Lessons Marathon Training has taught me so far

As I write this it is 72 days, 12 hours, and 28 minutes till my first marathon.  Training has been very different than anything I've ever done before, and I'm learning new lessons every day.  Here are a few things I've learned thus far.  I'm sure I'll update this in weeks to come.

1. Plan for a spring race.  Long runs + South Mississippi summers = one unhappy old broad.
2. Toenails do grow back.  But, it takes a long time & a really good pedicure is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.  
3. Lose the weight you need to before you start marathon training.  There is no time to focus on a weight loss plan during training and the lighter you are, the faster you run, and the easier the load on your joints. 
4. Stilettos are for younger legs.  Anyone who has peeked into my shoe closet knows exactly what this statement cost me. 
5. It’s as much a mental exercise as a physical one.  Maybe even more so.  Training my mind to not let my body tell it what to do has been one of the hardest hurdles to overcome.
6. Ice baths and foam rollers are my new best friends.  Actually, it’s just a cold bath.  I rarely put ice in it.  According to Jeff Galloway, it just needs to be 20 degrees cooler than my body temperature.  Foam rollers are that friend that you really don't like all that much, but you know you have to include  in your circle.  May I just say "OW!" and "Oh My Gosh, that hurts!"  But, I'm a better person for getting to know them.  
7. You don’t have to “carb load” before a long race or run.  In fact, for those of us with GI issues, it’s probably a really bad idea.  The week before my long runs, I eat fairly normally, with a conscious effort to eat less fiber filled foods.  The 36 hours prior to the run are the critical time, and I really try to concentrate on balancing proteins and simple carbs, no alcohol, and no high fiber foods.  The morning of the long run/race, I only have a little water before I head out.  Every 30 minutes I eat 30-40 calories, followed by a few sips of water.  Tummy issues resolved.  We’ll see if this formula continues to work.  
8. Really long runs require a lot of planning, especially in the heat of the summer.  An early start is critical.  Try going to new places to help overcome the mental hurdles.  
9. Going to Starbucks after a really long run in the heat won't make you popular with the other customers.  But, they will step away from you and allow you to get your coffee first.  Do what you have to do.  
10. IT’S OKAY TO WALK!!!!  I’ve really struggled with this one, but, it’s not like I’m going to win, anyway. It feels like you aren’t a “real” runner if you don’t run every step.  But, I think I’ve finally grasped the concept, and I know that Run Walk Run really helps with fatigue and injury prevention. I love the Bart Yasso quote I’ve included here. If you don’t know who Bart Yasso is, Google him.  He’s kind of a big deal in the running community. 

“I often hear someone say, “I’m not a real runner.”  We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.”

-Bart Yasso  

It is well with my soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way...

Gary & I went kayaking Friday.  We usually go once a week, but I have been out of town or sick the last couple of times, so I was really looking forward to this week's float.  After my last long run, the sore throat and vague body aches that I had been feeling blossomed into a full blown viral infection that started in my throat, then traveled to various other body parts and left me weak, grouchy, and exhausted.  I'm not sick very often, so when I am, I have a tendency to become more whiny than usual and wonder if I'll ever feel good again.  Yes, I know that's a little melodramatic, but, as the daughter of a true "Drama Queen", believe me when I say that I could be a lot worse.  Really.

Anyway, we left early Friday morning and headed south to the "Wild and Scenic River" in our area - Black Creek.  It was a really nice day, and we've done other parts of this float before, so I knew it would be a great treat.  The water level was low and there were a lot of trees down, so I knew going in that it would be a little more work than usual, but that was okay, too, as I was ready for a workout of some sort.

We launched easily and started the lazy float downriver.   Artillery fire from Camp Shelby punctuated the start of our trip.  I guess they didn't get the memo to wait until we were done with our float to start artillery practice.  But, I didn't mind.  It just sounded like freedom to me.

Soon, our usual white egret guide began leading us, flying from one post to another to alert us to any dangers we might face around the bend.  It stayed with us until about the midway point, then relinquished its duties to a second pair of snowy white birds.  We saw huge herons, lots of fish, and I think I heard a wild pig rooting around on the bank.  No alligators or snakes this time, though.  Thankful for that.  

