MY RUNNING GEAR: Marathon Training Shoes: Mizuno, Training Bra: Adidas, Hats: Nike, Pink Capris: Nike, Running Skirt: Nike
It's been 7-weeks since I started training for the City of Trees Marathon in October, and I have 11 weeks left to go. If you'd like to see our 18-week marathon training schedule, click here. I also Instagram photos of our long runs, so catch up with me there to stay on track with my training schedule. To be honest, I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I feel great so far and I'm really enjoying it, and I thought I'd give a little update as to how the training is going.
Since beginning marathon training, my appetite has increased slightly, and I've noticed that I'm much more hungry in the morning and during the day—especially on days that I have early-morning runs. On those days, even after breakfast and a snack, I'm usually famished by 10:00 am and ready for lunch! Daniel and I often split meals in the evenings when we go out, and if we eat at home, we don't cook large portions. Having a husband who used to be a personal trainer is great for me because we both keep each other's diets (as in "what we eat," not actual "diets") in check. However, on the days that we do splurge and split a giant burger or go all-in on a pizza, it's not a big deal.
I have also noticed that my hips do not enjoy this training. Before, when I've trained for half marathons, my knees usually gave me a hard time. This time around, my right hip is very painful after my runs. The pain generates between my hip bone and my glute (butt), right in that little indentation back there, and radiates forward to my hip flexor. It's been so bad that after a couple of the really long runs, I've had to lay down for a couple hours. To remedy this issue, I've started getting physical therapy massages—which sound great—but are actually rather painful. The good news is that after the massages, the kneading of my muscles, and the trigger point annihilation, the pain usually subsides for a couple weeks. At this point, it's something I can handle, though I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't get any worse over the next 11 weeks.
The biggest change I have seen & felt is that I've lost weight. Back in April, I wrote a post in which I mentioned I was 137 pounds. These days, I'm right at 130 (update: I guess I hadn't weighed myself in a while, because as of 8/4/13, I am now down to 126). Seven pounds might not seem like a big weight drop, but it's not the weight so much that I've noticed, it's the way my clothes are fitting. I'm able to wear things that I haven't been able to wear in years. In addition to the seven pounds, I've lost over 6% body fat. The last time I took my body fat was when I was about 132 pounds and it ended up being 18%. I should mention that I'm not trying to lose weight with this training program, but the way my body has responded has not disappointed me. However—as you can assume when females lose weight—the spot I've noticed the most loss is in my chest... and heck, that wasn't big to begin with. So that's a little frustrating, not because I'm getting smaller, but because I keep getting comments (from family only, of course) that I'm looking a little... "flatter." Bummer.
So, 7 weeks down, 11 weeks to go... and lots and lots of miles in between. We're up to 15 miles for our long run this weekend, and since my mom will be out of town, I'll be running solo (and probably jamming out and dancing the whole way... typical me). This whole experience has been great (so far), and I'd be curious to know if any of you have trained for a run—any distance—and if so, what you noticed about your body and how the training went for you.
67 comments:
Way to go girl!
You go Aunie! I'm excited to see how this turns out for you and follow your journey!
You are such an inspiration!! 7 pounds can DEF make a difference in how you feel & look (I think)!
I only just finished week one of my ten week ten mile training so no body changing results yet, but we'll see.
I did notice a body change when I switched from mostly yoga and short runs for workouts to mostly strength training and short runs. I started doing Total Body Fitness classes at my gym instead of my usual vinyasa yoga and I really bulked up my arms and I gained some weight that made my clothes not fit as well. This negative change, paired with new aches (especially my shoulders), made me decide I'm going to go back to yoga for strength training. I like how my range of motion and flexibility increases when I regularly practice.
I hope to work up to longer runs like you! I hope your hip feels much better as you continue your training :)
Big Apple, Little Bites
first of all...holy abs, A! i've developed runner's knee with long distances, so i literally feel your pain :( good thing you're not ignoring your body's warning signs & not pushing yourself too hard! one of my fitness goals is to run a full marathon one day. so, keep up the good running & best of luck with training :)
keep up the awesome work!
Awesome job! I recently started training for my first half marathon and my body is changing for sure. I have a very curvy figure and I am loving it being slimmed down. Gotta love the side effects of running - great figure, more energy, and for me I am just happier! Keep up the great work!
This is exactly what happens to me when I run! (both weightloss and the leg/hip/glute pain). What are physical therapy massages? That sounds amazing and I'd love to do that and see if it works for me as well!
There is nothing pleasant about PT massages... but they're about a thousand times better than a cortisone shot or anything more invasive. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself and not just running through the pain! Congrats on starting this journey and good luck!
