[equinox marathon 43]

Week #5 of the Pfitz/Douglas program was a struggle for me. To begin with, I wasn't feeling well (sore throat most of the week). We also had a few hot/humid days this week.<br><br>
I met the plan this week, at times it wasn't pretty though.<br><br>
Monday was a rest/cross train day. I did my exercise routine.<br><br>
Tuesday was a 9 mile day with 4 miles at LT pace. The 4 miles at LT had 2 miles under 7:00 and 2 miles right at 7:00. I actually did 9.1 miles, with miles 4, 5, 6 and 7 being the miles at LT pace.<br><br>
Wednesday was a 14 mile day. I did this on the trail doing the 10 mile out and back, and doing a repeat on miles 3-7 (for those who know the trail, that's the hilly section). I really struggled on the way back.<br><br>
Thursday was a 5 mile recovery run. I also did a shortened version of my exercise routine. I was not feeling good with the sore throat.<br><br>
Friday was a 12 mile day. I did this on the trail doing the 10 mile out and back and doing a repeat on mile 2-3 and 3-2. It was warm and humid when I started, and it was a struggle.<br><br>
Saturday was a 5 mile recovery run. It was very warm and humid, and it was a struggle to get the legs to turn over. I was supposed to do my exercise routine, but I just didn't feel up to it (sore throat).<br><br>
Sunday was a 20 mile long run. It was a cloudy, cool, damp day with light rain. I had tired legs, GI issues, and the sore throat was still bothering me. I gutted it out though, and got through it.<br><br>
Planned miles: 65.<br>
Actual miles: 65.1<br>
Miles on trail: 26<br><br>
It was a tough week. This week I have a "Recovery Week". This upcoming week will end Mesocycle-1 of this plan. This upcoming week has me doing 55 miles.<br><br>
Thank you all for the support so far. This has definitely been intense so far. And I suspect Mesocycle 2 is going to be quite intense.

 

[tigger]

Other than a little speedwork you're "marathon ready" right now! Enjoy the recovery week!

 

[Alex]

Keep up the work EQ. You are going to have an amazing race. You're putting in lots of quality miles, staying smart with the recoveries and getting some intense(r) determination skills when you "gut it out." You are a monster man!

 

[Flounder]

Make sure you are taking care of yourself - multi-vitamins, hydrating and eating well, because right no you body is saying "What the hell are you doing to me EQ!"<br><br>
Nice job and enjoy the cutback week - make sure you don't over run any paces this coming week - You need to prepare yourself for more punishment <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[equinox marathon 43]

Thanks for the support all!<br><br><b>Flounder</b> - You're right that the body is definitely wondering what is going on. I was thinking it might have been because of the sore throat I had this week. Now I'm wondering if the sore throat was <i>because</i> I was a bit run down.<br><br>
I intend on taking the pace easy this week (other than the 8x100m stride outs tomorrow). Other than that, pretty much everything is going to be easy. I want to get the legs back under me before I start doing Mesocycle #2.

 

[Flounder]

Whenever I get sick it is after a few big weeks or high stress workouts. Its a fine line - luckily I do not get sick that often.

 

[Flounder]

I was thinking about your training on my run today. Keep in mind that there will be periods of time as you "Shock and Awe" your body into something better and faster that you will have beaten it down a little - and you will feel like you are making anything but progress. But after your body super compensates for this abuse it comes back stronger. So be prepared for some downer weeks - keep the faith.<br><br>
Of course as you know its a fine line between "Shock and Awe" and over training - walk the line EQ.<br><br>
Rock on

 

[equinox marathon 43]

Great advice as always Flounder. Thanks a million.<br><br>
I'll do my best Johnny Cash imitation! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Grizzly]

Funny, but I was sick in week 5 too. Shock and Awe, no doubt. Hang in there, you're going to be in great shape for this one.<br><br>
I'm starting back on week one on Monday...

 

[Arrojo]

Sorry I am a latecomer to this training plan. What are you training for, EQ?

 

[equinox marathon 43]

Hey Arrojo,<br><br>
I'm using the Pfitzinger/Douglas 18/70 to prep for the Equinox Marathon in September.