How was your weekend? Can you believe that we’re approaching mid-June already?
It’s time for the Weekly Wrap with Holly and Tricia! It’s a great way to catch up with your favorite health and fitness bloggers!
[bctt tweet=”Time for the #weeklywrap! I’m recapping my first week of pre-marathon training! #runchat” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Kicking off Pre-Marathon Training
This past week was the start of my pre-marathon training plan! As I mentioned in my goals for June, I am building up my mileage in the months of June and July in order to be ready to go when training for the Philly Marathon begins in August!
I’ll be following a training plan from Strength Running that incorporates injury prevention exercises (such as squats, lunges, and balancing exercises) and will get me back to being a consistent runner. I’ve run so many races these past few months, but now it’s time to get back into training mode!
Not off to the strongest start…Unfortunately, the start of my pre-marathon training didn’t go as planned…not even close. What was supposed to kick off with 24 miles of running ended with only about 9.5 miles. After finishing out my racing season at the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon, then following it up with the Muckfest MS the next day (recap on the way!), my lower body was finished, especially my calves. Sadly, week 1 started with a whimper instead of a bang, but I’m glad that I didn’t push myself beyond my limits. I do not want to start marathon training with an injury!
Workouts for the Week:
Monday 6/6: My body was feeling pretty sore from the previous weekend’s events, but I still made it to yoga class! Then I went for an “easy” 3-mile run followed by strides. One mile in, my left calf hurt so badly that I had to start walking. It ended up taking me well over 40 minutes to run/walk 3 miles. I foam rolled after the run, but my calves were still very unhappy. I was so disappointed.
Tuesday 6/7: I foam rolled my legs in the morning and stretched my calves, using the day for rest.
Wednesday 6/8: Now my right calf was in terrible pain! I was really tempted to go for a run but I decided against it. Full rest day and wearing compression socks.
Thursday 6/9: My last core and more class until September. We used an exercise ball to do all kinds of crunches and planks. It was really challenging! In the evening we had softball. Unfortunately, we only had 5 people show up so we had to forfeit. We played anyway and beat the other team, but it didn’t count! The little running I did at softball caused no pain.
Friday 6/10: I thought I was finally ready to try running again. I went for 2 miles on the treadmill at work and thankfully had no issues. I also used the opportunity to try out my new Aftershokz wireless headphones, and they are great!
Saturday 6/11: The running club I founded at work went for a run for the first time in SEVERAL months! We went for about 4.5 miles and unfortunately, my calves were up to no good again. I had to stop maybe 1.5 miles in to stretch. I was wearing my orange New Balances so I’m wondering if they may not be the right shoes for me…sigh, not fun.
Sunday 6/12: I didn’t want to push things so I didn’t work out. I did plan to do some strengthening exercises but was too busy dealing with preparations for the move.
How was your past week? Have you started training for fall races yet?
Hey today is another day, another wk. I am not on the greatest start either in June. With work and traveling I have been so tired and unfortunately my workouts suffer.
You’re right. It’s in the past and we can only move forward. We do the best we can! I hope things become less busy for you!
Sorry to hear about you calf pain 🙁 Hopefully this week will go much better for you!
Thanks, Kimberly! Yesterday’s run was definitely a good sign 🙂
I am so excited for you to do your first marathon. I’m looking forward to following your training!
Thanks! I may need to tap you for some advice when the time comes and I start freaking out, lol!
I know all about calf problems and sympathize wit you. There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy, and it could be the shoes. I have a calf stretcher at home for this very issue, and even during rest periods, my calves can get tight. Stretching hurts so good.
Ah yes, so much stretching to do! I just feel like I don’t know if it’s helping, but I need to do it everyday!
Hey if your body says its enough. You are wise to listen. No worries that week 1 wasn’t quite according to plan. All the best with the rest of your training. Aren’t the Aftershokz awesome?
I’m trying to be wise and learn from past mistakes! It’s just a bit frustrating. Thanks. And yeah I’m loving the Aftershokz…who knew??
I just went through weird calf pain a few weeks ago as I was wrapping up marathon training… it was so weird, I had the hugest knot and it hurt too much to run, and then suddenly it just… went away. It was the weirdest thing! I hope the same happens to you 🙂
Now that sounds absolutely awful! I’m glad it went away because calf pain sucks! Thanks, I hope this too shall pass…
Yeah 1st marathon!!! I will live vicariously through you ;)..the training exercises sound like the would be totally helpful1
Sorry you are having some residual pain from your past weekend. Just the body’s way of telling you to relax and slow down just a bit ;)…speedy healing and recovery!
