Sunday was the first day in way too long of a time that I woke up in my own house after a normal night’s sleep, got out of bed, and did not get ready to either run or do yoga. I guess I could go through my weekly recaps to find out when the last time really was, but that’s not how I want to spend this workout-free time.
It’s interesting how a person like me can take something that’s supposed to be relaxing (yoga) and make it into just another thing that MUST. GET. DONE. Totally not the point, and I’m glad I decided that during marathon training there will be one day per week where I completely rest from all exercise, even yoga, even stretching. Give the muscles a break and pretend they’re not even there. That means no vacuuming either. This marathon training plan is starting to rock!
Let’s see what I did this week. Spoiler: NYC Marathon training week 1 went exactly according to my plan. I’m going to write it all out anyway or else I’d have nothing to say before announcing my PRO Compression giveaway! The beauty of the internet is that you can scroll down to the bottom if none of this interests you. I won’t even make you feel guilty for wanting to do that. Except I need to tell you that you’ll miss 3 pictures of my watch, and at least 4 mentions of the weather. Your choice!
Monday – 6 miles, easy pace. I’ve decided, for the first couple of weeks of training at least, to wear my watch for all my runs, even the “easy” ones. This is not to control my pace, but rather to get a sense of what paces feel easy on what days to get a better sense of where I’m at with my fitness. For months, I’d been tracking only for tempos and long runs and I want to get the big picture for these first few weeks.
Later on, 25 minutes “post run” yoga.
Tuesday – 7 miles total with 4 at goal marathon pace. I kept the 4 miles right around 7:50-55, with 2 miles warm up and one cooldown. I was happy with this run! Later on, similar yoga practice to the day before, about 25 minutes.
Wednesday – 5 miles easy pace. The “recovery” run always feels extra slow, no surprises here. 30 minutes yoga later on, with core strength.
Thursday – It’s funny what you learn wearing a Garmin. Like the fact that a run you thought was 7 miles even is actually 7.26! This was my “hilly route” run so the pace on the watch actually felt a lot harder and was very variable based on up or downhill. I felt like I gave the effort I wanted to, and the weather was also surprisingly cool which helped.
Later, 30 minutes gentle yoga.
Friday – No running, 40 minutes early morning yoga.
Saturday – 12 miles – first long run. This was a very, very humid run! At the start of it it was already 75 degrees with 90% humidity. Luckily it started raining around mile 10, but even with the rain cooling me off my legs felt jello like. Humidity always makes my legs feel jello-y.
Late in the afternoon I got in 30 minutes of yoga, mostly stretching with a little core and leg strength.
Sunday – Rest
And just because I have the pictures, I’ll show you a couple of breakfast highlights from the week. Feel free to scroll if this is too ridiculous!
Nothing like a post run breakfast, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again!
But now! This is the moment! My Pro Compression Giveaway!
Procompression marathon socks have been my favorite ever since I discovered them while reading blogs about a year ago. I have two pairs, but as you can see above the neon yellow pink striped ones seem to get the most photo love! These socks have gotten me through my toughest and longest training runs plus the Philadelphia Marathon in 2014. I also love wearing them after a run for extra support and because apparently I like looking at pretty colors.
The two pairs I currently own were purchased on my own, because they are simply awesome in every way a compression sock can be, and the fun colors don’t hurt the cause and simply make me happy!
That said, I was super excited when the company contacted me last week offering a giveaway to my readers! If you guys haven’t tried these socks yet, now’s your opportunity to WIN A FREE PAIR of marathon socks in the color of your choice! If the socks aren’t your thing, you also have the option of choosing a pair of compression sleeves!
The even cooler part (in my opinion, because I love sales!) is that Pro Compression is also giving all of us a 40% off discount code for all marathon socks and sleeves!
Be sure to use the code PRO15 when you check out so you can stock up on your favorite colors just in time for fall marathon training! PRO15 for 40% off – seriously good stuff.
To enter the giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter below, plus sign up for the PRO Compression Newsletter for discounts, sales, and more giveaways!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
How were your runs/workouts this week?
Do you wear compression socks or sleeves to train?
