Yoga Pants Life

Long time, no post. Whatever, I expect nothing less from myself at this point.

Anyway, I’m 25 weeks out from running the 2025 LA Marathon – my third LA Marathon and my eighth marathon.

Most marathon training plans are 16-20 weeks, but I’m following a hybrid plan which is a mix of plans from both of the running groups I belong to and one of the groups has a 26 week training plan. The coach of my other group thinks that’s way too much and while I 100% get it, I’ve noticed that when it comes to the LA Marathon, I tend to ‘get behind’ around the holidays (weather and illness also contribute) and then I spend soooo much mental and emotional energy stressing out about not getting off track.

For my own sanity, I’m thinking of this cycle as a 26 week plan. This way, even if I go off the rails at some point and miss 6-10 weeks of long runs, I should still be in good shape for race day.

Now, this doesn’t mean I’m going balls-to-the-wall all 26 weeks – not even close. The next 10 weeks will be more about base-building and as such, I’m only running 3 days (maybe 4 once we get into November) per week – 1 speed workout, 1 easy conversational paced workout, and 1 long run. Along with 3 days of running each week, I’m going to 2 indoor cycling classes each week (90 minutes each – about 60 minutes on the bike and 30 of strength/interval work and a cool down), and 1-2 days per week of deep water aerobics. I’m also fitting in weight training where I can and need to prioritize it more, but for now, I’m breaking it up into 5-10 minute chunks here and there and we work with dumbbells’ and a barbell in deep water aerobics.

Here’s how the last week went…

Monday: 90 minute indoor cycling class

Tuesday: 45 minute run (3.3 miles) with some speedwork and recovery breaks mixed in; 60 minute deep water aerobics

Wednesday: 90 minute indoor cycling class

Thursday: 45 minute run (3.3 miles) at easy/conversational pace – weather was hot and shockingly humid

Friday: rest

Saturday: rest (but managed 8,000 steps cleaning)

Sunday: 1 hour long run (4 miles) at slow/conversational pace, followed by a 3/4 mile walk. I feel like I could have pushed harder and gone faster, but I had a strong run overall and kept the walk breaks to a minimum. I’m actually really happy at how this run turned out, especially since it was 80 degrees while I was running.

Looking forward to another successful week!