Steamtown Marathon Training 2016: Week 10 – When Life Gets in the Way

When it comes to training for a marathon one of the major difficulties is finding the time to run. This week was a perfect excuse for me to take it easy and go with the flow of what life was throwing at me.

Time, sacrifice and a lot of planning but the week was finally here where we flew off to Italy for my sister’s wedding. I hate to say it, but my training was not up to par from weeks prior. I had an excellent excuse though. How often does one travel to Tuscany to watch their sister walk down the aisle? It is also good timing since my heel needs a little break as well. I miss the days where I can focused on the run instead of the pain. I am hoping by taking it easy this week it will help speed up my recovery.

4 kids flying on a plane for 8 hours with a layover may not sound appealing, but when we entered the gates of what I like to call paradise, the wave of exhaustion was lifted. Villa Mangiacane is truly a magical place and the memories that were created there on this special occasion will last a lifetime. From the breathtaking vineyards to the beautiful fresco painted by Michelangelo on the patio of the villa, this trip was worth the sacrifice and time. Nothing was more spectacular than watching my lovely sister and her adorable husband’s hearts become one on this emotional day.

Everything was planned perfectly, and in such a short period of time we were able to take in what this magnificent country has to offer. From our visit to The Duomo in Florence, walking the streets of this historic town, and learning about the Mangiacane Villa and it’s fascinating background, I left this part of the country yearning for more. My children also felt a strong connection and continuously ask us when we will return.

However, with all that being said, my trip would not be complete unless I went for a run😉. In my past life, before I had 4 little people dependent on me, I traveled all around the world. From the beautiful beaches in Thailand to the vast yet dangerous land in Kenya, I made it a point to lace up my sneakers and become one with all the beauty this world has to offer us. Running has and always will bring me closer to my surroundings. So off I went for a 5 mile run through the picturesque Mangiacane Vineyards.

Now back to reality! I have a lot of catching up to do with my weekly training and the beginning of the school year for my children. I have not been able to post any recipes because there simply is not enough time in the day! My choices… a. not go for a run b. do not take care of my 4 kids and their crazy schedule c. not post a recipe. I chose the latter or my kids would end up walking to school in their PJ’s eating pop tarts.

Now I am playing catch up with my weekly training posts and looking forward to finally getting into the rhythm of fall. I will always hold dear the beauty of watching two lovers seal their bond in marriage surrounded by the captivating Tuscan views.

WEEK 10 MARATHON TRAINING SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 5TH: RECOVERY RUN ~ 5 MILES
A very slow and easy pace run.
SNEAKER: Asics DS Trainers V20
START TIME: 10:00 am
Happy Labor Day! We decided to have a few close friends over to celebrate the holiday. It just so happens that my dear friend, Stacey Van Gorder, was once a practicing acupuncturist and she gave me a treatment. Yes, that is a needle in my head😱. I find it fascinating that these little needles could calm you and alleviate pain. I have known Stacey for quite a few years now and she is such an inspiration. She is now an actress who recently wrote a children’s book titled My Visit to the Acupuncturist and produced here own short called Steps. She also found the time to complete her first marathon last year! Is there anything she can’t do?

DO-OVER PLAN: none
CROSS-TRAINING: 30 minutes weights

SEPTEMBER 6TH: STEADY STATE RUN ~ 8 MILES
Warm up 1 – 2 miles then 7:25 – 7:35 pace for the rest of the run.
SNEAKER: Asics DS Trainers V21
START TIME: 8:30 am
The continuous pain in my heel is not subsiding. I noticed after my comfortable pace 20 mile run on Saturday the pain was not as bad. Today’s run was at marathon pace and the tenderness was more intense. I saw Dr. Jan for his treatments.

DO-OVER PLAN: none
CROSS-TRAINING: 1 hour fitness class

SEPTEMBER 7TH: RECOVERY RUN ~ 5 MILES
A very slow and easy pace run.
SNEAKER: Asics DS Trainers V20
START TIME: 11:00 am
I slipped in a run before we finalized our packing for the trip to Italy. Our flight departed this evening and it was just too hectic to do a fitness class.