When I trained for the half everything fell into place. I had no trouble keeping up with my training schedule, never got sick, no injuries and a zero issues on race day. In training for this marathon I have had set back after set back. In September I started getting knee pain and I've been very sick twice in the last two months alone. I haven't got the mileage in that I wanted to feel confident on race day. And still I am worried that the knee pain is going to set in early and cause me not to finish. All I want for this race is to finish! I would like to finish in under 5 hours, but at this point that might even be pushing it. Now I'm in the 'tapering' part of training where I start cutting my mileage and start to rest up for the race. If you're not into running you'd be surprised how much you have to consider the week before the race. Everything from what foods I should eat, how much water to drink, salt intake, what I should wear in the race, how much running is too much or too little etc. It's enough to make a girl anxious that's for sure!
So to take my mind off of that let's talk about Pile On The Miles! As a new runner I just found out about this awesome challenge in the world of blogs! Essentially, it's where we challenge ourselves to walk or run more miles in the month of November. The goal is to pile on extra miles not pounds during this food-filled time of the year. Check out the widget I've added to the blog to get the details or click here! They've got some really great giveaways that are given out both randomly as well as based on mileage. I for one need all the incentive I can get to keep logging miles and to keep moving during this time of year!
Also, for those seasoned runners out there I have some questions!
- What do you think of compression gear? What do you recommend? - I really am tempted to get some compression socks, sleeves or tights because I'm willing to try anything at this point that might help me to fatigue less and avoid as much pain as possible!
- I just recently switched from my beloved Brooks shoes that got me through my half marathon training and switched to some Nike Free 2.0 shoes. Has anyone used these for long runs like oh say a marathon??? Hoping I made the right choice!
- Music or no music?
Hope everyone has a wonderful and active weekend. I plan to get outside and breathe in that cool air. And don't forget to sign up for Pile On The Miles by end of this month. Would love to be logging in those extra miles with each and everyone of you! And share your goals with you friends - they'll keep you accountable!
Danielle, here's my two cents:
ReplyDelete1) I recently started using compression socks and loved them. They helped keep my legs warm in the cold/rain and they look cute, too :) A lot of my friends use them and swear by them. I wore them on my 10-mile today and feel good, but won't know until I do something longer. I am going to wear them on my 20-miler tomorrow, so I'll let you know.
The more you do marathons and run - the better you will get and the less sore you will get afterwards. I recommend running on trails if you have them nearby - at least some of the time. That will alleviate some of the jarring from the pavement. Some people like ice baths...I personally hate them! :) I also recommend hills and speed work to give your body some challenges - especially if you find yourself getting bored or plateauing.
2) I am lucky to have a neutral foot, so don't have to worry about shoes too much. But it's important to have ones that feel good for you. And make sure you change them when they feel kind of flat or cause your legs to hurt - that's how I gauge when I need a new pair. It's hard to say at what mileage to change them. I'm not sure what they say it is!
3) I love music to run and it gets me pumped up sometimes when i need it. But I also love to hear the wind and rain and birds in the woods ;) If I'm doing a hard run, I definitely bring the tunes!
Have a fabulous race tomorrow!!!! I'll be thinking of you!!!!!
Oops one more week to go! :)
ReplyDeleteCari, thank you so much for such solid advice! I would love to do some real trail running. Not sure I have any trails close by though. I dream of running through the woods. Very flat and bare out here though there is one route nearby that has some small incline type hills to it. I'll have to try running that route more often! Thinking I need to make a new playlist for the race :)
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