With only 16 days till my first marathon, I have been revisiting my reasons for running a lot. I don't really have a fear of the distance anymore, but hope it will be a positive experience (just like I dream it will be!). I have always been a runner at heart. Everything about a good run speaks to me; the wind on my face, the traveling scenery, the solitude and independence, the endless challenge.
I never thought I would be much of a long distance runner. I had never run more than a 5k before March of this year. I had completed 10k's but walked at some points...so I don't really count those.
So I started training. I started accomplishing things I never thought possible. I remember running 4 miles and feeling totally astonished with my own abilities. I was hooked on the feeling after that.
I always start athletic goals with the hope I will slim down and look exactly the way I want. I continue to look for the big weight loss but it is no longer my main goal.
I just can't wait to learn more, be more, and achieve every dream I can think of. Running has become the source of my success. This gold star seeker likes the challenge.
Doodah's Inspiration Here:
I set the goal of a marathon this year because of my father. It seemed so hard. It seemed like the hardest thing I could do. My father was diagnosed with a aggressive brain tumor just after Christmas 2010. He has had a hard road; and he keeps going knowing everyday may be his last best day. It is so hard. It is hard, because I can't help him. I just want to do something to show my love; to hopefully help him feel less alone in doing something hard. So he won't suffer feeling alone.
Overcoming Obstacles:
I have had a fair share of trial and error and continue to learn what NOT to do in marathon training.
-I struggle with hydration and quality food
-I am a heavy runner who has not lost much weight during training
-I train on a treadmill because of schedule challenges and extreme heat in summer months April-October in Texas
-I am pretty sure I was over-training in the last two weeks. I was not able to sleep and kept getting slower instead of recovering after a run. I had heavy legs forever!
I am trying to take better care of myself by resting more and stretching better. Hydration continues to be difficult but I'm working on that. It is officially cool this week in Texas and I'm going to do a 10 miler outside this weekend. I gave up red meat after a bad encounter with a raw McDonald's hamburger a few weeks ago so, that has brought a few changes to my diet. I don't miss it.
Do you have any advice for a new marathoner?
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4 comments:
I can totally relate to your reasons for running. I am excited for you to finish the marathon. That step across the finish line changes everything. Suddenly all your can'ts become cans! My only advice, which I was actually able to do (kind of a miracle), is let the time go. Pee when you have to, drink when you want to and take it all in. Pay attention to how you feel, if you feel strong... you are. The clock cannot make that determination for you!
Good for you, you definitely have the right mindset!!! My advice would be to start SLOW! It is so easy to start a little too fast in a race, but 26.2 miles is a loooong way, start slow. Also, really KNOW what the race means to you and why you are doing it, at a certain point your mind has to take over and get you to the finish line and you will need to KNOW why you are doing this. Good luck!!!!
Start slow, like the above person said. I started off at a 9min mile for the first 10miles of my first marathon and by mile 13 I was done. I took a better approach at Eugene and started off a full 45 seconds per mile slower and I felt good until about mile 22. By that time I was so close to the end that I started doing a run / walk to take me to the end. enjoy the experience, pump yourself up, have a few mantra's that you repeat to yourself when it gets tough. Run the mile you are in instead of thinking 'I have 15 miles left' or something like that.
Advice for a new marathoner-
Take it easy. Enjoy the run. You'll be hooked.
As far as nutrition goes, you should ideally be taking in 30-60 grams of carbohydrate per hour. Best ways to do this are in the form of something like Cliff Bars or Energy Gels.
You need electrolytes and water as well- my suggestion is to either drink something like gatorade- which covers carbohydrates as well or water with electrolyte tablets- my preference is Nuun.
As far as the overtraining and recovery, I suggest compression socks or compression calf sleeves, the "Stick", foam roller, and ice baths.
And, did you know that most people gain weight while marathon training? It's true. Sadly, training for a marathon is not a good way to lose weight.
Don't be so hard on yourself. I know you're going to be awesome.
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