MY RUNNING GEAR: Marathon Training Shoes: Mizuno, Orange Top: Nike (similar), Hats: Nike, Pink Capris: Nike, Tanks: Nike (T-shirt version), Shorts: Nike, Running Skirt: Nike << Alas, Nike is clearly my running clothing preference.
We did it! We made it through the halfway point in our 18-week marathon training schedule! Last weekend marked the halfway point, in which my mom and I were supposed to run a half marathon. There weren't any 13.1 mile races in town, so we hit the mile-marked Boise Greenbelt and pumped out our mileage at race-pace. I Instagrammed a shot post-run, and considering that we weren't actually racing anyone—or even trying too hard for that matter—our time of 2:03 was great!
I mentioned in my last update that my hips were having a really hard time with this training. I'm happy to report that with regular therapeutic massages and lots of foam rolling, my hip pain is almost non-existent. My massage therapist has taught me several great at-home techniques, stretches, and even things that Daniel can help with to release my hip-tension. In addition, last time I weighed in right around 130 and have since dropped another 4 or so pounds, bringing me in at 126.2. That means I've lost 10.4 pounds since beginning training, and—though I don't enjoy my loose & ill-fitting bras now-a-days—I'm enjoying this new level of fitness that my body is taking me to.
I think my favorite thing about training for this marathon is that sure, I'm a runner, but I'm not a professional. I'm just a normal person who set a goal and now I'm chasing after it... literally! I'm in my mid-20's, and I'm training with a bombshell of a mom who is—sorry Mom, about to tell everyone your age—totally killing it in her 50's. We don't train super-fast (normally a 10-minute mile), and we don't have spot-on diets or 6% body fat. We are normal people. I just love it.
This morning I completed 8 miles in preparation for our upcoming weekend run of 17-miles. That's the longest distance I've ever gone, and we've only got longer runs from here on out. Until next time... Run Forrest, Run!
52 comments:
Can I just say how much I admire what you're doing? The fact you're - in your own words - just a normal person who has set herself and goal and is running towards it, makes me believe that I can do it too. I might not ever run a half-marathon but I can get myself out there and running too.
So awesome! I love that you're a normal girl, working towards this goal. Definitely want to run a full marathon, but I'm a little ways out of doing it! 2 hours of running seems to HARD! You rock!
You are awesome!
My hips seem to be the only things that bother me as well. They do seem to get better with stretching but that pain is just no fun! I am running my first ever half this weekend and hoping they don't get me too much trouble.
You go, girl! Whoop! Awesome training progress! I am loving the pink capris, those make for great running motivation! Great pace, great progress.
I am still working through the first tough weeks (funnily, I like the longer distances during an established routine more than the first few weeks of short runs and having to establish that routine all over again.) I'm back to continuously gaining weight I feel, but so be it ... like you said, we are normal people, I guess I can't choose what my body will lose or gain at this point!
PS: What's your to-go-to post-run refuel? In case you don't have one, I'm highly recommending a tall glass of chocolate milk and a double peanut butter sandwich - has always gotten me through the runs and races and right back up on my feet! Keep on running, A!
You are insanely inspiring to me! I am training and have been having trouble keeping with my schedule, but when I see your instagram pics and posts I am reminded what its worth! And everytime I get out there I am that much happier with my running! Would you be willing to share some of your diet and other exercise? It always helps to see what others are eating. I know you said you don't have spot on diets, but I wouldn't mind seeing what your diet is typically like and when/what you eat before and after your runs for the most energy. Thanks for sharing as always!
You put me to shame, Aunie. I'm in week four of my ten week training for a ten miler and the 8 miles I ran last weekend just about killed me ha. You ladies kept up a great pace for such a long distance!
Great job! I remember training for my first marathon I got through the long runs each weekend because it was such a high knowing that was the furthest I'd ever ran. Great Job!
Love this, I'm planning to train for my first marathon as soon as baby arrives!
Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Totally Proud of YOU! and your mama!
Amazing! Keep going girl!
You'd be proud, I went for another run through my neighborhood. Accomplished 2 miles in about 30 minutes!!!
I'm running a marathon the same weekend as you and it seems like we're on the same schedule! (8 miles today, 17 on Saturday) Hope the rest of your training goes well! :)
http://fiveleveninety.blogspot.com
Love the update! I just started week 5 of an 18 week training plan for my first Marathon in novmeber! So amped right now! LOVING THIS!!! We are going to kick BUTT in our marathons :)
Just read this after my run tonight... Great timing! I'm not anywhere near the pace and distance you're working on now, but I have my goals and I'm working on them one step at a time. Pun intended. :) I'm eager to be fit enough to work towards a marathon too! Congrats on your exciting progress!
It all starts with one step, right? I'm going to see my chiropractor about a hurt ankle that's kept me off the track for some time. You've inspired me to, when that's dealt with, to get the running shoes back on.
I've been using some foam rollers and lacrosse balls to roll out some of my aches and pains, it actually feels great! I am so proud of you my friend! I promise to reply to the email soon and tell you ALL about the 5k!
xoxoxo!
You go girl - you got this training in the bag ;) Were you on track or anything in high school? If not, how many miles did you do when you FIRST started running? I'd love to start but feel like a complete and utter fool when running.
You're a rockstar! I just started running last month and was able to run my first mile straight yesterday! You and your mom are such inspirations. :)
Congrats on the weight loss and you go girl1
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
That's amazing!! I'm training for my first half and I've been experiencing horrible stomach issues, but can't seem to pinpoint the issue. I've cut dairy and coffee. Ever hear of anything like this?? In open to trying everything because I was doing really well and this past week has been horrible.
Thank you so much!! I think for me, it's not even about running this marathon, it's doing this fun thing with my mom that we set for ourselves to do. And shoot... you don't have to run, but just MOVING. That's the key. I'm proud of you!
Thanks Shannon! 2 hours of running IS hard, I don't even know what I'm going to do when I have 4!! This weekend, if we run for time at a 10/minute mile, our run will be 2:50... almost 3 hours! Insane!
Sarah, congrats... You are going to ROCK IT! My first-ever half was not only the easiest for me, but I ran my best time. I'm sending lots and lots of good luck vibes... just have fun! :)
Thank you so much! And oh man, those pink capris... they don't hide A THING! Seriously, every single jiggle... you can see it if you're behind me! :)
I think I agree with you. I prefer the middle of the training schedule when it's regular runs and you have your schedule down. Getting started is difficult!! I'm sorry to hear about the weight gain, but you're right, your body is telling you something, and maybe right now it's just working through a phase!
So... post-run fuel. I'd love to tell you that I have a protein shake every time (which I should), but typically I opt for something like a bowl of cereal, an oatmeal bar, or a GIANT lunch like mac and cheese or a pizza. I'm really bad about being a super-healthy eater. If I go for a long run, I want A LOT OF FOOD. Ha! My one tip though is a big scoop of peanut butter BEFORE my run. It helps fuel me for 15 miles or so... and then I need a little something like a gatorade or gel to finish :)
Thanks!!! I'll take all the good luck vibes I can get!! Good luck with your run this weekend!
Thank you SO MUCH, Cynthia! I never expected to inspire anyone with this journey, but if you say so, then I say THANKS! I definitely appreciate all your encouragement! And good for you! Keep up the training, because you're right, it's SO worth it.
So, for my diet. Yes, I'm not spot-on, but I do keep it regular, which is a good thing. Here's a typical day for me (during the week):
5:30am - wake up and run (I don't eat pre-run in the early mornings if I'm only going 4-8 miles)
7:00am - breakfast bar or oatmeal bar, or even an instant breakfast 10:00am - morning snack, like yogurt or fruit
12:30pm - lunch! FINALLY... I'm starving by this point. Lunch is usually soup or a piece of bread, lunch meat and a piece of cheese... all toasted to melted perfection.
