27: #Road2CIM Marathon Training: Week 16

This week was the last week of structured training runs (intervals and tempo) and we’re slowly reducing the length of the long run. I am welcoming the taper phase but I am also acutely aware of what that means: Race Day is near! Eek! I am a bit nervous but excited.

Do you know that feeling when you’ve been working on something for a long time that culminates in a big, scary event but you’re getting to the point where you’re ready to get it over with? That’s about where I am right now. I am ready to put my training to the test.

Focus for the weeks:

We’re in the phase now where we start reducing intensity and volume. The long run is getting shorter. This might make you feel antsy, but the advice as always is: trust the process. (I am trying really hard over here!)

Monday –  6.14 mi @ 9:20 min/mi (morning temps: 39°F) + 10 min stretch + 10 min yoga

Tuesday – 20 min yoga

Wednesday – 30 min cycling + 6.11 mi @ 8:48 min/mi (morning temp: 52°F) + 10 min stretch + 10 min yoga

Thursday – 10 min+  meditation + 30 min strength + 30 min cycling + 10 min yoga 

Friday –  10 min meditation 4.73 mi @ 9:31 min/mi (treadmill) + 10 min yoga

Saturday – 12 mi @ 9:16 min/mi (morning temp: 52°F) + 10 min yoga

Fuel/water: 12 oz of water + NUUN, one Hüma Chia Gel at mile 4, fruit crushers at mile 7, eight Scratch Sour Cherries Chews at mile 10.

Sunday – 8.2 @ 9:09 min/mi (afternoon temp: 39°F) 

TOTAL: 37.5 mi/ 60.3  km
MARATHON TRAINING MILES: 528.6.1 miles / 851 km

Marathon Nutrition

No more new thoughts on fueling this week. Since we’re getting to the end here and we’re encouraged to no try anything new anymore but stick with what has been working, I have not tried anything else. I think I had a solid trial phase with different things and have decided that gels will probably my fuel of choice after all. I will have a Zoom Call with my running coach on Friday though where we will discuss my race day strategy.

My daily macro needs per day (calculated from this marathon nutrition guide).

I averaged 85g of protein,  69 of fat, and 220 g of carbs per day, respectively. 

How I refueled after my long run

TL;DR – summary of the week:

The taper has begun. Training intensity and volume are slowly coming down. It’s always a bit unnerving when you’re not doing ‘as much’ as before, but it’s important to give your body some rest before the big day! As always: trust the process.

I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. Come join me. #nablopomo2024 Links to the Participants List and NaBloPoMo2024 Blog Post Ideas! Happy writing!