Marathon Training

Side note, this is my 250th post.

It's going to be about running. Who knew?

Saturday I laced up my Mizuno Wave Rider 12s. I haven't tried the 13s yet, I've got one more pair of brand new 12s in my closet, waiting their turn...have any of y'all tried the 13s? What do you think? Better, worse, the same? I'll soon need to switch out my shoes but I'm trying to hang on to these as long as I can. I'd like to run the marathon with shoes that have fewer than 100 miles on them. That will have me switching in mid April. Not sure these will make it that long. We'll see.

But anyway, laced up my runners and I was off. Early on Saturday. Early. Guess what though? It wasn't cold! I was able to wear shorts and a long sleeve shirt, my favorite running combo! And it wasn't raining yet, so bonus. We all met at Bahama Mama's house and headed out on a route I planned to meet all of our various needs.

The weather was perfect, about 50 (10 C) degrees. I had 14 miles (22.5 km) on the schedule and for the first time this training schedule, I knew I'd be on my own for the last part of the run. No one else in my crew is training for a full right now. (unless Bahama Mama changes her mind...) It was a great run! I planned quite a few hills but they didn't slow me down or give me too much grief. My knee stayed happy and my hip kept her mouth shut too. Praise God for pain free running! We dropped one girl off at mile 8 and then rest of us continued on to mile 11 (just over 17 km.) We stretched a bit, I got some water and then I headed out to finish the remaining 3 (5 km) on my own. By this time the sun was up and folks were out walking dogs so I didn't feel too isolated. This was a concern of mine because those last 3 miles weren't in my hood, nor in a hood I was really familiar with. I'd run in Bahama Mama's hood before, but only on the way somewhere else, never just wandering around. I only got lost once, but thanks to the GPS in my phone, I managed to find my way back eventually! I honestly could have kept running I felt so strong. Finally! I'm hoping that all this stretching, cross training and strength training for my hip is paying off. I'm nervous about 16, but thankfully I've got 2 weeks before then.

With breaks and all, I covered my 14 miles in about 3 hours. That's a slow long run, just like I like it. Burning that fat indeed. I stretched well then busted out my chocolate milk that I had packed the night before. Mmm, don't you just love a cold chocolate milk after a long run? Notice my fingers get all swolley and puffy after I run long. Does this happen to you?Trying something new, I decided to go with braids instead of my usual pony. I liked that they don't flop around and hit the back of my neck like a pony does. Howevs, I soon discovered that my pony helps keep my hat in place. I kept tugging at my cap to keep it on! See that smirk? That's me telling my hip who is boss. This week it was me!I enjoyed a long hot shower, breakfast of Life cereal, a banana and 7 almonds. Then I slipped on my Zensah leg hugs and parked myself on the sofa, propped up my legs to ice my hip and get my Olympics on. I'm saving that first ice bath of the season for my 16 miler in a few weeks. Yeesh. I love ice baths like I love the foam roller. An necessary evil! (and yeah, I foam rolled for about a half hour too)

Later in the day I made it to Ulta on the hunt for taupe nailpolish. I've been reading about this everywhere, most recently on Erica's blog. Did I find taupe polish? Nope. But I did score a yummy purple, appropriately titled "No Spain No Gain" and a pearly pink, "Rosy Future." OPI, you make me laugh! Are you telling my future in nail color?

I've been nervous about my long runs getting longer. The pain from my last training experience is still very fresh on my mind. 14 for me, represents the threshold into real marathon training. 12 is, eh, just a long run. 14 is business. I'm hopeful that my injuries are behind me know. I'm training smarter this time 'round and being very respectful of my weak @$$.

And just for giggles, since I'm so pleased with my new, less intense training program, I'm posting my schedy for this week. This go-round I'm focusing on fewer miles and more cross training. Let's hope this adds up to marathon success in May!

Sunday - Rest (always one of my faves)

Monday - 3 mi run with fartleks

Tues - cross training (prolly 10 mi stycling)

Wed - 7 mi easy pace

Thus - 4 mi easy

Fri - cross training (prolly 8 mi of stycling)

Sat - 12 miles (unless I decide to do the Cowtown half...)

Hope you enjoyed your weekend too!