Sunday, July 7, 2013

And it Begins!

This week begins marathon training! This is my first attempt to run a full; I'm a little nervous, but mostly just excited. Here is the schedule for training I'll be following:

Hal Higdon's Intermediate Plan
I like the look of the Hanson Method, too, especially because of the shorter weekday runs. But I don't know if I could do two back-to-back long runs on the weekends; I've never done a long run above 13 miles, so I'm not sure what I feel comfortable with yet.

I'm editing it a bit because of reality. My long runs will be done on Sundays because the marathon I'm running is on a Sunday, and I think the consistency will be helpful. I flipped my cross training days to Saturdays, but wonder if maybe I should just rotate everything so that cross is Monday and my rest is Tuesday. I'll see how I feel after the first week or two.

Because I have to be at work by 7:30 when school starts up again, I'm wary about fitting 8 mile runs into a weekday schedule. I could do two-a-days and run four in the morning and four after work, but I think I might just keep my longest weekday run at 6 miles. Again, we'll see.

Obviously I'm new to all this, so there will be some trial and error in the beginning. I want to find a plan that will work for me.

The marathon! So excited!
I know it's important to set multiple goals for something like this, so mine are: a) to put my full effort into the training and not slack off; b) to finish standing up and without injury; c) to finish under 6 hours.

(I know I shouldn't have a time goal but I couldn't help myself. And let's face it, under 6 hours isn't anything to write home about anyway.)

This will be the first time I've undertaken a big race on my own, without a training partner. Our local running store offers marathon coaching, so if I end up feeling lost I may go ahead and get a coach, but a big part of this is proving to myself that I can set a goal and go for it with only myself to motivate me.

I never fuel on runs, so I'm going to be looking into a fuel belt or vest and trying all kinds of methods for eating on the go.


This is going to be a long, crazy, life-changing journey...and I am SO ready!

What gear should I look into for my training?
What kind of fuel should I look into for during long runs?
What kind of cross-training do you prefer?
Have any random advice for me?
Wish me luck!

ABK

16 comments:

  1. I've never fueled either and need some advice! I'm not running a marathon but I lose steam at mile 8 every time! Can't wait to read about your journey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've read that anywhere upwards of 60 minutes of exercise, you should replenish calories, but I'm not sure which gels (or foods) to start with. I was sure you'd run a full before! Mile 9 is my worst mile every time haha!

      Delete
  2. Yay, looking forward to reading along and being inspired :)

    My favorite cross training right now is swimming. The weather is so perfect for it and man does swimming make for a good workout. It feels a lot like running and requires finding your best stride, pace, etc. which I like :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, yes I'll need to try swimming! I'll probably need to get an actual bathing suit for real swimming lol.

      Delete
  3. I love my Nathan Minimist. You may already know that about me since I mention it at every turn. It's a great way to carry fuel and liquids. During the summer, I've been taking it on almost every run over 5 miles. In the cooler months, I don't break it out until I'm going over 10.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That one is definitely on my list to try! Running vests etc are so expensive, I want to try a bunch before I purchase. I want to make sure I LOVE it.

      Delete
  4. Thanks for checking out my post from Emma's blog!
    I can't wait to read about your marathon training!
    I am going to complete a marathon next year and I am SCARED but excited at the same time :)
    When I ran my first half, I used GU chomps because I disliked the GU gels and I always thought they were successful!
    Good luck with training, you will rock it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do the GU chomps have caffeine in them? I'm going to look into those, thanks! Thanks for stopping by :o)

      Delete
  5. Good luck! Maybe try the GU gels? I think that will be my fuel of choice when I start doing long runs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :o) There's going to be a lot of taste testing, that's for sure.

      Delete
  6. You go girl! I have no advice as I am just traing for a 5k, but I look forward to sharing your journey through your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So exciting! Good luck with training!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So, good luck! Very excited to get to follow your progress. I think your excitement about it will help give me some, since I'm not feeling it much these days.

    Fuel, gear, etc., you'll just have to try stuff out and see what works (or doesn't) for you.

    I think swimming is by far the best cross-training if your goal is to complete and enjoy. If you're trying to get more power/speed then I hear cycling is the way to go. But swimming would still be useful then. The water acts as a massage and it helps with regulating your breathing. Plus no pressure on your joints.

    Random advice: As you get into longer runs make sure to start carbo-loading the day before. Not a heavy meal last thing in the day but just a little extra carbs continuously through the day. Makes a big difference on runs above 10 miles.

    And again, good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope my excitement renews your excitement which then renews my excitement if/when it lags! :o) Best part of the running community is the constant cycle of inspiration.

      Thank you SO much for all this helpful insight. I need to get an actual one-piece for doing laps, I think.

      Delete