2:30pm - afternoon snack, usually crackers, veggies & hummus, nuts or sometimes candy (oops!)
7:00pm - dinner... and we usually eat out (in a couple weeks we'll be moving so we will finally have a kitchen to cook in!). We split almost all meals and always do protein + veggie, but often add a carb in as well.
No way, no shame involved at all! I think training for ANY run of ANY distance is challenging, and trust me, 8 miles IS hard! Good for you for doing it... that's amazing! And think about it, of all the people you know, how many of them went out and ran 8 miles last weekend? See... you're a rockstar!
Dawn, I agree with you! I'm finally to the point where my weekend runs are the LONGEST runs I've ever done, and they're exhilarating and exciting... though usually dreadful during the run :) Thank you so much and good job for you! have you done just one or more marathons?
Carly, I think that is so inspiring. What an amazing way to get into shape and to be a healthy mom for your brand new bundle! :)
Kat, that's AWESOME!!!! Good job! I feel like we are keeping each other accountable lately. You with your posts about eating & your son's eating, and me with the running. Here's to being AWESOME!
Yes, we're on exactly the same schedule. Hal Higdon's Novice 2, right? I did make some modifications to weeks 11, 13 and 15... changing the mileage to 19, 22 and 24 (respectively) since I was nervous to have my longest distance be 20 miles. I wanted to have a couple more under my belt before going for the slam dunk on race day :)
Atta girl! That's so awesome! Which marathon training program did you choose?
Thanks girl! And pshhh to the pace and mileage. You are OUT THERE... and that's all that matters!!!
Thank you so much, Eli! Hurt ankles and injuries are such a bugger when you have big goals in mind and enjoy running! Daniel just injured his back and he's been going to the chiro regularly. It's so frustrating when all you want it just to get out there and get back at it! Wishing you the best of luck when you're back on your feet :)
I can't wait to hear! And aren't foam rollers the best/worst things ever? :)
Don't feel like a fool! I think that's the cool part about running, is SO MANY different kinds of people do it. If you just run for 3 minutes and then walk and then run/walk again, that's a huge starting point. I think you're doing great!
I began running when I was a kid, and ran & won a fun run when I was in 4th grade. I remember beating the WHOLE school in a little race when I was in 2nd grade, and I was racing all the way up to kids who were in 5th grade!
I did run track in high school, the 400, 800, 4x400, 4x800 and the medley. They tried to make me run the mile and I told them it was too long! Ha! In my first year in college, I also ran track and competed in each of those races, but also the 400 hurdles. After that year, I began dabbling in long distance. When I ran 6 miles for the first time, it was huge! And then I slowly progressed, running 10k's 12k's and finally a half marathon in 2009. It was a huge accomplishment! Just start slowly... you can do it!
Kimberly, that's amazing!!! When I got back into running, doing it for even 10 minutes was so challenging ... and I was in good shape! I think what you're doing is wonderful and I'm proud of you :) Plus... I love your pink hair!
Thanks Kelly! Your never-ending support is SO APPRECIATED! :)
YESSSS. Ugh, Sarah, I have them too. Still. It's miserable. I think it's a mixture of stress and food for me, and I also tried cutting out dairy, caffeine and gluten for a while. I do really well if I eat protein the evening before and stay away from heavy stuff like pastas and pizza. To be honest, TWICE this week I had terrible tummy issues halfway through my run. It's awful. One tip... I always try to get up just early enough to wake up and get my body moving and "go to the bathroom" before I leave for my run. That helps every single time. If you're unable to do that, try running a route where you know you can find a store bathroom or a port-a-potty. Ain't no shame in making a pit stop! :)
TMI? :)
I'm sure you're probably well aware of this, but just in case not: for any runs longer than 13 miles or so, you need to be giving your body plenty of fuel. For me on my longest runs (18-19 miles), that meant filling up on goo, peanut butter & bananas, and orange slices in addition to sports drinks. Although my first marathon went even better than I'd expected, I almost passed out (literally) in the last 4 miles or so because I hadn't taken in enough fuel.
