The timing of last week’s vacation couldn’t have been more perfect. Life had been incredibly hectic, a whirlwind of activity that left me feeling completely drained. While I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everything will eventually fall into place, this getaway served as a crucial and much-needed distraction from the daily grind. It wasn’t just a break from work; it was a mental and physical reset that proved invaluable, especially in the midst of an intensive marathon training schedule.
I knew going into this week that it wouldn’t be a high-mileage affair, and I embraced that reality fully. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I viewed it as a golden opportunity for rest and relaxation, both for my mind and my body. My brain desperately needed a break from obsessively scanning apartment ads on Craigslist, a task that had consumed far too much mental energy. Similarly, my feet, which had been pounding pavements for weeks, were crying out for a solid week of recovery. This period of reduced intensity was a deliberate choice, designed to allow my body to recover, adapt, and come back stronger for the final push towards the Chicago Marathon.
Chicago Marathon Training: Week Eleven Recap & Vacation Chronicles
Welcome back to another installment of my Chicago Marathon training journey! This week, we dive into Week Eleven, a unique period where the demands of marathon preparation met the allure of a much-anticipated vacation. It was a fascinating exercise in balancing dedication with much-needed downtime, and I’m excited to share how it unfolded.
Chicago Marathon Training: Week Eleven Overview
Week eleven presented a unique challenge: maintaining training momentum while enjoying a well-deserved vacation. This meant adjusting my usual rigorous schedule to accommodate travel, new environments, and opportunities for alternative forms of exercise. The goal wasn’t just to accumulate miles, but to ensure active recovery and mental rejuvenation, all crucial components of a successful marathon build-up. Let’s break down the week:
Monday – Rest Day: The Foundation of Recovery
Monday was a dedicated rest day, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In the demanding world of marathon training, rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a fundamental pillar of progress. This day allowed my muscles to repair, my energy stores to replenish, and my mind to mentally prepare for the week ahead, especially with the impending vacation. Embracing rest ensures that the body can adapt to the stresses of running, reducing the risk of injury and preventing burnout. It’s a non-negotiable part of any serious training plan, offering benefits that are just as significant as those gained during a long run.
Tuesday – 3 Miles: Adapting to Early Morning Changes
My Tuesday run was a modest three miles, but it brought with it a significant change: the mornings are getting much darker at 6 AM! While I absolutely love the crisp air and vibrant colors that herald the arrival of fall, running in the pre-dawn gloom can be a little unsettling. The lack of visibility and the quiet stillness of the streets add an unexpected element of challenge – and perhaps a touch of eerie suspense. I’m definitely going to need to adjust my running schedule as the days get shorter, or perhaps convince Mr. B to join me on his bike, providing both company and a much-appreciated beam of light to ward off any lurking “boogie men.” Safety during early morning or late evening runs is paramount, so reflective gear and proper lighting will become my new best friends.
Wednesday – 10 Miles: A Strategic Push Before the Break
Wednesday was originally scheduled for 8 miles, but I pushed it to a solid 10 miles. There’s nothing quite like hitting double digits right before you head off on vacation! Knowing that this week was intentionally designed to be a lower-mileage period, I made a conscious decision to really push myself on this run. My fear of not hitting the full 16 miles on Saturday (due to vacation plans) motivated me to “haul BAWLS” on this Wednesday run. And yes, it was incredibly painful in the moment. Every stride felt like an effort, but I focused on the mental toughness required to complete it. However, in the end, I’m incredibly glad I dug deep and pushed through. This run not only banked some crucial miles but also built significant mental fortitude, proving to myself that I could perform under pressure and make strategic adjustments to my training plan.
Thursday – 4 Miles Cross-Training: Water Skiing in Paradise
For Thursday’s cross-training, I indulged in 4 miles of water skiing – an activity I thoroughly enjoyed! If water skiing were a legitimate, accessible option for cross-training back in Denver, you bet I’d be doing it all the time. It’s an incredible full-body workout that engages core strength, leg power, and upper body stability, all without the high impact of running. Gliding across the water, feeling the spray, and working those muscle groups in a different way was not only exhilarating but also a fantastic break for my running-weary joints. It’s a reminder that cross-training doesn’t have to be monotonous; it can be an adventure, a fun way to build strength and endurance while giving your primary running muscles a break.
