NYC Marathon Training | Week 14 of 16

14 weeks down, 2 to go!

Monday was a rest day and I had a great foam roll and stretch session with the ladies. I wasn’t as sore as expected after running 20 miles 2 days prior so that was a win. I felt great for Tuesday aerobics in the morning but was not feeling the after work run at all. I struggled through 4 miles on tired legs and was very happy when it was over.

On Wednesday I treated myself to a massage! I booked this appointment a few months ago knowing it would be a few days after my 20 miler. It was just what I needed.

Thursday was another aerobics morning + 4 mile afternoon. I was feeling a little better heading into this run and I was hoping to run 5 miles so I would only have to run 3 on Friday but I only made it 4. Oh well. That just meant I’d have to run 4 on Friday. 

That night Craig and I went out for a bit and checked out Comedy Night at Naukabout. Earlier in the day we found out our friend Rob passed away the night before so it was nice to get out and laugh.

My only long run option for the week was Saturday because we were going to the Bills game on Sunday. All week it was looking like rain all day on Saturday. Yay. When I woke up Saturday morning, the radar showed a break in the rain from about 9:30am-12pm. Perfect. I’d run and be home for the noon kickoff of #7 Penn State at #4 Ohio State. Craig and I made coffee and had a little breakfast as I waited around. As it got closer to 9:30, that window was shrinking. Now 10am-12pm. Then 10:30-12pm. I made the decision to run 12 miles instead of the scheduled 14. It just wasn’t worth it. I got anxious and decided to head out the door at 10:00am - in the rain. It was pretty steady, light rain and about 60 degrees.

At the time, everything about the run sucked. I spent the first 2 miles readjusting my new Bills hat - the hat I am planning on wearing during the marathon if it’s warm, sunny or raining. I almost threw it out a mile in because I was so annoyed with it but then I finally got it to fit just right.

I spent the next few miles running with a heavy heart thinking about Rob and all the wonderful memories over the years. Rob was a fan boy with Bill and the two of them were always the best and in every one of my classes at Mashpee Fitness. I’ll never forget Rob’s fashion and the MTV shorts, his sprinting technique (or cheating) during long laps in the pool or his wide range of music favorites from Britney Spears Work Bitch to Ed Sheeran Sing, Pretty Fly for a White Guy to CECILIA and of course anything by the Stones. He was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.

I tried to shift my mindset to the positives. It was 60 degrees, not 30 degrees. I confirmed that the leggings I wore would be my race day leggings if the weather was cooler. I was also trying to look and pay attention to all the beautiful fall foliage.

I ran Cotuit and told my dad to stay home that day - even though he was more than willing to bike next to me in the rain. I was about 4 miles from home when I saw his red truck turn around on a side street up ahead. It was nice to take a little break and chat and wipe the rain off my face. He said he would drive a little bit further up and meet me just before I crossed 28 and ventured up the hill.

Just before I got to him the second time, it started POURING. I did make a quick stop at his truck then took off towards home. I had no problem crossing 28 but that first stretch up the hill I was getting splashed from every direction from cars passing by. It was the worst. I powered up the hill and didn’t even stop for a break. I just wanted to get home. I was so over this run.

When I got home, I was SOAKED. I peeled off my clothes and jumped right into the shower before spending the next couple of hours on the couch with my Normatecs, drinking hot coffee and watching Penn State lose yet again to Ohio State.

Sunday was game day! I had been waiting for this day since I bought tickets back in June. Bills were playing at New England in October. The past few years they have been playing here late December/early January. I was pumped. Craig and I got up, packed our gear and headed to Foxboro.

My cousin Austin drove in from Buffalo and we had a blast even though the Bills played like crap. Josh Allen kept over throwing Diggs. Von Miller only played 6 snaps. Tyler Bass missed a field goal. The defense was without Tre White and Matt Milano. It was sad. But Craig wore a pair of my Zubaz (his choice), we brought Blue Lights to the tailgate, we had awesome front row seats by the Bills tunnel and we were surrounded by a lot of Bills fans. They really know how to have a good time - even when we are losing.

With 2 more weeks to go, I’m getting closer to my fundraising goal. I appreciate each and every one of you that has donated so far or has taken the time to wish me luck, read my blog or ask about my training. Running is such an individual sport but as I’ve said before, it takes a village and I wouldn’t be where I am today - 2 weeks away from the marathon - without Team MEB, my parents, Craig, family, friends, coworkers and clients/club members. You are all the best. Go Bills!

Monday 10.16.23

REST

Foam Roll & Stretch

Tuesday 10.17.23

4 miles (31:34)

Low Impact Aerobics

Wednesday 10.18.23

30 min Mat CORE

75’ MASSAGE

Thursday 10.19.23

4 miles (31:19)

Low Impact Aerobics

Friday 10.20.23

4 miles (31:33)

30 min Mat CORE

Saturday 10.21.23

12 miles (1:26:23)

Sunday 10.22.23

REST

This week’s mileage: 24 miles

This week’s Reggie mileage: 0 miles

Training totals: 375 miles

ICYMI

Week 1 of 16 Week 5 of 16 Week 9 of 16 Week 13 of 16

Week 2 of 16 Week 6 of 16 Week 10 of 16

Week 3 of 16 Week 7 of 16 Week 11 of 16

Week 4 of 16 Week 8 of 16 Week 12 of 16

Why I’m running the 2023 NYC Marathon

If you would like to support me and donate to the MEB Foundation, visit my fundraising page: https://www.givengain.com/ap/jen-skiba-raising-funds-for-meb-foundation