The good news is, as of this post, I am still on track for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon. Also, as of this post, there are only 27 days until the marathon weekend. I am so excited but also a bit nervous. The last marathon I ran was in 2017 (Chicago Marathon). Although COVID was a factor at one point, knee issues and other injuries have kept me from training for another marathon. Even during this training cycle, everything was going well, and bam, strained calf muscle.
And because of this “injury,” I missed two long runs, which is concerning this close to the marathon. Since I couldn’t run without a flare-up or pain, I finally received PT at Runner’s Edge Alaska. Using a combination of strengthening exercises and shockwave therapy (a form of treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms), those guys had me back to running that same week.
Initially, my mileage was cut back, and I wasn’t allowed to do any speed work, but I quickly rebuilt my mileage volume to where I left off. This is still a setback and will impact my marathon time, but making it to the starting line will be a huge accomplishment. Another major accomplishment is getting these long runs in during extreme cold temperatures. This will be the last time I train for a spring marathon while living in Alaska.
Due to the cold, I ran 16 miles at the Dome (an indoor Olympic-sized track). That day, the temperature in my area was 20 below zero and colder along my usual route. Podcasts with the Planted Runner, Tread Lightly, and Crime Junky (haha), along with my country playlist, got me through those 64 laps. The following week’s long run was also 16 miles, and I ran the road (lots of hills) because the trails had yet to be plowed. Even though I had quite the headwind, it was still easier than running snow-covered trails and much better than running at the Dome.
Training for a Spring marathon has been challenging, to say the least. Then, the temperatures warmed up, the trails cleared, and I had an absolutely gorgeous day for my long run on the cutback week. Not only that, I got to run on dry pavement! No microspikes!! Wouldn’t it be nice if we had an early Spring and the temperatures remained warm throughout the rest of my training? It’s highly unlikely in Alaska, but it would be nice.
Only two long runs are left before the taper: a 17 and a 19-mile run. These runs would have been longer if I had not had the setback, but it should be enough to get through the marathon. I have slowed down quite a bit since my last marathon, and these long runs have taken more than three hours to complete.
What the next two weeks look like:
- Monday Rest
- Tuesday 7 miles easy
- Wednesday 7 mile progression run
- Thursday Rest
- Friday 6 miles easy
- Saturday 17 miles easy
- Sunday Cross-training/Strength
The following week will be the same, except the long run will be 19 miles.
Even though training during this winter has been challenging, it has been worth it. I am looking forward to the marathon. To finish will be the goal.
