GETTYSBURG MARATHON TRAINING : WEEK 7 + GIVEAWAY!

These weeks are just flying by now!  I can't believe that I'm already sharing another weekly update on my training.  This was another good week for me- I feel like I have a down week then a really good week.  Does any one else's training go like that?

I was so happy that Pittsburgh had some nice, spring-like weather this week so most of my runs were outside.  Let's take a look at my training, and make sure you stick around for the end of the post for an exciting giveaway!


monday

Yoga
I did some light stretches, not following any specific video or flow but just going through some moves that felt good.  I followed a lot of the stretches that I shared in my post about favorite poses!

tuesday

4 miles
This was a very, very gross run.  There was tons of slushy snow and ice, so I basically just slogged it out for four miles.  Not a great run but I got it done.

wednesday

6.75 miles / 57:30 / 8:31 pace
Sidewalks were even worse (slushy roads that freeze over night = not ideal running conditions) so once again I was stuck inside for speed work.  Not ideal, but better than skipping or getting hurt.  

The workout was 4 x 1 mile repeats with 1/4 mile rest in between. Goal pace for each mile was 7:50-8:15, and splits ended up being 8:00, 8:00, 7:56, 7:45. My legs felt good and I was able to hit those paces with no issue, so I was happy overall!

thursday

Rest day- yay!

friday

4 miles / 36:50 / 9:12 pace
I had a lot of emotions going on this day (more on that to come) so I'm grateful that I can go out for a run to release all those feelings.  I had so much energy and this was a perfect way to get it all out.  Sometimes there's nothing better than an all-out run when you need it.

saturday

3 miles
We had absolutely gorgeous weather this weekend, so I had to take advantage of it with Selma!  We went out for a run together and ended up covering about three miles.  She loved it and was so tired afterwards!

sunday

17 miles / 2:38:00 / 9:17 pace
I was really nervous about this run, because I knew that this would be my longest training run ever.  Even though I've run two full marathons, I've never trained over 15 miles so to me this was a huge milestone.  I was worried about everything going wrong or not being able to finish.


I decided to run at North Park, but didn't want to do 3 1/2 laps of the lake, so I switched it up a bit.  I ran the McKinney loop from the Just a Short Run race, then did a lap around the lake.  Did a second lap of McKinney and did a lap going the other way around the lake.  Dan met me at a parking lot about a mile down the road so that I would finish at 17 miles.  


It was a beautiful day and I felt great the entire run!  I brought along some gels and dates with me, but besides having a bite of a date at mile 8 I really didn't need anything.  I didn't want to force myself to eat and my stomach felt full from properly fueling in the morning and the night before.  I also stopped for water twice..thank goodness for the water pump at the football field or I would have gone water-less the entire time.  Two thumbs up for this run!


Giveaway

I can't believe it, but GretchRuns turns 1 year old today!  I've learned so much throughout this year, and have really enjoyed using this space as a way to connect with other people both near and far, and have a bit of a creative outlet.  I really appreciate each comment that I receive and every view and share that my posts get, so I wanted to do a little giveaway as a small way to say thanks.  

I asked a few weeks ago what kinds of items you would like in a giveaway, and a lot of you suggested a collections of my favorites.  That's just what I'm doing!  I'll be giving away:


Picky Bars - my favorite pre-run fuel that never upset my stomach, in two flavors
Trader Joe's Cookie and Cocoa Swirl - pretty much the best spread I've ever tried
Kat von D Tattoo Eyeliner - great eyeliner for beginners or makeup-aholics alike
40 Days: Life, Love, Loss and a Historic Run Around One of the World's Largest Lakes - one of the most inspiring stories I've ever read
+ a few other surprises!  because who doesn't love surprises?

I would also like to give a huge thank you to Steven Cannon for offering a copy of his book for this giveaway!  I know that I raved about it and told you all how inspirational it was, so I had to include a copy for one of you to enjoy.  Other than that, this is not a sponsored giveaway in any way, and all other prizes were purchased by me.

Enter this giveaway using the Rafflecopter below!  The giveaway will run for one week- from today till the 28th at midnight.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

post contains affiliate links- thank you for your support so I can do more fun giveaways in the future!
linking up with Erin, Carylee, Jenna,  HollyTricia and Katie

Comments

  1. Those are beautiful pictures of North Park. I'm glad you enjoyed your long run this week. And, at a wonderful pace too! I'm a little surprised you've only trained up to 15 miles and for your two marathons. As you know, there is a lot of controversy over what the longest run should be. I'm curious what you will think after this training cycle and marathon. I think what you do with your blog is fantastic now. Happy Blogiversay. Thanks for linking with us Gretchen.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like you had an awesome week of training! Isn't it great that winter is winding down? When is your marathon?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Blogiversary! Such an awesome accomplishment! You are crazy-inspiring, girl. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like a great week and such a fun giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great job on the 17 miles!! I'm impressed with your fueling strategy, I'm convinced it's the day before that makes more of a difference than what you eat during. Sounds like you've got it worked out!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like a fantastic training week! Nice job! Doesn't it feel amazing when you hit your speedwork paces? I love those days! :)

