I wasn’t really sure how week 1 and 2 of marathon training was going to go. Who decides to register for a marathon when it means training starts the week they move across the country? (this girl, apparently)

I was really proud of how I kicked off week 1 of training. I could have used several excuses all week. I needed to pack, I had too much to drink Friday night, I wasn’t getting any sleep, I was stressed out of my mind, it was rainy and cold. But I didn’t. Every time an excuse popped into my head I shoved it out and decided THAT moment was when I needed to get out the door before that seed grew roots.

I’m also trying to stick with putting EVERY training run during marathon training on daily mile. I’ve been so bad with that site this year. I’m going to get back into the habit of posting every time I run. Add me over there if you use it to document your training!

Monday: 3 Miles at a 10:14 pace
An easy 3 miles… There was nothing spectacular about this run at all other than the fact that it was my first official marathon training run!

Tuesday: 3 slow miles at an 11:20 pace
This was supposed to be my rest day, but I was not having it. I was so stressed out I had to get moving. I ran/walked to clear my head and returned feeling good as new. It’s astonishing what a workout can do for the soul.

Wednesday: Strength training
Did a 45 minute strength workout! Arms. Legs. Core. I’m going to be adding more strength training to my training plan. Especially my arms. I’ve seen several runners have to rely on their arms when their legs all but give out at the end of a marathon, strong arms means a potentially stronger finish! (Plus, strong arms are sexy )

Thursday: 3.5 miles at a 10:29 pace
I took my run to the 100 acre lot trails on Thursday. The last time I’d be able to cruise through those trails and soak in the scenery. It was gloomy and muddy and not ideal conditions to be running on dirt trails… But I enjoyed every step. I even took out my earbuds at one point (absolutely UNHEARD OF for me!) just to soak up my last run on the trails in Jamestown!

Friday: REST DAY
I made poor decisions Friday night. Hey, a girls gotta live right?! (Now I totes understand why people tend to cut their alcohol consumption during training)

Saturday: 8 Miles at 11:07 pace
Oh my lanta… This was a hot mess from the very beginning. I woke up with a headache and absolutely dehydrated from the few too many adult beverages I had the previous night. I chugged water like it was my job, but it was hardly doing any good… Then of course because I was out having a good time on Friday, I forgot to charge my garmin… Meaning, it crapped out on me about .5 miles into the run…

Thankfully I listen to tunes on my iphone and just pulled up my GPS apppppp and continued on my way. It was an awful run. In every way… But I got it done and I kept chugging along when a LOT of people would have just given up or not even have started the workout!

Sunday: REST DAY
It was a rest day on Sunday but I needed to do some yoga. So, I completed a Yoga video that I desperately needed. My hip is getting tight again and it sort of concerns me. However, I think more stretching & yoga will do the trick. It’s just obnoxiously tight, not necessarily painful. If that makes sense? I think the long shifts on my feet + training + the stress of preparing to move across the country are just starting to take a toll on my body. A few rest days have started to help the hip loosen up.

There ya have it! Week one of Marathon Training is IN. THE. BOOKS!!!!!

I’m a little less terrified after last weeks training. Yes, my long run was a hot hot hot mess, but only because I made poor decisions on Friday at the bar. I got a little carried away with my going away celebrations I know that with proper sleep and hydration, this training season is MINE.

It’s all trial and error from here!