Way to go!! I did a half in June and lost about 8 lbs over the course of my training...mostly from my booty (which I dont mind) but also from my chest..which I do mind!! :( ha! Come Sept I'll start training for my first full in Jan!! So I always love reading about other peoples progress. Keep it up and good luck!
Ugh the chest weight loss....worst! It's happening to me and it's so depressing! I'm trying for a half right now and am enjoying it for the most part...my hips seems to hurt a lot too after my longer runs. Sometimes they try to give out before my stamina.
New follower on Instagram! Love the shoes! I just ran my first 10K a few months ago and am thinking about training for a half next. I would like to run a marathon EVENTUALLY.
LOVE the shoes! They look super comfy.
Thanks Jamie! I really appreciate that!
Thank you a bunch, Hima. I can't believe only 11 weeks left... it's getting close!
Thanks Pamela! I totally agree. I feel lighter and more fit, and my normal clothes fit much differently. Needless to say, I'm loving all my belts!
Thanks, Kelly! I know what you mean... exactly! I stopped running for a couple years and was focusing more on high-intensity interval training and lifting at the gym, and I noticed that not only did I bulk, but I had a much harder time doing the cardio I loved. I still lift weights and go to the gym, but I should try yoga... that sounds so amazing! Good thinking!! PS> Good luck on your upcoming run/training too! that's awesome!
Thanks a bunch, Lauren! I think this is the second time EVER I've posted a photo of me without a shirt on, and I was really hesitant to do it. But hey, I can't talk about it and not give the proof, right? :) Good for you for setting that as a goal. It's been a lifelong goal of mine, too so I'm so glad to finally be doing it!
Thanks Bailey! You're right... it IS hard. Much, much harder than I thought it would be!
Thanks Lindsey! I know the feeling exactly, I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets that runner's high... and wouldn't you think that all that running would make us more tired? Nope!! As you know, it sure doesn't! Good job with your training!!
Katie, it's miserable, huh? Ugh! So, I just go to a massage therapist here in town, and she specializes in sports-related injuries. If you call one of your local massage places/spas, just ask for someone who can do therapeutic massage. We have another place in town that specializes in that, it's becoming a lot more common! I was lucky with this lady. I booked the appt and asked for a regular massage, noting that I had hip pain, and I was scheduled with this lady. It's been rocking my socks, but feels great afterward!
I've been following your progress - way to go! I'm training for my first 1/2, and OMG - it is so hard at times! I know my body is like "what are you doing to me?" I'm excited, though, and I can't wait to cross that experience off my life list.
PT massages are the best/worst. It's kind of like a foam roller, which I have a love/hate relationship with. Hurts so good, but better than injury!
Thanks Stevie! Ugh, I can't even imagine getting shots... that totally freaks me out--I really dislike needles. It all happened as a fluke (I really just wanted a relaxing massage), but this lady was great to find my trigger points and we've been working on it! Thank you so much for your support!
Thanks Lindsay! Great job on your half! 8 pounds is great!! I didn't think I was going to lose it this fast (I lost most of it within 3-4 weeks), but I'm not complaining now. I've also noticed that my butt has lost a LOT as well. Sheesh... why do the lady parts have to be the first to go? :)
Sarah, great job on your half training!! I know what you mean about them going out... I've finished runs at almost a limp before. Those aren't pleasant! And boo on the chest weight loss. It's so sad!
Shannon, thank you so much! Those shoes are THE BEST. They're just "support" shoes that don't correct for pronation or anything, and so far this is the first pair of shoes I've ever worn that hasn't made my toenails fall off. By the end of the running, that may be a different story, but for now, they're amazing. And I've run in Asics, Nike, New Balance, Brooks, Avia, you name it. Everything. These Mizunos are awesome, and though I didn't like the look of them at first, they're growing on me now! PS> good job on your 10K... go for the half!
Yes it is SO miserable! :( Awesome job continuing on with your goal while taking care of your health at the same time though!!! I am going to contact a new MT I just found then - she's at my chiropractor, and after searching for YEARS for a legit chiro, I found her! Keep us posted lady xx
Jenn, thanks for following along!! YES-- it's just like a foam roller. I've been meaning to get one of those!! Good for you on your half training. When I ran a distance over 6 miles for the first time, it was pretty unreal! I'm proud of you!!
