Marathon Ho

Thanks for all the comment love on my 20 miler post. Y’all are awesome and I appreciate that you let me share the details of my life with you.
I’ve had lots of questions regarding my training program. Who do I follow? Where do I run? How long is it?
I considered several training programs and ultimately decided to take a marathon “class” with my local running store. For 2 years I’ve taken a Speed Work “class” with them and have been very pleased with the coaching staff.
What a great decision that was! I’m taking the Early Marathon Class, and my marathon, NYC, is the latest of the early. So I’m following a 23 week program. We meet 3 mornings a week for group runs. They plan out a route, put out water and Gu and provide excellent coaching staff. That leaves me running on my own just one day a week, and it’s usually a shorter run. Then I have 2 days of cross training and one blissful day of REST!
On Sundays we have our long run. Run On provides us with a variety of routes so we don’t get bored of the same old sights. Sometimes we run through the M Streets and Lakewood neighborhoods, sometimes Highland Park or Preston Hollow (yes where the Pre Bush lives!) We hit Deep Ellum and Downtown. We’ve even run to the airport before. This past week it was a loop and I was so grateful to not pass the same sights multiple times. Loops are WAY better than out and backs. (do you agree?)
I’ve learned so much from my awesome coaches, met great people in my group and I’m having a lot of fun. I don’t know if I could do this on my own! The group gives me accountability, but also security. Yes it was expensive, but I broke it down per class and it was $2.89 each class. Not too shabby considering.
I’m in week 10 right now. We are officially in the Strength Phase, meaning we’ll start running several miles at our Marathon Pace instead of Easy Pace AND incorporating some speed work. (my fave!)
I need to do better about cross training. I know how important this is. But I really don’t want to pay to join a gym. Tonight I plan to Shred with Jillian. (although I may back off some, Jillian is rough on my knees!)
I need to be better about nutrition too. Those cupcakes just call me name and I can’t resist!
If YOU want to do better, be sure to check out my giveaway!!! Remember, post a link to my giveaway on YOUR blog and I’ll throw your name in an additional time.