Marathon Training Blues

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been in a bit of a slump.  I have hit that 20 mile point in training, which I think is the most mentally and physically challenging part of preparing for a marathon.  The weather is improving so that helps a little bit.  When I trained for my past 3 marathons, I followed one of Hal Higdon's plans.  A typical week consisted of an moderate distance easy run, a shorter speed work run, and a long run, with 2 cross training days.  I have never done much strength training while doing this training schedule.   This time, however, every run is geared to improve my pace.  I am also doing 3-4 days of strength training, which includes 2-3 days of kettlebell class and 1-2 days of upper body weight training.  I usually cross train 2 days a week.  Right now I am walking or doing the elliptical.  I may start road biking when it warms up some more.   I  Sometimes I wonder if I'm overdoing it (like today because I am exhausted and I want to curl up in a ball and cry).  I'm also struggling with a bit of self doubt.  I have set a goal to improve my marathon time, specifically to one day qualify for Boston.  This will not happen this year, for sure.  Maybe 2014 or 2015.  I'm not in a huge hurry.  I want to train so that I can enjoy these other exercises that I love and I do not want to get injured again.  My PR to beat is 4:22.  I feel pretty good about being able to beat that time, but I would also like to break the 4 hour mark at the Utah Valley Marathon.  I'm not so sure if I'm there yet, though.   On my run today I was slower than I have been in a long time.  I was struggling with sore legs and feet, stomach issues, and lack of motivation. Maybe it's because I'm eating clean and not "treating" myself after each run with a Diet Coke and a cookie!!!

I went running on Saturday with Priscilla.  We started up on Buckskin and then ran down into Inkom.  She needed to run 20 and I only needed 14 (we are running races 3 weeks apart).  I ended up running 16.  I probably should have kept going with her, but I could tell that I was getting blisters on my toes.  Now, I'm not the most girly-girl out there, but I do like to have my hair and makeup done and I am somewhat of a foot snob.  I think that cracked, calloused feet are disgusting.  Well, guess what?  I'm pretty disgusting right now.  I don't even want to get a pedicure because it would hurt too bad.  I just love when the toenail turns black and quits growing (I'm being sarcastic).  I have lost the big toenail on my right foot already twice, but I guess that this time I'm going to lose the left toenail too.  I know that it's because I run with my toes up.  I try to hold them down, but some habits are proving difficult to break.  

For anyone interested, this is the recap of what I'm doing with the 6 Figures Fitness Challenge.  Each week we do a little update for their webpage.  This is what I sent in to Libby (I must of been having a better day when I sent her this, because of state that I feel rejuvenated):

I met with Evelyn on Monday for another session of hell.  I have 6 weeks until my marathon. Evelyn wants me to concentrate on speed and proper form right now. For our PT session she put me through some drills using the bungee contraption and also tubing. These drills are to get my foot strike and form correct. After the drills, she had me do speed work on the treadmill. She did different speeds to help me find what speed I could run my 400 meter intervals at, so I can use it to gauge where I need to be when I do them.  It was really a hard workout and I wanted to vomit, pass out, and cry. Although it was hard, I love how hard she pushes me. I wouldn't be pushing myself this hard on my own. Evelyn has changed up my schedule.  She wants me take out one of my workouts and add in another recovery day, so instead of 6 days of exercise I'll be doing 5. Most people would be happy to be told not to workout, but it's really difficult for me to take more than one day off per week.  However, after this past week of feeling burnt out, I'm a little bit relieved.  I will be doing 2 speed work session- one with longer intervals and one as a HIIT, kettle bell or tabata classes 2-3 times a week (focusing on upper body, since I need to keep my legs fresh for running), and a long run at race pace (I have a 20 mile run on Saturday, but she wants me to just do as many miles as I can at race pace and then be done). I was struggling with trying to cut calories at this point in my training, so right now I'm focusing on maintenance and keeping my foods nutritious. Evelyn wants me to focus on getting lots of veggies and fruits.  I need to focus on fueling my body for the workouts that I do. She encouraged me to focus on the quality of my workouts and that by taking off an extra day for recovery, I can use that time to do food prep and planning, stretching, and relaxation. 

Last week I was really struggling, but now I feel rejuvenated and excited about my new schedule.  Evelyn is the perfect trainer for me because not only does she understand the ups and downs that come with training for long distance running, but she also pushes me. She motivates me to run faster and harder than I have ever done before.