You know I love PRO Compression too!! So glad week 1 went well for you. I totally understand needing to wear the garmin at least in the beginning. And I like your plan of no vacuuming on a rest day. In fact I don’t think anyone training for a marathon should be allowed to vacuum:)
Agreed, vacuuming is hard work!
LOVE Pro Compression and my Pro Compression socks. The best!
Agreed!
I love the mid length ones!
Glad week 1 went well, thats a good start….but I am sure marathon training will have many lovely speed bumps to shock you with (which of course you will get through and stay strong). I will be looking forward to supporting you as you get ready….heck, live it through you as I am not racing a fall marathon. Would love the pro socks, but I think I need to be loyal to my brand 🙂
Lol of course, loyalty comes first! And thanks Tina, it means a lot to have blog friends supporting me! I will certainly need the boost when things get rough 🙂
Wearing ProCompression as I type!
The best!
Great first week 🙂 I had a pretty decent week ending with a race yesterday! I immediately put on my compression socks after and didn’t take them off for the whole day. Sorry not sorry.
They feel so good after a tough run, agreed!
Pro Compression socks are the best and Btw, you rock those neon colors. Your post is NOT boring! You are after all a running blog among many other interesting and thought provoking topics. Love hearing about your training.
Thanks as always, Leslie! You’ll be hearing plenty about my training as the weeks go on 🙂
Very important question is what shoes will you be wearing for the marathon? Mizunos or Asics? BTW I love Saucony more than Mizunos. I started off in Asics, moved to Mizunos now in Saucony. I own all 3 and a pair of Hooka’s. I rotate through all of them now.
I might not wear either! I’m really not sure, my first marathon was run in Brooks adrenaline and I might try those again when both of these wear out, since they worked well for me. I’ve also worn Mizunos in the past before Asics, not sure I need the bulk of the Asics anymore. The only brand I have trouble with now is Saucony because of the heel drop, I need more of a classic drop. I really love trying new shoes 🙂
Love the pink argyle and light pink!
Love those too, thanks for entering!
Great job with your workouts this week! The first week is always so fun and exciting. Hoping the rest of your training goes as planned!
I’ve loved the Pro Compression marathon socks as long as I can remember! I have a white pair with a black chevron on the top that are so cute. I’m hoping that I win because both of my pairs are getting quite old and I could really use a new pair. Thanks for hosting!
Thanks! Totally love that “first week” feeling, sadly it’s tough to make that last! Pro compression marathon socks really hook you! They feel so good after a tough run even when it’s too hot out to wear them for long runs. Thanks for entering!!
I like the pro compression calf sleeves in white
Glad to hear your training week went well, with some nice paces! Love PRO Compression!
Thanks! Agree, Pro Compression rocks!
I love my ProCompression socks/sleeves that I have (purple are my favourite). I wear them A LOT when I’m training and for recovery! I had a really solid week of training for my 3rd half marathon.
Awesome, glad training is going well 🙂 I also wear them just as much for recovery as for training!
I just found out I might be running the NYC marathon so training starts today! PRO Compression is my fave!!!
Amazing!! That’s so exciting, good luck with training 🙂 They’re my favorite too!
Great start to your training cycle
Thanks!
it looks like you had a great first week of training for New York City! That’s great! My runs last week were a little challenging, simply because summer finally hit in Chicago and the heat was almost unbearable! Here’s hoping for a better week!
Thank you! I hear you on the weather, we’re in a heatwave now and this morning was just brutal! Seems like it’s hot everywhere, looking forward to a break from it.
LOVE Procompression! Wear them for every run!
Agree they’re amazing!
YAYAYAYAY for NYCM training! I started my run Saturday a little bit later because within the first 10 minutes I was totally drenched. It was tough, but at least it kept me somewhat cool in the killer humidity! Hope you have a fabulous day : )
Those last 2 miles when it rained made the run SO much better! Meanwhile Sat morning didn’t compare to the sauna that was my run this morning. Hoping it’s a bit cooler for my marathon pace miles tomorrow but not looking good!
Love Pro Compresssion socks!
Agreed, the best!
I’m running my FIRST marathon this October and I must say that my training is going very well so far. Yesterday, when I calves were feeling tight after my long run, I was just thinking how it’d be nice to own a pair of compression socks. Then this morning I saw that you were doing a giveaway. Perfect timing!
