You’re probably thinking: “When did this become a full on running blog?” I love to run folks and it’s just a HUGE part of me.  I thought I would give everyone an update on my marathon training.

I am using a training plan from the No Meat Athlete.  I paid for the plan which was something like $40 and I really think it was the best investment in my future.  It’s not a training plan for a specific time, it’s just to finish strong and get to the race strong and healthy.

While also training for my marathon I”m trying to make it through my race season.  I have several races leading up to my first marathon.  Here is what I have going on:

• Rock N Roll Philadelphia (HM)- September 15, 2013
• Rock N Roll Denver (HM) – October 20, 2013
• Pleasure Island Bridge Half Marathon – November 9, 2013
• Rock N Roll San Antonio (HM) – November 17, 2013
• Turkey Trot 5k/10K – November 28, 2013
• St. Jude Memphis Marathon – December 7, 2013

I am thinking of adding another half into the mix but that’s only if I can afford another race.  All the traveling is expensive, plus I would really like to do a sprint triathlon this year, but I just don’t think I’m going to be able to make it work.

Back to my marathon training, it’s a whole different beast.  I’ve never really trained for anything.  Even my first half marathon was done a whim and usually just ran when I felt like it.  Now I’m running on a schedule and actually training.  Here are somethings I’ve learned:

• It’s time consuming.  I started my training at the end of June.  It stared out with 4 days of short running.  No biggie at all.  Now I’m running 5 days a week with longer runs and I’m not fast…so it takes me a long time to do these runs.  Last Saturday was 8 miles and that took me 1:24:23, plus it was HOT!  I’m glad Willie understands otherwise I think I would be heading for a divorce, but he’s wonderful and supportive.  He puts the water bottles on the back of my car so that when I’m dying I make the loop I have something to drink.
• I’m determined because I’ve made almost every run.  The only time I have skipped a run was for injury prevention or rest.  I did end up cross training on those days though.  I’m training smart and I’m keeping focused.  When I need to I wake up at 4 AM to get the run in or if I have to run into the night, I’ll do that too.  This is what I’m most proud of because I am sticking with it, even on the days I’m really don’t want to run.
• Shoes matter.  If you’re running and you haven’t been properly fitted you’re going to hurt yourself.  Do yourself a favor and get fitted for the right pair.  But if you notice something is wrong with those shoes, take them back immediately.  I feel like there is sometimes a need to correct a problem with your gait and sometimes it just leads to bigger problems.  I’m an overpronator and someone tried to put me in super supportive shoe which lead to some serious hip pain.  I switched to a very expensive neutral shoe and all things were well in the world.  And you don’t have to wear the brand that everyone wears.  I love to “Run Happy” but I might need to face the fact I may just wear Asics because those are the shoes that haven’t given me any problems.
• Re-hydration and refueling is important.  I’m downing chocolate milk, drinking tons of water and learning about my run nutrition.  It’s important because I nearly bonked out last week during my long run because I didn’t refuel properly.  I don’t really do that many 8 mile runs (mostly in race situations where I know I need to refuel) but now that it’s going to become my normal I know what to do!
• I’m a salty SWEATer so probably need to eat more salt and drink more Nuun.  I don’t think I have a problem with that.
• I don’t feel like I’m getting faster but I know that I am because my overall pace is race situations is better.  The heat can be deceiving but I know when that fall weather rolls around I’ll be golden. I hope to PR again soon.  My best half is 2:13:09 which I did in Dallas where everything came together just right.  So when the weather is on my side and I hit that sweet spot, I know I can do great things.
• I prefer not to run at night.  I like to get my running done in the morning.  I really feel like I’m dragging when I run in the evening but sometimes I just have to do it.
• I don’t think I would be in as good as shape I am now without Centergy (mix of yoga and pilates).  It gives me the good stretch I need every week and loosens everything up.  I got 2-3 times a week and it really helps the core too!
• I had to give up on tracking my food because I have a greater goal now.  It’s all about staying strong and healthy and I’m running more which  makes me hungry.  But that doesn’t mean I’m going buck wild with my food.  I pretty much eat the same thing every day/every week.  I have a 98% sure I’m still eating within my calories.  I still log my workouts though.

The good news is Willie is about to start training for his half, so we can do some of our runs together.

Off topic:  Tonight college football starts and I’m wicked excited!  My Ole Miss Rebels are playing tonight.  Cheer them on.  HOTTY TODDY! I wore my Ole Miss stuff to teach today and I took this picture.  Little did I know that I looked like a wet dog after teaching class, but I wanted the picture.  Oh well, I put in some work for Ole Miss today!

What’s your favorite college team?