Runner Leana

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Phoenix Marathon Training: the final push

February 5, 2016 By: Runner Leana

Well hello there February 5th…the Phoenix Marathon is now officially 22 days away!  Yikes!

PHX-marathon-medal-copper

The Phoenix Marathon will be my:

  • 3rd standalone marathon
  • 6th marathon (counting Goofy Challenge marathons too)
  • 9th marathon (including Goofy Challenge and Ironman marathons)

40036-022-026f-crop

I haven’t tested myself on a standalone marathon since January 2009…  I’m pretty excited to see what I am capable of running now.  For the most part training has gone well.  Here are five things about my training for the 2016 Phoenix Marathon:

IMG_5723

  1. I ran an 18 miler with my friend Tara back in early January.  It was cold, there was snow on the pathways and there was a wicked, strong wind coming from the west.  Fitness wise I was feeling good but mentally the wind was such a challenge.  I kept visualizing that all I wanted to do was run off the side of the pathway, put my hands on my knees, catch my breath and just stop running into the crazy wind.  I realized I was falling into a hole so instead I visualized that I was running tall and feeling fresh and that the wind didn’t phase me at all.  It was not easy, but having one of those really difficult runs in training helps me know I can push past hurt on race day.IMG_6342
  2. I’ve been very fortunate that Tara has been able to join me for some of my long runs.  She’s training for her second Boston marathon at the moment.  Tara pushes me outside of my comfort zone a bit.  My runs have been going really well, so that is a huge confidence booster!IMG_6418
  3. We have the same shoes, which seems to generate quite a few comments from our fellow runners on the pathway!IMG_6416
  4. I am thankful for mugs of hot chocolate, compression socks, sweatpants and cozy blankets.  They are perfect for post long run recovery!IMG_6344
  5. I’ve had some Smartwool socks for years.  I absolutely love them for cold weather running.  Unfortunately I managed to put a hole through one of them on my last long run!IMG_6423

It is hard to believe my race is coming up so quickly!  I’m feeling ready for it…it is just time to push through the final few weeks of training.  What are you training for right now?

I’m linking up with Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their Friday Five.

more from Runner Leana

  • WDW Marathon Race ReportWDW Marathon Race Report
  • Marathon Des Deux Rives – Race ReportMarathon Des Deux Rives – Race Report
  • 2009 Walt Disney Marathon Race Report2009 Walt Disney Marathon Race Report
  • Goofy Challenge Day 2: Full MarathonGoofy Challenge Day 2: Full Marathon
  • Race Report: 2015 Walt Disney World MarathonRace Report: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon

Comments

  1. 1

    Janelle says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:34 am

    That’s awesome that Phoenix marathon training is going well! It’s great to have a running buddy that you can rely on. I got a hole in one of my compression socks too, I need to get some new pairs!
    Janelle recently posted…My Results After the 21 Day Runner’s ResetMy Profile

  2. 2

    Meranda says

    February 5, 2016 at 8:25 am

    That’s a great castle pic above! Good luck in Phoenix! This should be a relief to not have to run the marathon in conjunction with a challenge!

  3. 3

    Ange says

    February 5, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Woo, way to go! You’re definitely nailing your winter training!
    Ange recently posted…Why Bloggers Should Track Monthly and Yearly Analytics (and a FREE worksheet!)My Profile

  4. 4

    Wendy says

    February 5, 2016 at 11:02 am

    You are so ready!

  5. 5

    Rachel says

    February 5, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    You got this! I’m going to do PHX one of these years. My whole family lives there so it would be a great excuse to see everyone. 🙂
    Rachel recently posted…Five Fitness Trends Worth TryingMy Profile

  6. 6

    Jen says

    February 5, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    I’m so excited for you, your training has gone well and you’re going to crush Phoenix.
    Jen recently posted…Live Fit Trainer Week 6 & Toronto Marathon Training RecapMy Profile

who is runner leana?

6 x Ironman Finisher, 11 x 70.3 Finisher, geeky engineer and recent MBA grad.

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