Oh that's so good! Yay for you! :) And I will surely keep you posted. I think I need to update more often than every 7 weeks, eh? :)
I have trained for my first marathon with Hal Higdon, as well. It was the most single best thing I have done for myself in my life and I am currently training for the next, which will only be a half, however, it will be with a very ambitious time goal. When I was training for the full November-March 2013, I noticed that my legs grew, especially my quads. I didn't have too much weight to spare, so I didn't really lose but gained weight, because the muscles were growing and the definition became even stronger. I wish I had cross-trained more than I did back then, I usually only had energy for a yoga class a week or so. This time around, I will be lifting, spinning and incorporating yoga into the mix to stay even fitter. I underestimated the power of cross-training and how it can be sometimes more beneficial to my running performance than the runs. I had a lot of issues with my knees and do to a lack of shoe rotation, I injured my ankle at some point. Thankfully, with a new proper running evaluation from a professional and the appropriate shoes for my style, I was able to get it in check before the race.
My new schedule starts next week, so happy running, and all the energy in the world to you, friend!
Hey there! Thank you so much for your comment. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR HALF TRAINING! That's so exciting. And you've reminded me how much I need to get back into the cross training. Daniel and I bought bikes earlier this year and I need to start using it!! Or swimming, or doing the elliptical... and especially YOGA! Anyway, great luck with your training. I hope you'll keep tabs on me... only 11 more weeks to go and then I need to figure out what's next!
PS> What's your time goal for the half? I'd love to know!
Oh my goodness you look cute. But I can also see where your family would say fatter but it might be the way you hold your arms. You might need to add beaching or something for the chest to help with that. I hope your hips will be okay by the end of this. Have you seen a doctor to make sure its not something bigger? Good luck!!
I would so love to run a marathon one day but I don't know. I feel wayyy to lazy for that. Just walking across a parking lot seem hard, let alone running it. I am however getting back into walking more and most importantly I have cut just about all junk out of my diet.
I wish my boobs would get smaller! I'll give you some of mine! ;)
I got a cortisone shot exactly one time, in high school. I decided I never wanted to do it again ever and stopped gymnastics. I wasn't going to be a pro and the pain wasn't worth it!
after I run, my hip to the outside of my knee hurts. I've started foam rolling and that makes a world of difference (if I keep up with it...). here's to no running injuries!
Dang girl, look at those abs! So glad it has been going well!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Do you like your Mizunos? I have debated on those exact ones a couple of times but still haven't tried Mizunos at all. It sounds like you are having IT band tightness! I had to quit training because my hip got bad last year, but foam rolling makes alllllll the difference if you roll after every run. After a few weeks your hip/glute pain will be under control! At least it worked for me. Good luck on your training!! Do you have a time goal?
You look AMAZING! You are such an inspiration to me. I have actually tried jogging on the pavement.. and even though I cannot go as far (as quickly) as I do on an elliptical.. I am still doing it.
You were posting these workout tips... I need help with my lower abs... Through all my weightloss, my lower abdomen region is still... DOUGHY... doesn't match all the progress I made! Thoughts?
www.katerivosntealsnewlife.blogspot.com
Well the downfall to being a woman is that our hips/knees/feet do not align the same as a mans... That means our hips are wider than everything and can cause knee/hip/fee issues when running. When I went to the sports ortho he was so excited that I was a woman runner and taking a bunch of x-rays to figure out what was wrong with me. He's loved messing with my knees. Which of course I didn't want to be there b/c I was having issues and then he exacerbated the issue by making it more sore from messing with it. Anyways I go the whole speech on alignment, etc. (: AND I'm predisposed to early arthritis. BUMMER!
I did run a marathon in 2006 (Chicago), which I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before? Now I just run shorter races (half's or less). I noticed (with high cholesterol) that running dropped my points by a lot! I have genetically high cholesterol. It was around 245 and dropped to 180! I don't eat high fatty foods either, so I'm just out of luck on that one.
I do notice that when I am training I eat more and my body does change. Skinnier is usually what happens. I like you have to be careful when running b/c I don't always want to lose weight. I usually weigh around 110 and am 5'4 so when I lose weight it can be badddddddddddddddd news.
Anyways, I think you are doing awesome and keep up the great work! (:
Cody, I haven't seen a doc yet, but if the pain persists I may need to. It's just annoying, you know?
Also, the diet is the most important part! Good job. That's the first step to many more to come ;)
Please do! I'll take all I can get these days!
Oh ouch ouch ouch. You're right... not worth it!
No kidding! I NEED to get a foam roller... this just solidifies it!
Thanks so much, Kelly! They always look best first thing in the morning... isn't that always the case?
Christy, I LOVE my Mizunos. I should have posted about those, too. This is the FIRST pair of shoes I've ever worn (tried Asics, New Balance, Nike, etc) and none of them have done me right like these ones have. I have one sad toenail that I'll probably lose, but that was from prior training in different shoes. I haven't had shin splints, pronation problems... anything. They're the miracle shoes! Oh, and we are thinking 4 hours or under. What do you think?
