And just like that, ten weeks of Cleveland marathon training is done. As B would say “Wowwowweewaa!”

This week’s training called for Tuesday: 3. Wednesday: 7. Thursday: 4. Saturday: 15, for a total of 29 miles. I stuck to the mileage this week but switched up the days slightly due to traveling for work, again.

Monday: 4.28– Knew I was due to travel this week for work so running on Thursday after my car trip would probably not happen. I happened to feel pretty good on Monday morning, so opted to do my 4-miler before work.  It was foggy and warm out – warm enough to wear shorts at 6 a.m.!

Tuesday: 3.17 – Slept in and ran with B after work. The weather was still in the 70s when we made it out of the apartment at 7 p.m. and it my first night of the season wearing a tank top with shorts. Love the feeling of having my arms free when running!

Wednesday: 6.91 – SO close to 7! I’m trying not to beat myself up for not completely finishing the run – I had mapped out a 7 miler, I swear, but I was half asleep and have to give myself credit for even waking up at 5 to go for a long-ish run, so I probably made the wrong turn. Had a happy hour scheduled for after work so I knew if I was going to get out and do a good run I’d have to do it before work. And despite not quite getting to the full 7 miles, I did it!

Thursday and Friday: Off! Had completed my pre-long run mileage by Thursday and Friday. Thursday involved a work trip, meaning I had to be in Toledo by 9 and spent almost all day there. Friday was just rest and then a post-work Fish Fry!

Saturday: 15– From this point on, nearly every long run we do will be my longest run yet! This weekend’s run wasn’t bad – the weather was in the 60s but cool, and I ended up doing a hilly 15-miler on the eastside with B, Mary and our friend Dave. Mary and Dave stayed out front, while I kept pace with B who was struggling with all the hills. We did stop and walk for a few minutes when B needed to get water Gu, etc. but we finished the full 15 miles and nearly collapsed. My legs felt SO heavy after the run, but at least I wasn’t feeling sick to my stomach like B!

15-miler elevation - steady uphill for first 3 and then again 8-11 miles

Weekly Total: 29. Yahooo! What a great week, mileage-wise. This week I’m looking forward to hitting 30 miles and 16 on our long run – just about ten short of the marathon!

Question for you – how do you stay motivated and not bored out of your mind on your long runs? My biggest issue with our 15 miler was boredom! Even though it was a new route and new scenery for me (we don’t usually run on the eastside), after the 10 mile point (our final water/Gu break) I was just SO bored at some points I wanted to scream! I tried to think of games to play while we were running, but nothing really worked. Since I was running with B, I didn’t bring my headphones but I’m seriously considering it for next time.