Last week was, in a word, absolutely “bananas.” It felt like a relentless whirlwind of physical demands, mental fatigue, and logistical nightmares. There were moments, particularly after those mid-week runs, when I seriously questioned my sanity and considered throwing in the towel. The sheer volume of tasks piled up against a rapidly shrinking clock seemed insurmountable. Yet, against all odds and powered by an unyielding spirit, I not only managed to push through but also emerged with one of my most successful and fulfilling long runs to date. This wasn’t just another training week; it was a testament to resilience, a true trial by fire that has left me feeling more prepared than ever for the upcoming Chicago Marathon.
Join me as we dive deep into the challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned during this pivotal phase of marathon preparation.
Chicago Marathon Training Recap: Week Sixteen – Pushing Limits and Embracing Chaos
Week sixteen of marathon training marks a crucial juncture. It’s often one of the last major mileage weeks before the taper truly sets in, demanding peak performance while the body is already yearning for rest. This particular week, however, decided to throw an unprecedented curveball into the mix: a major household move. Balancing significant mileage with the physical and mental toll of packing, lifting, and relocating truly tested every fiber of my being. Let’s break down how this challenging week unfolded, revealing the grit and determination required to stay on track.
Monday: Active Recovery and Mental Preparation
Monday – Rest.
Monday typically serves as a day for active recovery and mental preparation for the demanding week ahead. After the previous week’s efforts, this rest day was not just beneficial but absolutely essential. It offered a brief respite before the onslaught of moving logistics combined with scheduled runs. While my body enjoyed the physical break, my mind was already racing, anticipating the monumental task of balancing work, training, and the complete upheaval of moving into a new home. This mental recalibration, though often overlooked, is as vital as any physical training session, allowing the body to truly absorb the previous week’s efforts and brace for new challenges and physical demands.
Tuesday: Battling the Elements and Moving Day Fatigue
Tuesday – 4 miles.
The alarm shrieked at 6:30 AM, plunging me into a world that was not only pitch black but also surprisingly frigid. It seems almost overnight, the crisp autumn air decided to transform into biting winter chills. Running in the dark and cold adds an entirely new layer of challenge to early morning workouts. The comfort of warmer, brighter mornings feels like a distant memory, replaced by the struggle to layer up and navigate dimly lit streets, watching for hazards. Part of me is incredibly relieved that the Chicago Marathon is just two short weeks away, primarily because it means an end to this demanding early morning running routine. The thought of sleeping in, snuggled warm as snow gently falls outside, without the nagging guilt of missing a run, is a powerful motivator for these final miles.
Beyond the environmental factors, this particular 4-mile run felt exceptionally difficult. My body refused to find a comfortable rhythm. I felt an overwhelming sense of sluggishness, compounded by lingering soreness from previous training and an undercurrent of anxiety that was hard to shake. The reason quickly became apparent: we had just started the process of moving into our new tri-level home, which, as anyone who has experienced one knows, means an abundance of stairs! Every muscle fiber in my legs screamed in protest, a direct result of countless trips up and down, carrying boxes and furniture. It served as a stark, somewhat painful, reminder: note to self – never, ever attempt to train for a marathon while simultaneously moving residences. The sheer number of stairs proved to be an unexpected form of cross-training, albeit one that left my feet aching and my energy reserves depleted. The hashtags #toomanystairs and #feethurt perfectly encapsulated the sentiment of the day, reflecting the physical toll of this combined endeavor.
Wednesday: A Day of Two Halves – From Struggle to Stride
Wednesday – 4 miles in the morning.
The morning run was an absolute nightmare. To put it mildly, I felt utterly dreadful, like my body was running on fumes and a sheer act of will. It wasn’t entirely surprising, given that Mr. B and I had been working tirelessly, pushing ourselves to the limits with the move. My legs felt like lead, my feet were tender, and my mental state hovered precariously close to exhaustion. I’m fairly certain I resembled a zombie shuffling through the streets, utterly devoid of energy or enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but wonder if my vacant, exhausted expression was the reason for the “mean mugging” I seemed to receive from passersby – a testament to how truly wiped out I must have looked, a runner on the brink.
6 miles in the afternoon.
After that dismal morning performance, I held onto a sliver of hope that the afternoon run would bring some redemption. The first three miles, however, continued the morning’s trend of agony. A sharp side cramp emerged, and my foot felt incredibly tender, each step a cautious negotiation with pain. It felt like my body was staging a full-scale rebellion. But then, something shifted. Around the four-mile mark, as if a switch had been flicked, my body started to perk up. The cramps eased, my foot pain receded, and I finally found a comfortable, sustainable pace. Not only did I find my rhythm, but I even managed to run a minute faster than my usual pace! Was it pure luck? Perhaps. But considering the relentless craziness of the week, I wasn’t about to question it. I’ll gladly accept any blessings the running gods decide to bestow upon me, especially when they manifest as unexpected surges of strength and speed. This run became a powerful reminder that even on the toughest days, perseverance can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and a renewed sense of confidence.