Helloooooo! Thank you so much. That means a lot. You're doing great! And I feel you, when I get on the elliptical it's SO HARD for me. When you're used to something, like you are to the elliptical, switching your main training platform can be so hard!
OK so tips... of course ab exercises are key, but the diet is the biggest part. I know you posted today about eating right, and that's the big ticket. The sugar and heavy carbs are what do it, so try to avoid those if possible... or just limit it! It's not the easiest thing, but it helps!
Amanda, you are one tiny lady! Holy moly. I've got a good 20 pounds on you. Jeez! :)
I know you're right about the hips. I really enjoy half marathons and might stick to those after all this! I really really appreciate all your support!
Ahh you are so inspiring, Aunie! you go, girl!
Thanks Katie! Just 11 more weeks. Sheesh... help it go by quickly!
Yeah I know that kinda of annoying pain. I really hope it gets better soon.
I hope so. I hate eating out anymore. I also am trying really really hard to cut out soda. I only drink about one can (diet) a day but I want to be rid of it completely.
Holy smokes--yours abs are incredible! I've started running again (3X a week, currently at 5-8 miles a pop), but unfortunately for me, I've only GAINED weight. I did do a post though about it to make me feel better about the whole thing because although I hadn't lost anything (and am currently up two pounds from the beginning), I've lost over 7 inches.
Bodies are so weird sometimes.
If you care to read the post, here's a link:
http://autodidacticambitions.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-not-just-about-weight.html
Do it! My mother-in-law started doing iced tea and that helped give her the bit of caffeine she looked for in the pop. Or try crystal light or something... that's my favorite :)
Torrie, THANK YOU! That means a lot. Get this... you are doing AMAZING. To gain weight BUT lose over 7 inches? I bet your body is loving the training and you're totally getting healthier because you're gaining lean muscle and losing fat! That's the way to do it! Going to read your post now :) Thanks again for your comment!
I will. Right now I am working on getting it down. Also I am looking for a replacement but no luck so far.
Sorry for the late response, I am just now getting Disqus figured out haha.
I want to run the half in 1:45-50. I think 1:45 will be ambitious because I haven't been running as much since the marathon in March, but we will see. I am tweaking the schedule a bit and doing a hybrid between the Novice 2 and Intermediate, adding the pace training from the Intermediate into the other. We will see how that works out. I am so excited for you! I think the marathon was just an amazing experience! Yoga has helped me a lot, the core and back strength is crucial for a successful performance and especially hot yoga helped to stretch the tendons and helped their growth a lot. I had a lot of IT band issues towards the end, so i really needed that. I think the biking, just like swimming, will be great as well, it is good endurance work without putting so much pressure on the joints. I am spinning for that now. I will definitely be keeping tabs - I have been so excited about meeting new runners over the past year, it is just a whole community I had no idea existed! Are you rotating shoes? I am buying my second pair to finally begin with a shoes rotation now that I think may be beneficial to spreading the pressure all over my legs as well. We will see!
Good luck for a new good running week!
Thanks so much for getting back to me! That's a GREAT TIME! Holy cow! My fastest half is 1:48, and I think we will be trying for around 4 hours or under with the marathon... but you just never know :) But seriously... that's fast! Good work! I am not rotating shoes at the moment, but I've still been in the moderate mile lengths under 15 miles or so. I might need to as the mileage increases, and I think it's a great idea. Thanks for the reminder... and good luck with the rest of your training!! :P
We tend to get really ambitious with our times ... I think at some point we even had a goal of 4 hours for our first marathon, but clearly, that was just unrealistic for the very first race. But hey, a girl can dream! Keep up the good work!
Your abs are annoying. Stop it.
Oh no... now I'm feeling over-ambitious! I think my main and first goal is just FINISH!! :)
Oh please, Ms. Queen of Abs!! AND BICEPS!
The chips I'm eating for dinner beg to differ. :) Anyway, hope your hip starts to cooperate, hang in there!
Chips?! You need ... like... a BURGER or something :) ha!
Veggie burger, of course. :) But yes. My dinners could use some major improvement! I need a chef roommate. Actually, I need a roommate who cooks, cleans, and does landscaping. Free lodging for anyone who fits that criteria! LOL
If I lived there I would definitely not be hired! HA!
And that it should be to not let yourself down because quite frankly, I don't think we had any idea before the first one and thus, our goals were a little ...nuts haha. Finishing is great enough as it is, no need for additional pressure and even disappointment in the end!
Agreed! If we finish, that's the ultimate goal :)
That's not a matter of if!
WHEN WE FINISH! WE WILL PARTY & CELEBRATE!! when when when! :)
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