I am doing a pre-triathlon training (quite loosely!!) with official training starting at the end of June.
LOVE LOVE LOVE my aftershokz!!!
Have a great week!
Thanks a lot, Tamieka! I hope I’m on the mend now. I had a nice and easy run yesterday that kept my calves happy , so I’m hoping that continues. Ooh triathlon training is so badass, good luck!
Calf pain is no joke. Take care of that ASAP! Hope you have a restful week!
Thanks a lot, Margo!
marathon training in August? yikes hope it’s not too hot. I will be half marathon training then. Will be fun to watch your progress.
I know the heat is going to be absolutely unbearable, SMH…but it’ll hopefully make things easier by November. Thanks, and I look forward to your progress! You’re doing Hershey, right?
I hope your calf is feeling better!! I’m glad you listened to your body and took it easy – so much better than pushing it and injuring yourself right before training season!
Thanks Nicole, it doesn’t feel horrible today…yet! Going to test for a run later so fingers crossed!
Great job not pushing things! Hope your calf pain goes away soon! I like the Aftershokz headphones! I love how there’s no chance of them popping out like earbuds. I’ve had so many problems with earbuds popping out during races.
Thanks, Sherry. Yes, I have so many issues with headphones, they always fall off one way or another, so I’m looking forward to going the distance with the Aftershokz!
You’re smart to listen to your body and take extra recovery time as needed. I hope your calf feels better!
Thanks Debbie! And I’ll definitely be staying away from the hills for a LONG time!
I hope your calves are better soon! It’s hard to have an injury interrupt your routine or keep you from what you really want to do… I hate when that happens. Have a great rest of your week! 🙂
Thanks, Michelle…fingers crossed! And same to you! 🙂
So glad you decided to take it somewhat easy and give yourself the needed recovery – you are gonna be so excited to get to your training for reals.
Yes, I don’t want to run out of gas before I even get started! Hoping the pain is only temporary.
It might be your shoes! Have you gotten a fitting?
You know, I am a neutral shoe wearer but I didn’t get specifically fitted for my New Balances as they were a gift. I’m holding out on wearing them for awhile since they may be the common denominator to my calf/shin issues.
YIPES!!!! I am cheering you on as you train for this intense but AWESOME FEAT! 😛
Thanks a lot, GiGi! 🙂
You’ve got plenty of time & it’s way better to be conservative now.
Love Strength Running!
Yes indeed! Patience is key.
Sometimes the week just doesn’t go as planned! Good thing we are starting a new one! My first half is Cape Cod ZOOMA so I have a little bit 🙂
You’re so right! I can’t wait for ZOOMA, I think it’s going to be so much fun!
How exciting to be training for a marathon! Looks like you are doing a great job!
Thanks, Jessica…I hope to have a great training cycle!
I’ve had calf pain in the past too. It’s the worst pain! I found that acupuncture really helped me!
Oh wow, I’ve never had acupuncture, good to know that it works!
I hope your calf will calm down an be better this week. Odd how these little things creep up on you. I think I would want to play the game anyway even if it didn’t ‘ count!
Thanks for your support Janelle, hope you have a great week!
Thanks, Tricia! Fingers crossed that the worst is over with my calf!
Ugh, injuries are such a pain…literally, haha! Hope your on the ups soon!
Thanks, Emily! I think I’m getting there!
I’m curious…what are some of the injury prevention exercises you do?
I have weak hips so I try to do a lot of exercises focused on strengthening them, like lunges, yoga in general, and bridges. I’m also trying to foam roll several times a week.
My calves have been angry the past two weeks, especially my right calf. I’m pretty sure it’s all related to my right heel (over compensating elsewhere LOL). My heel is feeling better, and my calves aren’t quite as sore after this recent 13.1 as they were a week ago…#fingerscrossed But achy calves are no joke…I can feel them with every step.
I hope you are feeling better too, especially that heel! Yeah, it’s crazy how miserable sore calves can feel!
I’m sorry to hear about the slow start! Sometimes our bodies just aren’t about it.
But I’m REALLY excited you’re running philly this year because I am too!! I’m doing the same thing now, base training to prep for the real deal come August. I’m excited to follow along — you’ll keep me in check since our goal is the same race!