The pro compression sock colors I love are the neon pink and the powder blue.
Thanks for entering! They really are awesome, and the discount code they give you makes them affordable thankfully 🙂 Love those neon pink ones too!
I love ProCompression socks!
Agreed, thanks for entering 🙂
I’ve never worn compression socks, but I think they could be a good thing for me – I have a weak right side from an ankle fracture, knee tendinitis, strained hip flexor and now lower leg lac all there, and they would definitely offer more support 🙂
I like how the socks support the ankles, I’m not sure if it’s my imagination but it really feels like it makes a difference!
I am SO EXCITED about the socks. I have NEVER worn them but have been wanting to. The 40% off makes it worth trying. I have trouble with my feet and ankles swelling in the summer–mostly due to a medication I take daily to prevent severe migraines, but I have been thinking compression socks may help. Not to mention–I kind of like the idea of spicing up my running look:) Great to see that so many people like this brand.
I actually had a great running week. Added some speed work. Feeling good about running right now. Woo hoo!
The 40% off makes them affordable, that’s how I tried my first pair about a year ago! I really do love all their products, including the tights I’ve tried. Also agree the socks spice up any race outfit!
Congrats on a great running week and that speed work, not easy in the summer!
I love my neon yellow ones!
Congrats on a great first week of training! I just finished my first week too and kicked off Week 2 this morning 🙂
Thank you! Same to you, we’re right on the same page with training 🙂
I saw a bear on my run last week! I didn’t stick around to take photos though. Great job on your first week of training and yes you are so right about how great a post-run breakfast is!
Seeing a bear would scare the crap out of me, I’m certain! And thank you!
Great first week!
Omg…I LOVE my pairs of Marathon socks! Never do I get shin splints or sore calves anymore! I used to run in the them and then keep them on after and the next day to promote my recovery. I love them!
I love the way they feel after a tough run and even the day after a long run, they really are awesome 🙂
I love the look of the low socks!!! but i also love those striped long socks – or the neon swirl. Would really love to try the compression tights!! wowsers
I know, they have a bunch of really awesome products! Haven’t tried the compression tights yet but I have the capri leggings and they are beyond comfy! The marathon socks are cute and seriously do the job too!
I like the Marathon, White, Red and Blue Stripe socks and the 4th of July Special.
Thanks for entering 🙂
Love compression socks!
Yes! And thanks for entering 🙂
Dang girl, you killed it out there! Way to rock your first week! I also take my watch on easy runs, but I don’t look at it (if I need to see my distance I just cover the time/pace with my finger). I try to do most of my running by feel because to me that’s a more efficient way to run easy than trying to hit a pace, but I also want to track my runs and I like to know how I did at the end.
I used to always wear compression on my long runs, but it’s too hot now! I’m switching to just for recovery. I wore my black and white striped PRO compressions to Grandma’s Marathon last month and got tons of spectator comments on them!! 🙂
Thanks so much! I find it hard not to look which is why eventually I don’t use it for easy runs, in the beginning of training though I like to see what my paces feel like, I think that’s important to know too.
I agree it’s hot for the long socks during a run, but I still put them on after and they feel great!
My favorite pair is the Marathon, Berry Boom!
Awesome! Thanks for entering!
Great first week of training! I totally use rest days as an excuse to avoid housework as well. My training went well this week and I accomplished my first 50+ mile week. I love compression socks for after tempo or long runs, especially if I have plans later in the day – they’re like a restart for my feet and legs!
Okay, glad I’m not the only one 😉 Congrats on a great week of training! Those 50+ mile weeks are tough on the body and you definitely deserve lots of quality rest time, in cute compression socks of course 🙂
I Love ProCompression socks. I wear the sleeves, marathon socks, and low trainers. My favorite pair are black with pink and green argyle on the sides. Good luck in your training! I’m doing a September marathon (trying to BQ – only 4 minutes off but it seems like a lot at the moment). I had my first of 3 twenty milers today and it was HOT. still better than cold IMO.