Like I said, I'm sure you're aware, but thought I'd pass it along just in case!
P.S. You're looking great! Keep up the good work.
Hey Torrie! Thank you!! I am totally aware (or becoming aware, anyway) that my body can't do more than 8-12 miles without some serious fuel. I tried a 12-miler recently with just a piece of toast before and it was dreadful. I am LOVING peanut butter right now, and need to give bananas and orange slices a go, considering that I know they'll have them on race day, so practicing would be a great idea. I tend to get really tired the last mile or two, so I'm going to try out your tips. Thank you a bunch! I know my diet hasn't been spot-on so far, so I'm working on attaining a better eating pattern before/after my runs :)
Oh, and if it's on the weekend (for the long runs) it's a totally different story. So let me know if you'd like that breakdown :)
Definitely not TMI! You sound like my stomach running soul mate. Holy cow! Everyone I mention my stomach issues to looks at me like I am crazy. I am going to load up on protein. That is definitely something that can lack in my diet from time to time because I eat so much fresh stuff. I worry that I eat too much fiber and natural sugars... I always try to "go to the bathroom" before I run, but there are issues there too... I'm just a mess, but I'm determined to figure it out because I really enjoy a good run (when everything is working right). Thank you so much for your suggestions! I think planning a route out that allows me to use a bathroom will ease my nerves.
Thanks a ton! This is similar to what I eat as well, I am always eating small meals throughout the day and my husband and I almost always share a meal when we go out as well! I would love to see the breakdown for your weekend too when you get a chance. If it's easier you can email me or just post on here! Thanks.
c.meyers512@gmail.com
It will for sure, I promise. My mom and I picked a route with a bathroom this last weekend, and thank goodness we did! And honestly, the earlier I run, the less of an issue my tummy gives me. Ugh to our fickle tummies!
Hey again! Weekends are easy. Here's a typical Saturday (which has a long run):
6:00am - wakeup and get ready (possibly eat toast w/ PB if going on a long run)
6:30am - giant scoop of peanut butter before long run
7:00am - long run
10:30am - finish run, drink big gatorade and possibly a protein shake or eat a banana
12:30pm - lunch (usually out) and I eat whatever, be it a pizza, burrito... not too picky
then a normal day from there. Again, I don't probably have the most advisable diet, but it works for me. My mom and I have already talked about cleaning up our diet for the second half of this training and including a lot more water/gatorade. We know we aren't drinking enough water!
OK! Good to know! I will try to get up and run as opposed to running after work. Becoming a morning person will be challenging...
Thanks! My hair's not so pink anymore, sadly. I'm also up to 1.25 miles now (trying to go up .25 miles each week) Woohoo! Anyway, your encouragement means a lot to me. You're basically my fitness role model. :)
It definitely is in the beginnings. But now I love it. I've been finishing my runs and it's still dark in the mornings. Feels like I'm up before the rest of the world :)
Well I bet any color hair looks great on you! And goodness, you are just making me blush... your fitness role model? You are TOO kind! PS> great work! You'll be at 2, 3 and 5 in no time!!
Thanks again! I just like to see what other are doing while training. I am the same way with water! I have to remind myself throughout the day to get a glass!
I'm going to start carrying around a gallon or half gallon container... just to make sure!
I love Mizuno shoes, they are my go-to. I have those couple of NB ones, but I still prefer the Mizuno overall. I have had about 4 or 5 pairs. :) You're looking awesome, my sweet friend, very DRIVEN!!!
Thanks Gayle! I feel driven as ever... a littler slower lately for some reason, but still very driven! And yes... I won't ever go back on Mizunos. You can't beat 'em!
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