On Sunday, I will be running the Chicago Marathon {cue minor panic attack just typing those words}. I was really looking forward to taper time following our 22 miler at the end of week 13 but these taper weeks have proved to be really hard. My calf started bothering me last week and continued this week. I also was put in an antibiotic on Thursday due to a lingering sinus infection, so it was a light week for me training wise.

Monday

Rest day.

Tuesday

This was our last speed work day! The work out was as follows:

1 mile warm up
200m (8:15-8:45) — This pace was set from the last time we did Fartleks.
30 seconds recovery
Repeat 12 times
1 mile cool down

My 200m splits were: 8:00, 8:26, 8:06, 8:22, 8:15, 8:07, 7:51, 7:35, 7:40, 7:52, 7:14, 7:03. I’ve improved so much since the last time we did this workout in week six. However, I walked three quarters of the last mile back since my calf was bothering me. I busted it out for this workout and I am so proud. However, I probably could have done without it.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

I rested and rolled my calf all three days.

Saturday

Our long run was supposed to be 10 miles, but I stopped after 3. My chiropractor and everyone kept reminding me that I really don’t need this run. The hay is in the barn at this point and there was no reason to run if my calf was hurting. I didn’t want to stop and I had some tears, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I stretched, rolled, iced, and walked on my calf the rest of the day Saturday.

Sunday

Rest day.

I am trusting in the plan and trusting in the taper at this point. Week 16 will consist of me resting my calf and fueling all week for the race on Sunday. I’ve put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears over the last 15 weeks for this marathon and I intend to go out and crush it.