Training Update-1/2 way through!

I can't believe I'm already half way done with marathon training for my upcoming race in November, The Monumental Marathon in Indy. When I purchased and read the Hanson's Marathon Method book, I'm not going to lie, I was a little intimidated. The high mile weeks, intense speed workouts, and the whole idea of cumulative fatigue was so different from how I trained for my previous marathons. I figured that I've been a runner for 14 years now and had a great base going into training. I had already completed 2 full marathons and an ultra marathon, so I was willing to give this training plan a try. I'm so glad I took this leap, because I've never felt so strong physically and mentally as I do now.

It's no secret that my goal with this marathon is to Boston Qualify(BQ) I'm well aware that in order to qualify for my age, I need to run a 3:35 or better marathon...or an 8:12/mile pace for 26.2 miles. I knew that in order to make that happen, I would need my ass kicked into shape. I can honestly say half way through the advanced training plan, I have got my ass kicked...but in a great way.  Even though I'm not a "newbie" marathoner anymore, I have still learned a few new things about myself everyday I'm out there running.


1. I've learned that I can run A LOT longer and faster than I had ever imagined before. So many times in the past when I was training, I'd give into that voice in my head that tells me to stop or slow down. Not this time. That little voice is still there, but all I have to do is ask myself, "Am I going to stop or slow down in the marathon? NO! Push through it and come out stronger in the end!" I've had some amazing tempo runs because of this and will still strive to push through as my tempo distance increases over the upcoming weeks.

2. Speaking of "pushing through"...pain, fatigue and I have grown well acquainted over the last 9 weeks.  The whole idea of Hanson's is to go into my long runs with fatigued, tired legs as to simulate the last miles of the marathon and not the first. I've noticed my tolerance to pain has gotten so much better and I'm feeling stronger physically and mentally because of it.  I did have a moment of weakness during a 12 mile run where I stopped at mile 8 feeling exhausted and defeated from that weeks training. I was pretty much crying by myself in the middle of nowhere, looking up at the sky and asking God why was I doing this every day? Why was I putting myself through all this when I could be at home with my family? What if I'm doing all of this for nothing? Qualifying for Boston is out of my league, I'm not that kind of runner. After a few minutes of feeling sorry for myself, I got my act together quickly and remembered how blessed I was to even have an opportunity to train like this. To breathe and see the world like no one else can. I finished that 12 mile run and haven't questioned myself since.

3. I have learned to LOVE the track. The workouts are hard as hell but seeing my times improve and my overall strength increase have started my love affair with the oval office. Like the saying goes, "Runners know that running in circles doesn't always mean finishing where we started."

As I look forward to the final 9 weeks of training and as my marathon approaches closer and closer, I'm going to continue to give it my all and push myself to levels I never knew existed.  Yes, it sucks getting up at 4-5AM, lacing up my shoes and leaving my husband and daughter as they sleep in their beds, but I know in my heart it will be worth it. No one has to understand it as long as I do. I return home a stronger woman, a better mother and wife for my family.

I want to also add that I am ready to forgive myself if I fall short of my goal. I'm not going to focus on that too much right now because I'm going to remain positive, but the reality is something out of my control could happen in the upcoming weeks or on race day. The desire to be the best runner that I can possibly be will always be there and that alone will be enough for me to never stop trying, no matter how long it takes me to BQ. Like I've said before, running is engrained into every fiber of my being. I was born to do this and I'll never give up.

 

A few of my favorite running things

One of the things that make running so much fun is all the awesome and cute gear that comes with it(at least for me anyway) Here are a few things I'm obsessed with and use on my runs often.

Oiselle is my favorite running brand for clothing, period!  Their clothes are so freakin cute and the message the company sends with empowering women and supporting runners everywhere is one that I want to associate with. The Oiselle distance shorts have stolen my heart.  Super comfy, stylish, and way functional for "running the distance".  They do not ride up like a lot of other shorts I've ran in the past and they come with 3 pockets, two of them having zippers, so you can securely carry gels, cell phone, or car keys.  

I'm also in love with the Winona tank and the strappy bra from Oiselle. The tank is amazingly soft and wicks sweat like no other...and the bra, well is just as amazing.  Supportive and gives a colorful burst that goes great with any tank top.  

Of course I love my Cocogo hydration packs.  Check out the review I posted before this post to see what it's all about.  I plan on hydrating all summer long with this stuff.  Tastes amazing and goes down easy to keep me going on my long, sweaty runs.  Don't forget if you're wanting to buy some, use my code BLONDEBUNRUNNER at the Cocogo website and save 40% off your entire order! You won't regret it.

Which leads into my next favorite piece of running gear.  My Nathan hand-held water bottle. I'm a pretty picky person when it comes to carrying things while I'm running, but with this bottle, it makes it easy.  It has a thumb hole, so you can carry it without it sliding around in your hand and a functional zip pocket in the front to store gels, keys, cell phone, or whatever you want!

I'm a huge fan of the Vega line.  After a run lasting longer than 90 minutes, I use the accelerator within 30 minutes of my run.  The nutritional shake I use almost every day, especially when I don't have time for breakfast.  And then the performance protein after every single run.  It's packed with protein and BCAA's which help me recover in between workouts.  All this stuff keeps me going and helps me stay injury free and healthy.

Ah, my Brooks Glycerins.  These shoes have been SO good to me over the years.  They are the perfect neutral running shoe for me.  I've tried so many different brands and styles and these are my "sole mate".  The new Glycerin 12's are coming in July and I will be first in line to buy them.  

What are some of your running faves?