Thank you! And good luck with your training as well – I know what you mean by feeling like 4 minutes is a lot, just training for the distance in general is tough and then to improve time can be overwhelming. I’m right there with you! And congrats on getting through the 20 miler in the heat, that will certainly make you strong and right on your way to that BQ!
I love pro compression socks! I have a few pairs (2 pro compression and 2 zenga) and even though some people (and articles) say they don’t really make a difference I really think they do and I feel like I recover quicker when I wear them on my long runs!
I’m the same, I’m not sure they’re doing anything, BUT I swear I feel like they make a difference in recovery! So that’s all that matters 🙂
I love the black sleeves! And I have heard great things about their socks too!
They really are great, the best ones I’ve tried and I’ve tried several brands 🙂
wow what an awesome week you had!!! great job 🙂 i totally get the whole thing about turning something relaxing into something you HAVE to do, lol! i do that all the time! i can turn anything into something crazy.
i’ll have to check out those socks, what a smoking awesome deal!
i had over 14 miles on saturday with my new group, the run walkers, and loved it!!!! cheers to happy feet and happy bodies 🙂
Saw your 14 miles on Instagram – awesome! Definitely check out the socks, they really feel great and the color choices are really hard to resist too!
I’ve never tried pro compression socks- I live in Florida and have always thought they would be too hot. Now I’m recovering from a sprained ankle and I think I will need the extra support! Everyone here seems to think they’re pretty awesome.
I do feel like they’re too hot to wear on long runs in the summer, but I’ll still wear them afterwards to help with recovery, and they just feel good! Then once fall rolls around they feel great on long runs.
I tried Pro Compression marathon socks for the first time earlier this year after the Pittsburgh Marathon and they are great! They helped so much after long runs.
They are really awesome for long run recovery!
I’ve never worn Pro Compression socks or any types of compression socks for that matter. But I would love to try a pair! I love all the fun colors and recovering faster would also be pretty cool too 😉
The fun colors are a huge plus! They feel so good though, once you start wearing them it’s hard to quit 🙂
I love the Marathon Purple ones!
Awesome, thanks for entering!
Love reading about your marathon journey, and I especially enjoy seeing your post run eats! SO many colors and nutrients. Curious, what differences have you noticed personally wearing compression socks?
Haha I’m glad you like seeing the food! I love compression socks mainly for how my legs feel after a run! I have noticeably less swelling, achiness, and soreness, and I also feel like they support my feet and ankles during a long run or marathon, which is pretty crucial during those runs.
Of course I had to read every single word of how your training went. If I can’t run, at least I can through bloggy friends!
You will run soon! We’ve all been there though, totally get it.
I found some from smartwool that I love. I wear them after long rides (I’m a cyclist) and they have made such a difference!
Once you get used to these types of socks there’s really no going back 🙂
I would probably just pick a black pair! I have some colored ones already and love them!
For some reason I always skip black and white and only have colored! I probably need a black pair too 🙂
Looks like your plan is going to work great for you! I love pro-compression socks after a long run!
Thanks, I hope so!! Agree there is no better feeling than these socks after a tough run!
Hey, one quick question. I’m going to order a pair. My running shoe size is 8 1/2, which according to them would be a small. But I really want a lot of compression because I’m recovering from a sprained ankle. Do you think I could wear an extra small? Thanks!
I’m a size 8 or 8 1/2 in running shoes depending on the brand, and I have both the small and XS sizes and both are fine, so if you want a bit more compression I think xs would work.
What a great blog you have! I have enjoyed reading about your training. I always find reading other people’s training journey inspiring and insightful!
For my choice, I have to say the Neon Pink Swirl… I love my pinks 🙂
Thanks! And I have a thing for neons as well, but pink is definitely my favorite 🙂
The neon pink or neon yellow swirl for sure – so cute!
Awesome! Thanks for entering 🙂
I wear the socks for 95% of all my runs – I have so many but I’m loving the new rainbow stripes.
Great first week. I love pro compression socks after long run. I ẹnoy seeing your post run eats, so many nutrients and colors
Thanks!
I love all of my pairs of Compression socks and wear them ALL the time! I don’t have those cute stripe ones that you do though and I think I would go for those! 🙂
Love them!