Marathon Training Wk 8 - Toes, Falling Apart, and Regrouping

Week started a bit rough since I injured some toes early Monday. :( So much for the 8-10 miles I'd planned. I could barely walk. The early part of the week involved grumpiness and freaking out but I started to pull it together as the week went on.  I had planned to supplement my work out with our stationary bike, but didn't do this as much as I should have. This is in part because it was a busy week with school starting. Additionally, a co-worker lost her husband this week and its been a very emotional time around work lately.

However, I also fell apart mentally this week. Sure, I hurt my toes and I definitely needed a day or two off from running.  But by late Tuesday it was reasonably clear that the swelling was starting to go down and that even if I was out for the week, it was not a debilitating/long term problem. Yet, I allowed myself serious doubts about my training and whether I would really be able to do the marathon.  And I reverted to old habits - binge eating,comfort foods, etc. Yeah, because what you really need when you can't run? A doughnut. Or not.

I think this showed that I am not as mentally prepared for this race as I thought, nor as well as I need to be. Sure, taking a week off during prime training is NOT ideal. But it's not the end of the world either. Other than a few bouts of laziness/allergy issues, I have nailed the vast majority of my training plan so far. I came into this week feeling strong and prepared. Missing a few workouts is not going to sabotage October 21 unless I let it. 

So as the week went on, I slowly worked to pull my head back in the game. I stopped freaking out and started trying things out. I ran a mile Weds. It didn't feel good, but it also didn't feel any worse than walking. And the pain didn't increase after. Thursday was 1.5.  Same deal. Friday I ran my scheduled workout. Still going strong. Might be another week or two of slower, more uncomfortable runs. Speedwork and hills will take a backseat to mileage.  But I'm not throwing in the towel just yet! 

Planned/Completed/Avg Pace

Monday - 8-10 miles, mid 5 RP/zip

Tuesday - 3 miles + 10 strides/zilch

Wednesday - Rest or XT/ 1 mile run (not timed); 15 min/4.2 miles on the bike - a pretty good lunchtime sweat session.

Thursday - 6 miles, hills/ 1.5 mile run with Perry; 15 min/4.3 miles on the bike.

Friday - 4 miles/ BOOM (11:26).  Nice to have one check mark :)

Saturday - 19-20 miles / 20 miles DONE (11:59) Not pretty. Started rough. But pulled it together after all.

Sunday - Rest/yes please.  :)

Total -  43 miles / 26.5 miles