Thursday & Friday: Strategic Rest Before the Marathon’s Defining Moment
Thursday – Rest.
Friday – Rest.
Following Wednesday’s gruelling double run and the continuous physical exertion from moving, these two consecutive rest days were absolutely non-negotiable. They represented a strategic pause, allowing my fatigued muscles to repair and my mind to recharge before the week’s ultimate challenge: the 20-mile long run. In marathon training, rest is as crucial as the runs themselves. It’s during these periods of recovery that the body adapts, strengthens, and prepares for the next significant effort. Given the extraordinary circumstances of this week, prioritizing rest was paramount to avoiding injury, preventing burnout, and ensuring I had enough in the tank for Saturday’s monumental task. These quiet days were filled with gentle stretching, hydrating, and mentally preparing for the longest run of the entire training cycle, a true test of endurance and mental fortitude.
Saturday: The Epic 20-Mile Long Run – A Test of Will and Friendship
Saturday – 20 miles.
Saturday was, without a doubt, one of the most chaotic and memorable days of my life. Imagine this trifecta: it was moving day for our entire household, my fifth wedding anniversary (a significant milestone!), and simultaneously, I had to run a daunting 20 miles. Insane? Absolutely! The logistical challenge alone felt like a marathon before the actual run even began. Yet, the only, and I mean *only*, reason I managed to not just survive but thrive during this monumental run was the incredible support of my dear friend, Listy. She was nothing short of an angel that day, a true beacon of encouragement.
Listy selflessly volunteered to bike alongside me for the entire twenty miles. This wasn’t a casual ride; this was a three-plus hour commitment, early on a Saturday morning, purely to support my training. She had been recovering from an injury (which is why she opted to bike rather than run, as her own running was on pause), making her presence even more meaningful. I honestly don’t know many people who would wake up at the crack of dawn, cycle for such an extended period, and maintain a cheerful, encouraging demeanor the entire time. Her unwavering positivity, timely water hand-offs, and simple presence made an immeasurable difference, transforming a potentially solo slog into a shared journey. Listy truly rocks!
Despite the overwhelming odds, my run turned out to be fantastic. I felt remarkably strong throughout the vast majority of it, maintaining a consistent pace and feeling surprisingly comfortable. Of course, there’s always a tough patch; for me, it was miles 13 through 15, where I briefly contemplated extreme measures just to make the pain stop. But that fleeting thought quickly subsided. Much like my previous 18-miler, I had meticulously managed my pace, taken strategic walk breaks when needed, and focused on maintaining consistent hydration and nutrition. The result? I finished with a surprising amount of energy, feeling invigorated and accomplished rather than utterly depleted. This run wasn’t just about covering distance; it was a profound psychological victory, solidifying my belief that I am ready for Chicago. The excitement for the marathon is now palpable, building with every successful training session!
Sunday: The Unconventional Cross-Training and Final Thoughts
Sunday – Cross Train.
Ah, Sunday’s “cross-training.” Does climbing three flights of stairs repeatedly while carrying heavy boxes full of household items count? Because if it does, then I absolutely crushed my cross-training session! Sweet! I’m pretty sure my quads and glutes got a more intense workout than any gym session could provide, feeling the burn of a full-body effort. On a serious note, while this was an unintentional form of physical activity, it certainly contributed to the overall fatigue of the week. This experience underscored the importance of intentional cross-training for marathon runners – activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga that build strength and flexibility without the impact of running, promoting recovery, preventing injury, and addressing muscle imbalances.
So, who wants to come over and “cross-train” with me next weekend? We still have plenty of boxes to unpack and move around!
Week Sixteen: Total Miles and Key Takeaways
Total miles: 34
This demanding Week Sixteen concluded with a respectable 34 miles, a number that belies the extraordinary effort and challenges overcome. It was a week that threw everything it had at me – changing weather, the immense stress and physical toll of moving house, and the inherent demands of late-stage marathon training. Yet, it was also a week of profound personal growth, demonstrating an unexpected depth of resilience and the incredible power of a strong support system. From battling self-doubt on solo runs to conquering 20 miles with a dedicated friend by my side, every step was a lesson in perseverance, adaptation, and mental fortitude.
As I now enter the final stages before the Chicago Marathon, the confidence gained from surviving and thriving through such a chaotic week is invaluable. My body has been pushed, tested, and has responded with surprising strength. My mind has been challenged, and has grown immeasurably stronger, ready to face whatever race day brings. The finish line in Chicago feels closer and more attainable than ever before. This journey isn’t just about running; it’s about discovering what you’re truly capable of when faced with adversity, and proving that sometimes, even “bananas” weeks can lead to your best performances. Bring on race day!