As we came to shallow sections and log jams, we manuevered through them, or got out and pulled.  Not having Gary's upper body strength, I resorted to getting out more often than he did.  I usually get out rather than power through log jams, as I have a mild fear that a snake will drop out of the tree limbs and into my boat.  Don't laugh.  It could happen.

As we floated, there was a deep abiding silence.  Even the artillery fire subsided as we floated further away.  I reflected on how life if very much like this river float.  Long stretches where we glide along, buffeted by work, school, social functions, sports.  Easy times when laughter is plentiful and sleep comes fast.  Then there are those times when life gets shallow and caught in log jams, and we have to get out and pull.  Much more effort is required, and it's so much easier when we're not alone and we have the right tools for the job.  My kayak has a pull rope on it that  gives me leverage as I pull it through rocks and sand.  It is attached to the front, and just lies there waiting for me to grab it when I need it.  My life has a pull rope, too.  My faith in Jesus Christ.  He's the One who assists me through those shallow, rocky spots in life.  He's always with me, waiting for me to reach out and grab hold,  providing solid leverage against an uncertain world.  I truly don't know how those who don't have Him make it.  Many don't, of course.  Some turn to poor substitutes like drugs and alcohol.  I'm so thankful that I'm not alone during the tough times. I'm thankful, too, that He has brought people to my life who help me through.

Our morning worship today included the song I listed as the title of this post.  It is one of my favorites, an  old, old song that has solid truth in every line.  Then, our pastor led us in worship with a reminder that we need each other and should seek relationships with other believers who become our accountability partners, friends, and family.  People who will reach back and pull you through when you're stuck in a log jam.  People who will reflect Jesus to you.

I am feeling better, finally.  I ran early this morning, before church, while Gary rode his bike, and it was a very good run.  I'm still not 100%, but I'm getting there.  I'm so very thankful that God has brought running to my life.  I pray that I'll be the 90 year old age group winner of the 2051 NYC Marthon.  Don't laugh.  It could happen.

It is, truly, well with my soul.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Running Royalty

 If the running community had a royal family, Jeff Galloway would definitely be a member of it. He has been running for 52 years (longer than I've been alive!), and has been making his mark in the running world for most of those years. He developed the Jeff Galloway Run Walk Run program and has been teaching/coaching runners how to be injury free runners for life for many years. He has trained thousands of runners and has written many books on the subject that offer training programs for any distance for which you might want to train.

I found Jeff's training program as I was searching for one that would take me to the NYC marathon in a conservative, long term fashion. I embarked on it, making my own modifications to it to customize it for me. As I was doing some online research, I stumbled across Jeff's website & discovered that he offers running clinics/retreats all over the country, and indeed offered one just a few hours away from me in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida (a town name that's filled with irony). I promptly signed up, and have counted the days with eagerness as I continued my training.

If you follow my blog, you will know that my long runs have been nothing short of torture over the summer. So, it was with a great deal of anticipation that I headed to Blue Mountain for our first session.

Jeff's teaching style is very low key. We started with introductions and a short run around Blue Mountain, then went back to the beach retreat for some running discussions. Instead of a classroom setting, we sat in the living room and had questions and answers with Jeff offering tons of helpful information. Saturday morning started with a 3 mile run along a beautiful, shaded trail, followed by more instructional time, then drills outside and a dip in the pool to talk about pool running. Sunday morning's run dawned a little earlier to try to beat the heat, then more question/answer time as we wrapped up a very motivational & instructional weekend. We discussed everything from black toenails, nutrition, heat running, speed training, and even the 1972 Munich Olympics. Jeff weaves stories from his experiences that include running greats such as Steve Prefontaine and Frank Shorter. Great stuff!

Jeff offered specific advice for each of us, based on our goals and experience. I've struggled with long runs in the heat and GI distress on all runs and he had some excellent suggestions that I can't wait to implement. This weekend was the confidence boost that I needed to get me through the weeks leading up to NYC.

Welcome back, running mojo!! I've missed you, old friend!

100 Days

Thursday marked 100 days until my marathon. Yikes!! In celebration, I purchased my airline tickets before they went up. I've had my hotel reservation for a while, but was holding off on the tickets, because once they were bought, I feel like there's no backing out! So, now it's official, I'm definitely going to New York City.

