Buried in my inbox this week was an email titled “Final Instructions.”  The San Diego Marathon takes place in 16 days and the most prominent thought in my mind is that I can’t wait for marathon training to end and it turns out my body is saying the same thing.

Last week I had some  killer workouts. I ran 3×2 miles at half marathon pace and also completed a 22-miler. During that long run, I bargained with myself that if I just pushed through and completed the run, I wouldn’t have to run another 20-miler during this training period.

Somehow, I think that 22-miler took everything out of me. I had planned on doing hills, and a tempo run this week, but I didn’t have it in my physically. I’ve struggled all week to run paces that are usually a walk in the park. Therefore, although it’s suppose to be a peak week for me, I’m choosing to give my body what I know it needs.

So, how am I staying sane and not stressing out from missing a few “key workouts”?

• I wrote down every hard running workout I’ve done since January and refer to it when I doubt myself.
• I’m focusing on the process, not the outcome. Right now that process means letting my body rest.
• I’m formulating my race day plan and reviewing the course to mentally prep for the 26.2 ahead.
• I refuse to give into any negative thoughts.

Hopefully, next week I can come back here and tell  you I’m feeling fresh and excited to run!

 What’s the longest training schedule you’ve ever done?

I hear about sleep schedules quite often from my sister who has two boys, ages 4 and 2. Last week I felt like a baby being sleep trained.

Deciding to make sleep a priority took discipline. I set my bed time between 9:30-10:00 and stuck to it, except for one night. Thursday night, I stayed up late and slept in, but got right back on schedule Saturday night.

When creating any new habit, it takes time to adjust. I’m still going to continue to work on making this a priority because getting to work at 6am is never easy no matter what time I go to bed.

Goal For this Week:

Practice thankfulness. Instead of having any negative thoughts going into week 19 of the longest marathon training cycle ever, I’m going to focus on everything I have to be thankful for from the extra weeks of training.

One of the things I’m thankful for is how much I’ve learned. Marathon training mimics life in so many ways and the lessons I’ve learned since January have been invaluable.

SIDI for the week of May 13th

I will have an attitude of gratitude for everything that comes my way this week.

How did you do on your goals last week?

What is your SIDI goal for this week or if you prefer the old SIDI style, what workouts are you committing to this week?

There’s no reason to neglect strength training while training for a race! Simple, short and effective workouts are where it’s at.

Strength work while training for a race will most likely vary from when you’re in an “off season”. In fact, it should be different.

The biggest struggle my clients face when they begin working with me, is fitting in strength work. It’s also usually the first thing to go when the weekly mileage starts to add up and they barely have time to squeeze in a run.

That’s when I assign them “mini workouts”.  Mini workouts are not to be confused with easy workouts. They are short, doable workouts that can easily be paired with another workout.

Tips for Incorporating Mini Workouts Into Your Race Training Plan

• Mini workouts should be done three times a week, if you are not doing any other strength training.
• If you’re doing full strength workouts at least once a week, then supplement with two mini workouts each week.
• Be sure each mini workout targets core muscles for runners or any specific muscle weaknesses or imbalances you may have.
• Work until fatigued, but not until your form suffers.
• Be consistent.
• Commit to your strength work the same way you do to your runs.