“Stay the course. When thwarted try again: harder, smarter. Persevere relentlessly.”
~John Wooden

This week is a celebration of staying the course and persevering despite a fairly bumpy start to this marathon training cycle. Nothing out of the ordinary–just injuries, family events, scheduling logistics…life–little frustrating setbacks and challenges that multiplied over time and caused enough friction to make me question myself and my ability to pull off another 26.2 mile adventure.

As I write this post however, I am feeling relentlessly optimistic again, knowing that Staten Island will see my toes, and my running partner Janet’s toes, on the starting line in six weeks. And what a moment we will share as we run through the five boroughs of New York and cross the finish line in Central Park!

To any of you who might be struggling with your training, you’re definitely not alone. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t bump up against at least a few of these common obstacles during a 16 or 20-week training program. Life happens. It’s how you manage to keep your chin up, your head on straight, and your eyes laser-focused on the prize–that glorious starting line.

Progress, as we know, isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to step back, regroup, start again, and/or figure out a new approach all together. It’s your story to write, and your journey to enjoy, so make it fun and make it work for your lifestyle. Most importantly, stay the course and keep moving forward in some form or another. You will get there!

Here’s a peek at my Week #13 training schedule (Sept 11-17):

• Mon 9/11: 5 mile recovery trail run at Ellwood Bluffs, core 30 min.
• Tues 9/12: Spin class 50 min, strength (leg weights) 25 min.
• Wed 9/13: Run 6 miles hills and fartleks
• Thur 9/14: Yoga 30 min, rest day
• Fri 9/15: Run 4 mile trail run at More Mesa, core 25 min.
• Sat 9/16: Run 16 miles
• Sun 9/17: Rest & recovery day, walk 2 miles w/ my hubby

Monday was the 22nd Anniversary of 9/11, and even after all these years, it still hits hard. After being glued to all the tributes on TV, mid-morning I opted to lose myself in a trail run. Nature cures much.

Tuesday’s cross-training was another high-octane spin class with my favorite instructor Kristine, who always brings the energy. It was a sweatfest, then it was leg day in the weight room.

My favorite run this week was Wednesday’s late afternoon run. I don’t usually like to run in the evening nearly as much as the morning, but it took me allllll day to get out the door, so when that happens, you get what you get. Thankfully what I got was an incredible run, and I credit that in part to “letting down my hair,” changing it up, and turning it into a “free-form” run (ie-anything goes).

I went to a location I had never run, but often cycled, a nearby rural neighborhood with a couple steep hills, dreamy flats, and a few tiny rollers. The beautiful late afternoon light added to the awesome autumn vibe. My choice of music–some of my fav old rock-n-roll like the Stones–and my choice of hills and fartleks (unstructured and playful speed intervals) had me smiling from ear to ear for the 6 miles I knocked out. It just reminded me once again, that hard work doesn’t have to be torture. It’s a win/win when you push yourself, and still feel the joy bubbling through.

On Thursdays I typically do another high-intensity spin class, but this week I wisely decided to I listen to my body and opt for yoga instead, knowing my legs would benefit more from recovery than another strong effort. My only goal is to get to the starting line in one piece, so after a spate of injury setbacks, I’m much more conscientious about reigning myself in, and relentless about recovery, especially when my body is talking.

Friday was a fabulous cruise along the bluffs of More Mesa in cool, autumn-like weather. I took it nice and easy in preparation of Saturday’s long run, and enjoyed all this little 4-mile scamper had to offer. I love where we live and runs like this just drive it home for me.

Saturday the running gods blessed us with perfect weather for a long run. It was cool and gray once again with fall letting us know that it’s on the way. I based myself at Leadbetter Beach and did a 10-mile out and back to Montecito, cruising along the waterfront and drinking in the beauty of our town. When I circled back to my car to refill my bottles, I also changed my shoes because I’m still struggling to find I a pair that makes my sassy feet happy.

After my brief pit stop, I headed up the hill and meandered to the Douglas Preserve, then circled back down for a 6 mile loop. All in all, I was extremely happy to be able to knock out 16 miles, manage my fuel and hydration well, and feel like I finished the week strong. My calves and feet may have reminded me that I need to do more strength work, but they carried me through, and for that I’m grateful.

I love doing my long runs on Saturday, and having a reset day on Sunday to sleep in (if I’m lucky), linger over coffee and my journal, watch CBS Sunday morning, catch up on household chores, go on nice walks with my hubby, and catch up with friends. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again: balance is the secret sauce to training. Without it, burnout can make your motivation flame out.

PS: If you’ve missed any of my previous NYC Marathon training posts, you can click here to check them out:

Kicking off 20 Weeks until the NYC Marathon

Week #2 NYC Marathon Training: Patience & Grace

Week #3 NYC Marathon Training: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Week #4-11 NYC Marathon Training: The Good, the Bad & the Evolving

Week #12 NYC Marathon Training: Showing Up