My training this summer has been tough. Wow, what a different animal the marathon is! I trained for the Half marathons I did last summer with few problems, although the heat was tough & I had my first bout with heat exhaustion. I made it through & ran a decent race in October, even though my training had been a little off. This summer is kicking my butt, though. The long runs aren't just bad, they're awful. Today's was no exception to that, unfortunately, but it is done. Pretty much wiped me out for the day, though. I've learned not to schedule anything for the day of a long run, so that I can have the day to recover. Still have my feet propped up and am constantly hydrating.

A few weeks ago, I had a really whiny post http://jrichardsoriginals.blogspot.com/2011/06/just-do-it.html. My daughter read it and sent me a very encouraging e-mail about just doing it. She had to take a professional exam and was really stressing out about it. Her husband reminded her that she just needed to do her due diligence & then take the test. As long as she did her part, she would be successful. She did her due diligence, took the test, and passed. She is really wise and wonderful. My daughters encourage me so much, just by being themselves.

This summer is about due diligence. Picking them up & putting them down. I can't afford to take time off, that marathon won't run itself. So, I keep getting out there. Pushing my boundaries way past my limits. Testing to see how far my body will go before it shuts down. Testing my mental toughness.

Although I don't really feel up to the task, I know myself well enough to know that I won't quit. I'll keep on keeping on, working through my training & trouble shooting the bad days. I'm a runner for life & in pursuing that, I have take the good with the bad.

Mind Games

Our minds are truly remarkable little critters.   They have such power.  They hold the key to our success and failures with mere words spoken silently.  My mind hasn't been terribly helpful to me lately, and this week marks the beginning of the end of that.  I am taking control back from it.

I haven't blogged in several weeks.  It has been a busy summer, it seems the harder I try to "slow down", the faster and faster I spin.  And, not really in good ways. I haven't been to yoga in six weeks. My training has been off, long runs have been beyond terrible, shorter runs not much better.  And, I really let it mess with me.  No more.

I love to read motivational quotes.  I am on several e-mail daily quote and devotional lists, one of which is from "Runners World."  The quotes are always interesting, sometimes helpful, other times funny.  The ones I really love I usually print out and stick on my refrigerator.  Early in my marathon training this year, I got a quote that really spoke to me.  It was: "Marathoning. The triumph of desire over reason."  How apropos.  My marathon will truly be a triumph over reason.  But, my reason keeps getting in my way.  A more recent quote that I love is "It is the illusion that we can go no faster that holds us back." (Kenny Moore, athlete & journalist)   Substitute the word "farther" for faster and it's still true.  In fact, you could substitute a lot of words for faster and that statement would still be true.  The statement means that the only things holding us back are the limitations we place on ourselves.  Our pesky minds.

On a recent trip, I had a conversation with a fellow runner about this very topic.  She is very new to the sport, and is hampered on runs by the feeling that she needs to hold back, reserve her energy for later.  Her mind keeps telling her legs, "Take it easy, guys.  We have a long way to go, don't get carried away."  So, she slows down.  I struggle with that, too.  Now, don't misunderstand.  Walk breaks are fine.  My marathon training is Jeff Galloway's run/walk program.  My problem is I let my mind talk my legs into taking it too easy.  So, I'm retraining my mind.  Beginning now.  This week's long run is a 17 miler, and I am only going to allow positive thoughts about my running program to enter my mind.  Reminding myself that I CAN do this, I AM ready, the heat WILL NOT defeat me.  I intend to overcome the illusion that I can go no farther.

Over the last few weeks,  I have been immersed in all things "Harry Potter".  I'm listening to the audiobooks (for the fifth or sixth time), and Gary and I are re-watching the movie series in anticipation of going to see the final installment at the theater.  It's wonderfully entertaining, an epic battle of good against evil, and occasionally it is profound.  In Book 2 "The Chamber of Secrets," Professor Dumbledore is counseling Harry about the differences between him and the evil Voldemort.  He says, "It is our choices that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."  One of my all time favorite book/movie quotes.  Because,  faced with the limitations of my ability, I'm afraid I would never get out of bed in the morning.  Choosing to push myself beyond my current ability is what will get me to mile 26.2.