Oh wow, that’s awesome to hear, Jackie! I’ve heard such great things about the Philly marathon so it’s going to be a really special experience. I’ll have to keep an eye on you too 🙂
My calves were sore last week after too many jumping jacks at OTF. Today I skimped on them so my calves won’t hate me again tomorrow! I hope yours are OK now.
Thanks Coco, they’re definitely feeling better but I’m still a little bit leery! Sometimes I have to try to hold back in my boot camp class because otherwise I’ll be jumping all over the place!
I’m sorry to hear about your calf problems. They seriously are the worst, so take care of yourself! I was sidelined for 6 weeks last summer with calf problems. Wasn’t a stress fracture but it may as well have been. Keep foam rolling and icing them. I hope you feel better soon!!
Thanks for the advice, Sam. Sorry to hear that they caused you so much trouble last year!
I love that you set up your monthly goals! I have the Believe Journal and have not used it, so I may have to make that a July goal!! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I realize setting those goals really help me be more accountable. I’m really liking the journal so far, I just have to remember to write every detail down that I can about each run! I’m glad I could inspire you a little 🙂
im not running a race anytime soon but i will have to revisit your training plans.
Cool! 🙂
I’ve just identified my next half marathon, which will be Sept. 25! I’m thinking I’ll begin training in a week or two. My mileage has been alright for not training, so I’m not too concerned. Also, doing a lot of yoga which my mind & body love currently 🙂 Keep it up, and remember that rest and recovery are just as important, if not moreso, than putting in your miles!
Sounds great, Christina! I love yoga and wish I could do it more often since it does so much good! And you’re right, rest is part of training too!
So smart to take it easy instead of pushing for that 24 mile week. Good luck with training and have a great week!
Thanks, Stacey! It was tough but I think I made the right call.
great goals. hope your pain goes away soon. not training for anything right now – just too hot outside. i prefer spring and fall for walking
Thanks, Glenneth! I don’t blame you at all…running in the summer is hell for me!
Kudos to you for listening to your body. The last thing that you want to do before you really start training is cause injury upon yourself. Continue to take things easy and I hope the pain finally eases up soon.
Thanks, Kathryn. I think I’m on the other side now, so I’m cautiously optimistic. Still haven’t had a far run yet since the pain, so we’ll see!
Sometimes our bodies tell us they need a break and we just have to listen. Better to cut back for a week than power through and risk injury and getting sidelined for months! Good luck on your fall training. I haven’t started mine yet, but will soon(ish).
Thanks, Christine! It’s true, I do my best to listen to my body and my calves were screaming at me last week, lol! It’ll be fun to see how everyone’s doing with their training for fall!
I’m not training for a race but workouts are going awesome. Lots of yoga love!
That’s awesome! I love yoga too but need to practice more!
OMG! I forgot you’ll be running a full this fall and I am SO excited all over again to follow your training!! Building a good foundation pre-training is really important. Nice job this week!! It’s good to take it easy and cut back in pre-training as necessary so that you’re feeling really strong and good when it’s truly time to train.
Yes, I am taking the plunge and joining the club this fall at Philly! Thanks, I have to say this week is going MUCH better than last week, thank goodness! But you’re right that time is on my side!
Maybe your body just needs a little break? You’ve been busy. There is plenty of time left before you start training in August too. Now is the perfect time to work out anything that is giving you a problem. I’ll begin training in July for Chicago. I agree that the strength/injury prevention is an important part of a running checklist! Thanks for linking with us Janelle. I hope your calf is better very soon.
Thanks a lot, it’s definitely getting better and they haven’t bothered me on my last two runs this week! Lots of stretching and foam rolling. I think I just pushed myself too much last week!
I’m hoping to get a second opinion on a foot injury so I can start planning for fall races! I’d love to do a race in the mountains when the leaves change.
Oh I hope your foot feels better soon! Oh, running a race in the mountains sounds so beautiful!
Really smart that you are getting the base miles in and doing all the strength exercises. Your body will thank you! 🙂 I am so excited to follow along for your first marathon!!
Rooting for you! xx
Thanks, Natalie! I know it’s going to be such an adventure. Thankfully my calf feels much better now so I’m hoping the worst is over!
Sorry calf pain wrecked your plans for this week. Hope it feels better soon! Good choice to rest and not try to push through the pain. You don’t want to sabotage your training later. I’m so excited for you to run your first marathon. I look forward to following your training! I will begin training for marathon #3 (Pensacola Marathon) in July.
Thanks, Debra! And good luck on your upcoming marathon, I’ll have to check out your training!