Friday – Cross-Training: A Humbling Return to Swimming
Friday’s cross-training brought me back to the water, this time for a swim. In my “ol’ Wichita Swim Club days,” I considered myself a rockstar in the pool, swiftly moving from Aqua Bears to the competitive swim team in just over a month. In the back of my mind, I held onto the image of that epic ten-year-old swimmer, effortlessly gliding through the water. Folks, let me tell you, I am not even close to that level anymore!
Mr. B and I had purchased goggles before we left town, anticipating leisurely swims around the dock. Well, let’s just say that Olympic swimming is definitely not in my near future. I completely forgot the rhythm and technique of breathing with my head in the water. After a mere 25 yards, I felt like I was on the verge of collapsing. It was a truly humbling experience, a stark reminder of how quickly skills can fade and how much specific conditioning is required for different sports. This session highlighted a serious area for improvement, and I now have a newfound respect for competitive swimmers. Swimming, despite my current struggles, is an excellent low-impact, full-body workout that builds cardiovascular fitness and upper-body strength, both beneficial for runners. It’s certainly a skill I aim to re-develop, starting with the basics!
Saturday – 3 Miles: Prioritizing Vacation Experience Over Mileage
Saturday’s run was a drastic reduction from the planned 16 miles, ending up at a mere 3 miles. Not even close to the original target, and honestly, that’s perfectly fine. My plan all along for this vacation was to avoid strenuous long runs in this particular location. The terrain around the lake is notoriously hilly, and suitable running trails are scarce. Pushing for a long, grueling run here would have been more frustrating than beneficial, potentially leading to injury or simply making the vacation less enjoyable.
Instead, I opted for a lovely walk/jog up a few gentle hills with my Mom and Mr. B. It was a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery, get some fresh air, and engage in a different kind of physical activity that prioritized family time and relaxation. The weather down at the lake was absolutely perfect for an afternoon outing – a rare treat for mid-August, when heat and humidity usually dominate. This unusual coolness sparked a hopeful thought: perhaps this prolonged drought we’ve been experiencing is finally coming to an end. Sometimes, listening to your body and adapting your plan to suit your environment and current needs is the smartest approach, even when training for a marathon.
Sunday – Rest Day: The Journey Home
Sunday was another essential rest day, primarily consumed by the journey back to Denver. Traveling can be surprisingly draining, even when you’re simply sitting in a car for several hours. This day was dedicated to recovery from the physical and mental exertion of vacation activities, the travel itself, and preparing to transition back into the routine. Ensuring adequate rest after travel is crucial to avoid fatigue and maintain optimal performance in subsequent training sessions. It marked the gentle end of a rejuvenating week, ready to hit the ground running (literally) back home.
Total Miles: 16 Miles – A Strategic Step Back for Future Gains
Total miles for Week 11: 33 16 miles. While this is significantly lower than a typical marathon training week, it was a deliberate and strategic reduction. This week’s focus was not solely on accumulating mileage, but on active recovery, mental rejuvenation, and incorporating varied forms of cross-training. The blend of running, water skiing, and swimming, coupled with ample rest, provides a holistic approach to fitness that is crucial for long-term marathon success. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is more when it comes to peak performance and injury prevention.
Catching Up on the Marathon Journey: Previous Weeks
For those following along or looking for inspiration on their own marathon journey, here are the links to my previous weeks of Chicago Marathon training. Each week offers insights into the physical and mental challenges, triumphs, and adjustments along the way. Consistency, adaptability, and listening to your body are key components to successfully preparing for a 26.2-mile race.
- Week One: The Starting Line
- Week Two: Building the Base
- Week Three: Finding My Rhythm
- Week Four: Pushing the Pace
- Week Five: Mid-Training Check-in
- Week Six: Embracing the Challenge
- Week Seven: The Long Run Focus
- Week Eight: Navigating Plateaus
- Week Nine: Mental Fortitude
- Week Ten: Refining Strategy
Key Takeaways from a Vacation-Integrated Training Week
This eleventh week of Chicago Marathon training served as a powerful reminder that marathon preparation isn’t just about logging endless miles; it’s about holistic well-being. Integrating a vacation into my training schedule, though unconventional, proved immensely beneficial. It allowed for mental decompression, physical recovery through varied cross-training, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the miles ahead. Learning to adapt the training plan to real-life circumstances, prioritizing rest, and embracing alternative forms of exercise are crucial skills for any long-distance runner. As I move into the final phases of my training, this week has reinforced the importance of balance, resilience, and listening to my body’s needs. The Chicago Marathon is steadily approaching, and I feel refreshed and more prepared than ever to tackle the remaining weeks of intense training.