11/08/2023
Congratulations to Keri on completing using triathlon training. Here’s her training and race recap:
“Starting training when you haven’t fully recovered from your last marathon is not recommended. I reached out to Lizzie and asked “Should I even try this??” She was confident that with lots of cross training we could make it work.
I previously ran 5-6 days/week max 60 miles/week. This cycle, I ran 3 days/week max 34 miles/week before taper. I cycled 2-3 times/week, swam and did lots of PT. A couple of injuries caused me to miss 2 long runs, but guided me through and October 8, I toed the line healthy, happy and pain free!
I was ecstatic just to be there, but with my unconventional build I wasn’t sure of my current marathon pace. I decided to trust myself, do check-in with myself often and adjust as needed.
It was fun starting with my friend Miquel. With the huge crowds and amazing race excitement, it was calming having a familiar face, someone I’d ran countless miles with in training beside me.
We had a conservative start and I felt great through the first half starting to fatigue around mile 16. Mile 19, she forged ahead and I knew I couldn’t keep up. As I watched the gap grow, I knew I would need to use all the mental tools I’d practiced to pull me through the final 10k.
I thought about my family, soaked in the encouragement from the crowd, focused on my form, repeated mantras until finally, there I was, going up the 1 real hill on the course. The final 400m and I knew I was going to be ok.
As I quickened my pace down the finish chute, I smiled at the camera and focused on the finish line, nearly being taken out by a guy making a beeline for his photo op! I blocked the force and crossed the finish in 3:50:16. Not a PR, but a time I am very happy with given where I began. I got there injury free and sore 😝.
Big thanks to Coach Lizzie!! I don’t have plans to run another marathon any time soon, but if I do I would highly consider the approach to again!”