    I generally love reading about how people train and run races...training plans, fueling, etc. -C

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on your 17 mile run and ALL of the amazing things going on in your life right now! Things are just so up for you and I couldn't be happier! Happy 1 year to you and Gretchruns, I'm so happy to have connected to you through it and here's to many more anniversaries to come!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy Anniversary on your blog!! The weather was soo nice on Saturday, I could have ran in a singlet! I'm resting my knee but hope to see you at Spring Thaw!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Your blog is amazing and inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congratulations on a year on the blog! I for one am very very happy that you started it, and that you and I have met and become friends. You are a fabulous person, and I mean that truly and without sarcasm. I can't wait to see all the good that you have coming towards you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. happy blogiversary!! congrats! and yay for warmer weather for running. i've got the warmer weather this week, now only if the rain would go away! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  12. A new reader but I love your blog! I found it looking for Whole30/marathon training information and you have not disappointed! Thanks for the thoughtful posts.

    ReplyDelete
  13. So so exciting that it's your blogiversary! Happy day! And congrats on such an awesome long run. Really impressed!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy blogiversary! Excited to see what comes next for you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. That speed work was pretty much the same speed work I did for my half marathon training last fall and it was tough. I did it outside and it always took a lot out of me so great job on getting it done, especially on the treadmill. AND happy blogiversary!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy Blogiversary!!! I found your blog after googling running on whole 30. I would love to see more of this type of stuff. It is so helpful to get ideas from someone whom is in the same boat as me. I have done one round whole 30 while running, and am looking towards another round coming up.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Way to go!! you are totally crushing this training! Did you register yet? We are registering this week, we keep putting it off... I don't know why.. maybe thinking that Marathon training is not real until We are registered?!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Congrats on your first 17 miler! I know you mentioned not feeling hungry and deciding not to fuel, but you will need to fuel during your marathon and these long runs are the perfect opportunity to practice your fueling strategy. You don't want any surprises on race day!

    Happy Blogiversary!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats on 17 miles-thinking about doing it without water makes me thirsty so I'm glad there was some available. Your giveaway is awesome- I love that it's your favorite things and happy 1 year :) :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy blogiversary! Looks like you had another great week of training! That park looks so beautiful for running.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Happy blogiversary woooo!! And awesome job on your long run! I love following along with your marathon training so much.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm glad you could run out your stress and congrats on that 17 miler! Your longest run ever. That's a huge accomplishment.

    And happy blogiversary. I'm so glad we found each other. I look forward to your blog posts every single day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congrats on successfully completing your longest training run! Happy blogiversary! I'll see you at the Spring Thaw!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congrats! I love these kinds of posts - it's great to see a week of workouts. It would be awesome to see what you do to strength train as well.

    - Judith

    ReplyDelete
  25. Happy Blog Anniversary! I have been wanting to try Picky Bars so winning this giveaway would definitely be great!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congrats on your blog-iversary!!! I love reading your blog as is and can't think of anything else to add. Continue to do what you do!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congratulations on the blog anniversary! I love reading about your training and fitness posts the most but your product reviews and outfit posts (work outfits, pinterest outfits) are definitely a close second!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Congrats on a year! :) I love reading your PGH posts, so more of those!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great week of training and congrats on your blog-iversary!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. happy Blogiversay! I can't believe you never have done a training run more than 17 miles and you've already run 2 marathons! You go girl! Beautiful scenery on your run for sure!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Happy 1 year blogiversary! And very nice job on your first 17!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Happy blogiversary! Great job getting your 17 miles done! I was supposed to run 15 yesterday but only made it to 13. Darn leg pain started up again. The ongoing struggles of running!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great job on your long run! I hope the longer training runs make the actual race less daunting. I love reading about training updates!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Those North Park pictures are beautiful!!

    Yeah yoga! Love it!

    I am glad you were able to get some feeling out in your run....isn't so helpful sometimes?

    Happy Bloggiversary!! How awesome!!

    -Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom

    ReplyDelete
  35. Happy Blogiversary! I'd love to see more recipe posts :)

    Blessings,
    Edye // Gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Congrats on a year! I'm a new reader but so far have really enjoyed your running and fitness class recaps.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow girly that is an awesome pace on your 17 miles! You pictures are beautiful too! Keep up the great work! I enjoy seeing what all you do and I'd love to be as fast as you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Congrats on your blogiversary!! So exciting! Great giveaway too! <3

    ReplyDelete
  39. You haven't trained over 15 miles even with your 2 marathons? wow, that's impressive! congrats on one year! :D

    ReplyDelete
  40. So much to celebrate! Congrats on a whole year of blogging PLUS your great 17 mile long run. Runs like that are such a great way to validate that your hard work is paying off!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Relationship Rules I Broke (and WEDDING PHOTOS!)

Thinking Out Loud #2

Review- Group Power