Speaking of calories... one of my goals for this round is to NOT gain weight. In fact, I really want to lose 10 pounds through the process. I started this training cycle around 10 pounds under where I was at the last full marathon and with the additional 10 pounds, that will put me 20 pounds under that number. I think it's doable.
I enlisted a little help from Matt Fitzgerald, an author who writes about running and diet. I really like a lot of what he has to say in "Racing Weight." His Diet Quality Scale (DQS) makes perfect sense and allows you to get away from counting calories if you eat real foods and not junk. I have definitely upped my carbs as well in the form of Ezekiel bread and high fiber cereals. I will say "Racing Weight" is more geared toward an elite runner, but definitely good for the casual runner too.
My favorite nugget from his book is, "A 160 lb. runner expends 6.5% more energy than a 150 lb. runner at the same pace." That's good stuff and reason enough to shed 10 pounds.
On another diet related note, my friend Claudia asked if I would participate in a no sugar added challenge that included artificial sweeteners too. That was tougher in some ways than I thought! I really missed my iced tea with sweetener and a few other treats as well. I got through it though and even did my 11 mile run with no gels!
My birthday fell in this time frame and my mom sent some fantastic new workout clothes to me! So excited! (Side Note: I can't even tell you how much I sweat. All.The.Time. Dripping!)
Week 8 was a fun one! We traveled to San Diego for my brother's wedding! It was a beautiful long weekend and I got in two beach view runs with my mom. I also managed to 5:30AM workouts this week. I did spin with my friends on Tuesday and then ran on Wednesday morning since I knew I'd be on a plane most of the afternoon and evening. Got it done!
My speed work started up this week as well. Wednesdays are now my tempo runs. This plan calls for three different tempo runs. The first "A" workout is Walk 5 minutes, East Run 10, {Hard 5, Easy 2} x4, Easy Run 5, Walk 5. It felt good to speed up a bit!
The beach view 12 mile run was one of my favorites so far. It was incredible scenery and running with my mom is always a treat! She cranked out 12 miles even though her previous recent long run was only 7. Go mom!
And, then this was our recovery Sunday view...
It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun to be with so many of our family and friends to celebrate! Congrats Matt & Sarah!
Week 6
Monday - 50 minutes
Tuesday - Strength Training
Wednesday - Tempo A
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 40 minutes
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 7 miles
Total for the Week - 21 miles
Total Training Mileage - 134.9 miles
Week 7
Monday - 60 minutes
Tuesday - Spinning
Wednesday - Tempo A
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 40 minutes
Saturday - 12 miles
Sunday - Rest
Total for the Week - 28 miles
Total Training Mileage - 162.9 miles
