I'm now back into the full swing of marathon training, now that I'm healed from my back spasm. I still may adjust my middle of the week mileage some, to avoid wearing myself out, but after this Friday, my ice rink will be closing for approximately 6 months, so that will actually help with my training in terms of additional rest days (although I will certainly miss not being on the ice nearly as much). In addition, I've calmed down quite a bit in terms of my freak out about having enough time to train. I actually got to talk with two experienced marathoners at a get together last week with my local running club, and they both said that as long as I have a two week taper after my 20 miler, I will be good to go for doing the full. So now, I'm feeling much better about completing this training as lonng as I get up to the 20 miles.
In terms of training this week, only ran a total of three times (4 miles and 5 miles) , knowing that I needed energy for the exhibition skate that I was in, and for my 16 miler that was coming up. The show was a bit rough performance wise (although I loved my dress, and got a lot of compliments on my skating and dress in general), but I'm probably my own worst critic there. I decided to drown my sorrows with a large gryo and a basket of fries afterwards, which probably wasn't the best pre-run fuel. However, it was dang delicious. I got in my carbs, some protein, a bit of veggies, and salt through, right? I also slept a ton once I got home. I feel asleep around 9 p.m. (gosh, I feel old), and woke up at 5 a.m., had the rest of my electrolyte drink mix, and fell back asleep until about 10. I finally decided to get up, and eventually made some french toast and had some coffee a bit later. I was planning on getting out the door by 2 p.m., but it wasn't until a bit later than that, and I didn't start running until about a hour later, as I decided to run the 1/2 marathon course, onto a bit of the full marathon course. Plus, my body decided it needed the bathroom again before the run, so I figured I might as well make a pit stop before starting...note to self....make sure I use the bathroom at least twice before starting the race. I may have to use the bathroom once I get up, before I leave, then try to go twice near the starting area...just to be safe.
So for this run, it was in the upper 30s/low 40s with a gentle breeze. I was initially thinking that I would be cold, but once I got moving, I warmed up fairly quickly. I also tried the GU Lemon Tea hydration mix this time, and found that I really liked it! I think that this will be my "go to" hydration for the race. I found that I did well with just sipping on it every so often, and I love that I can buy it at my local running store, so that makes things easier on my end. I may check around for some deals online, but at least it's good to know that my running store carries it in case I need it at last(ish) minute. The hydration mix is also simple to make. You just add it to your water, and give it a quick mix at home, or can even shake it up some if you're out on the run. It is meant for a 21 oz bottle, but you can divide it up if you have smaller bottles. I have a 16oz hand held, so I used probably 1/2 to 3/4 of the package, which seemed to work well. The extra powder can just be put into a ziplock bag for later use.
Knowing that I'm hitting higher miles, I am allowing myself some walk breaks, right around where water/aide stops will be, along with major intersections, so I know that my time is not totally accurate, as I do pause my watch, particularly for the intersections. I also did make two pit stops, as I'm still sorting out the hydration factor. I figured it was better safe than sorry as it's much easier to run when your "internal plumming" is on empty. However, I am REALLY hoping that I will not need the restroom during the run. I know that there will be portapotties, just in case, but I don't want to spend time in line waiting for one. So hopefully, everything will be said and done before the race. In terms of fueling itself for the race, I was able to take sips of the hydration mix in between taking my GU gels. It seemed that I started needing fuel starting about mile 4, and felt the need to sorta "top up" every two miles or so. Using about 1/3 of a GU package seemed to work well with me, alternating with sips of the hydration mix. I know it sounds like a lot, but I could feel when my body was needing the fuel, and that seemed to help keep things evened out. It may change some on actual race day, depending on the weather or whatnot, but that is my game plan for right now.
In terms of my pacing, I found that my splits were sorta all over the place, but I did notice one good thing. My ending pace was faster than my starting pace. I noticed that my first few miles were slower...probably just to work out the kinks and fear of going too fast, then my middle miles were more of my "cruising speed" for this race, with my ending miles being harder, trying to simulate running the last mile or so of the race to the finish line. With doing the actual half/full marathon route, I was able to run through the area where the two races split a bit before mile 13. In my mind I was telling myself "Okay, on race day, you will just have to mentally push through here. Your body will know what to do. You will just have to push through here mentally. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other." This is because I am already predicting this may be a rough spot, especialy if I am a bit tired, as I will be able to hear the stadium with everyone from the half marathon heading towards that line. I know that a half marathon is no easy feat, but I'm gonna have to push through hard there to keep my focus, and remind myself that that next time I see the stadium, that will be FOR.ME.and that I.WILL.FINISH.THE.RACE. Hopefully, there will also be other runners around me to help me push through as well. Those of us in the marathon will be pushing through that spot together, and my hope is that we will have each other's backs right then.
One other note that I noticed today on this long run was that I actually do run really well without music. Today, it was just me, my hydration/fuel, and my watch to keep track of my miles. I didn't worry about pace either. I went with what felt comfortable. At this point, I don't know if I will have my ipod on me for the race, but it's good to know that I can actually run well without it. I may have it with me, in case times get tough, and I need some "power songs" or whatever, but i definitely am planning on not having it on when I go to the finish line. I want to solely focus on hauling butt across that line and not have something funky happen with my ipod at the last moment in that process.
So now, next week's long run is "only" 12 miles. I cannot believe that in just a few short weeks, I will be hitting 20 miles, and will theoretically be fully trained for the marathon!ack!
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