The Final Push

With just one week to go until marathon day, this week marked the last significant build-up before I fully taper down. It feels both exciting and daunting, but as I reflect on how far I’ve come, I realize the hard work is nearly complete. While my knee is still a concern, I’m feeling much stronger and more prepared than I was at the start of this journey.

Sunday – 10k Progression Run

I kicked off the week with a steady 10k progression run, completing it in 52:29 with an average pace of 5:13 min/km. I felt solid throughout the run, maintaining good speed and cadence. It’s rewarding to see how much my endurance has grown; I remember when maintaining this pace would have felt challenging for a much shorter distance.

Monday – Recovery Run and Strength Training

Monday was all about active recovery. I covered 6.5 km at an easy pace of 6:27 min/km, giving my legs a chance to loosen up. Later that day, I focused on strength training to keep building my core and lower-body stability. I spent just under an hour on various exercises, emphasizing stability and resilience to support me through the final marathon miles.

Friday – 17.5k Long Run

Friday was my final significant long run, clocking in at 17.5 km. It was a good day for it—sunny but not too cold, which made for an enjoyable outing. I took it easy at the start, but toward the end, I pushed the pace a bit, finishing with some faster splits. My feedback from the run: “Good day for it, sun’s out, and not too cold. The run was at an easy pace, then some faster splits at the end.” The steady pace and the faster finish were confidence-boosting, confirming that I still have energy reserves even as I approach the final phase.

This time, I kept the route local, choosing a familiar path with no big hills. Having run this route a few times now, it felt comfortable, almost like a victory lap around familiar territory. I was able to enjoy the scenery and just focus on running rather than battling tough inclines. The run ended on a high note, knowing I could still pick up the pace near the finish.

Weekly Summary

• Total Distance: 34 km
• Total Time: 4 hours 2 minutes
• Longest Run: 17.5 km with a consistent pacing strategy and strong finish.

Weekly Reflections

The sun was out, it wasn’t too cold, and with an easy pace for most of the long run, I felt in control. It’s amazing to think about how this was once such a daunting prospect, and now I’m just a week away from the real thing. Reflecting on the journey, I can see how far I’ve come, and it feels great to look back on the steady progress. The excitement is building, and while the thought of the marathon is intimidating, it’s not as overwhelming as it once was.

Feedback from Jen

Jen’s message this week was filled with encouragement. She noted the consistency in my pace and strength in my speed sessions, mentioning how much stronger I’ve become. Her advice was to focus on sticking to my eating plan and to be well-prepared by packing everything in advance. I really appreciated her words, especially as we near the finish line. Knowing that she’s confident in my progress gives me a boost as I head into this final stretch.

As she said, all that’s left now is to tick over the remaining sessions, focus on fueling properly, and be ready for the big day. It’s been a long road, but I’m feeling ready. Here’s to one more week of preparation, and then, it’s marathon time!