For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. 1 John 5:4

Just Do It

No, this isn't a Nike endorsement.  I don't think I even own very much Nike gear.  But, as I've discovered this week, their tagline is spot on. I hate to be a whiner.  Spoiler alert:  this post will be a little more whiney than usual.  But, hang wih me, it lightens up a little.  

The marathon is T minus 130 days and counting.  My long runs haven't been spectacular, they've just gotten done.  My shorter training runs have been spotty and inconsequential.  I've been more than a little frustrated with lack of progress, and I've been really frustrated the last week about the lack of weight loss.  So, I've indulged in little pity parties.  And, instead of getting up early to run, I've rolled back over and snuggled down.  Who needs it?  I'm slow, ungainly,  and obviously my attempts at fitness are misguided. When you envision me running, think penguin, not cheetah.   The weight stays steady, but for this week, this moment, that's not enough.  

Last week, I did a little cross training, but my running mojo was completely gone.   There was no desire, no motivation, no deep seated voice screaming to get out there and run.  So, I didn't run.  I had a very physical weekend coming up, and I used that as an excuse not to overtire myself.  Yes, I really did justify it that way.

The stressful weekend passed, and a new Monday dawned.  I woke up at 7 am, too late to scrounge together running gear & get out for a run in this heat.  If I'm not headed out by 5:30 am, heat stroke knocks.  Last summer, I had my first bout with heat exhaustion and it nearly derailed my half marathon training.  Fortunately, the fall race was my third of the year and I had built a relatively strong running base, so my training didn't suffer over much.  The marathon is a different animal entirely.  I haven't attempted this distance before, and I know from my training runs that you can't cheat this distance.

So, this morning, I was headed out by 5:15.  Happy?  No.  Just doing it.  My mojo has fled, but I know that the only way to get it back is to Just. Do. It.  So I am.  One foot in front of the other.  One day at a time.

I wouldn't mind some cheering from the cheap seats.

Overcoming Fear- A Legacy of Faith

Today is Father's Day.  I'm sitting on a balcony overlooking the lazy Bouie River in a beautiful bed & breakfast with my favorite man.  So, it's been a good day, one that started, as it should, in God's house, with worship and praise, and is closing with quiet reflection on a lifetime of blessings.

We spent the evening at the movie, watching "The Green Lantern".  Great flick, meant for mindless entertainment.  I guess the combination of the day set aside for Father's and a movie about facing and overcoming fear were too much for my mind, and I was flooded with thankfulness for the men in my life who have taught me the meaning of overcoming fear.

When I was a young teen, I remember my Dad telling me a story about his childhood and learning to overcome fear.  I wish I could remember the full tale.  My dad was a wonderful story teller in his day, and I'm sure added his own embellishments.  The details of this story elude me.  It involved my grandmother, a frying pan, and a critter, but that's really all I can come up with.  What I do remember was the "moral" of the tale.  It ended with my grandmother  telling my dad that no matter what else happens, you have to learn to face your "boogers."  What ever those may be.  "Face your boogers" became sort of a motto for me.  Whether Daddy intended that or not, I don't know.  But, it helped me overcome my fears during some tense moments of my life.  Learning to dig deep and draw on that well of faith that lies buried deep within me - I know my Daddy did intend for that to happen.  He was very intentional about teaching me about faith.  He lived it, modeled it, taught it.  I'm so thankful.

My sister and I had a conversation about that just the other day.  I made the remark that if I could give my children, nieces, nephews, their friends, and my friends one thing, it would be my faith.  I wouldn't leave them money, even if I had it, I would leave them my faith.  She reminded me that, unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.  They will each have to travel the paths of their own journeys in order to build that deep pool of faith to keep in reserve.  That's true, but I know that my faith pool was started at the knees of my sweet daddy.  The legacy he is leaving me is a rich one.  Not by the world's standards, maybe, but certainly by God's.  And, although I can't give my faith away, I can share it.  That's surely the beginning of everyone's journey,  seeing faith in action.  I pray that I can be faithful to that legacy.

What does this have to do with running?  Nothing and everything.  I wouldn't be on this journey without the legacy of faith my father, then my husband, have built for me.  I'm very humbly thankful.  

⁴Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,^(A) but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4  (emphasis mine)