, U2 concert (amazing!) and the last 2 days we spent near Zywiec. There again - nice hilly bike ride.

So, now we're back and in full training mode. The past week was a bit easier since we ran Radzymin halfmarathon yesterday. Finished in 1:52. Just less then a minute off my PB. Would have hit a PB was it not for some stomach cramps I got in the last 4km of the race. Either way, it was a great race, very nicely organised and a nice, flat course. Good running experience. Even though my time hasn't improved by much, I did notice how much I've improved since March (Warsaw Half). I finished this race with very little soreness nor do I have any now. So, this week back to speed work. Hoping to make the 25km on Saturday in Powsin.

Holiday time is almost here!

It’s been a while again. I’m slacking on writing here. But not on training. Last weekend I wasn’t able to make it to the 20km race organised by the Warsaw Marathon Foundation, so on Sunday I’ve decided to run my long run in marathon tempo. And I did that almost exactly on the dot – 21km in 2 hrs. Very happy about that as my speed work is finally paying off. I don’t remember doing any runs this fast with the prior marathon training, so this is a good sign. But, the key to great run is good sleep and proper nutrition. I can definitely see a difference in my performance or even motivation levels when either of the two are missing.

This week I’m taking it easy in preparation for the Tatry Tour on Saturday. I’m looking forward to testing myself on the bike and am praying that weather will be good. If it rains I’ll have to re-think if I’d want to start at all. Not sure if I’m that comfortable on the road bike.

After the race we’re staying in Zakopane for a few days. Planning to do some hill work while there, plus hopefully some more bike riding. But, above all, relax and take some nice trips in the mountains. Then, we’re off to see U2. Been waiting for this concert for soooo long. Can’t wait!!!!

Long runs are progressing...

So even though I've been slacking off during the week. Mostly due to being too tired to wake up in the morning, my long runs are happening over the weekend and have been progressing pretty well. Last week I did 22.5kms and today 21. Today I timed myself to ensure that I'm keeping up the tempo. Essentially, every 3 km I hit the "lap" button on my garmin and I instantly got back my pace. And I managed to do it, with about 20 sec differences in my pace. Not so bad, considering the heat. Even the forest was extremely hot!
By the way, last weekend we got convinced to go kayaking with some friends. Never ever again! What I thought would be a nice enjoyable 3 hrs in a kayak ended up as being freezing cold in the kayak after the kayak flipped over and I got caught in the current. Anyway - lesson learned - I'm sticking to biking, riding and swimming only in controlled conditions!