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"Do one thing every day that scares you" - Eleanor Roosevelt
So you have probably already heard me say this...a dozen times last week...or on Facebook...on on Twitter. Yes, I have been wondering for the last week or so what the heck I was thinking when I decided to bite the bullet and...
...sign up for my first Marathon! I have been wanting to do it for a while (it's on my Life List) but I have had doubt in myself. And then I talked to a bunch of wonderful runners, who have faith in me, even when I don't have it in myself. They are encouraging and strong and they made me feel like a rockstar. So.... I signed up. Then I immediately began to be scared. Are you happy Eleanor?
It's not like I didn't think about it for a while before doing it.
It's not like I am not ready for the training. Although running in the dark and the cold, especially for 20 miles, does not sound that fun right now, as I sit in my warm room in my pajamas. However, since I had already run a half marathon a couple of weeks ago and have another one scheduled in three more weeks, I fit right into week 9 of the Hal Higdon Schedule of Hell (which will be even MORE hellish now, I bet!) **you can keep track of my progress HERE**
It's the ice baths that scare me. Like we don't already torture ourselves enough.
No, in all seriousness, I think that I can do it, but the training is a bit daunting. The other thing that I don't know a lot about is fuel. I have never eaten a Gu. I don't like Gatorade. All of those sports drinks are too sweet. So, I went to Walmart and got one each of some of the different types of
So, I need your help. Does anyone know of a fuel source that is not too sweet? Any training tips? All you seasoned veterans out there, what should I do to keep motivated?
Also, I just want to say thanks for ALL the support so far. To the running and blogging community, which Rocks and makes me feel so much more confidant that I normally would alone. To my friends and family, who don't get it but still like me anyway (and have already promised to come and cheer me on!) And for the future, because I know I am going to be bugging people about this for at least the next...8 weeks. Thank you!
Don't forget to link up with Jill for Fitness Friday!
Good luck on your training! Looks like you have some great fuel options.
ReplyDeleteYou CAN do it. There are so many experienced runners on here that can help you with any questions that you have. What a great resource! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteapril@Party of Five
http://www.westerhold.blogspot.com
Good luck girlie..you can do it!
ReplyDeletexoxo from Trinidad
It sounds like you are doing all the right kinds of preparation.
ReplyDeleteFuel is a tough one and not something that I have worked out for myself. I think trying a ton of different options and seeing what works best is the only way to do it. Some people do fuel with real food too, so that can be an option.
Good luck! I was still trying out different fueling about 2weeks before my marathon. I took a risk and tried something new during my marathon too and took a gel at mile 16. I should have taken it earlier because I felt sooo much better afterwards!
ReplyDeletewww.runningisalife.blogspot.com
That is AWESOME!!!!!!! I have yet to sign up or run a marathon but one of my best friends does ALL THE TIME, so I'm almost positive one is in my future:) I can't wait to read your recap!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are preping right. As far as fuel I like the Clif Shot Bloks and think the PowerBar Bites are ok. Just try them all and see what tastes and feels the best to you.
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing and brave and will KICK some marathon tail!
ReplyDeleteBut I've tried those power bar chocolate ball things and they are kind of vile. A lot.
You are NOT crazy and you can do it!!! I believe in ya :) Want me to send you some fresh ice from Finland??! haha
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteIf you google home made sports fuel you will find some recipes. I know there is one on ohsheglows.com
Good luck. Will be watching your training posts.
First of all - you are going to rock this training and the marathon!!!
ReplyDeleteSecond of all, why am I not following you on Twitter?! Seriously? I think I live in a cave sometimes.
Yay!!! I know it looks like a daunting task but it is a journey you are never going to regret! You CAN do this and you CAN rock it!!! I used sport beans when I did Boston but now I like Gu. I honestly can't stand the sport beans anymore! My best advice is trust the training and enjoy the journey!! Oh and invest in a pair of sneakers that you love and works perfect for your feet....and buy 3 pairs!
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting! Yay! I can't wait to follow your training. You're going to rock it, girl. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you tried the lower calorie Gatorade? It has a LOT less sugar and now I can't drink the regular stuff, way too sweet.
Good luck and have fun training! I'm envious because a marathon is on my life list as well. Someday.
ReplyDeleteI like the jelly beans but hate any type of Gu stuff. Bleah. The aftertaste is awful.. Who though those things tasted good???
CIM is a great one to do! It's the only one I've done... and I've done it twice. You will have a blast! I know they're sweet, but they are naturally sweet... how about medjool dates?
ReplyDeleteI love ice baths. I wear a big sweatshirt or long sleeve and roll or tuck it up.
Wishing you the best with your training :)
I can`t help you with a fuel source, but I have to give you a big congratulations on signing up for your first marathon! What a huge accomplishment. Good luck with all the training, and when you cross that finish line, all the pain and suffering in baths of ice will have been totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting! You are gonna rock it!
ReplyDeleteYou are so ready to rock this marathon. I just know it.
ReplyDeleteAs far as fuel goes, this weekend at the 1/2 they served "gu bru". I had the orange flavor and I actually really liked it, as did all the other girls. It was way less sweet than gatorade. So maybe try to find that & give it a whirl?
I hope you find somethign else you like, like shot blocks or sport beans (they are like jelly beans). I do gu's but they are tough on the tummy sometimes. I can do the non-fruit flavors like chocolate and vanilla. Anything with fruit makes my stomach really pissed.
So excited to watch you go through this process & achieve this life list goal!!