Jocelyn's 1/2 Marathon Journal

[EdgarHF]

I was watching this Nova episode on marathon training the other day, and I thought you might be interested: http://www.hulu.com/watch/63726/nova-marathon-challenge

I just watched this online. Great!

[feelin-great]

I was watching this Nova episode on marathon training the other day, and I thought you might be interested: http://www.hulu.com/watch/63726/nova-marathon-challenge

Watched this last night - very interesting! It really motivated me, too! And I do like how they stressed that diet is the most important thing for weight loss - I was shocked that only one lost any weight, though! I guess I am going to really have to watch my diet while I am training and keep up with the strength. Thanks for the link Allison

No workout last night - technically. I shoveled rock for about an hour. I am redoing my landscaping and since I can't get any help I am on my own! It's amazing how you can haul away two wheelbarrows full of rock and it still doesn't look like you have touched it But at least it is giving me a workout! Then I had to give Stewie a bath and then I trimmed him - I think that's a workout in itself I'll just call it my cross-training day

[feelin-great]

No workout last night. I got really lazy and then my mom called and asked me to go shopping with her. I gave in. Then we got ice cream on our way home I have kind of tanked on my diet the last couple of weeks, I don't know why I have lost my willpower, but I need to get back on track. I can really tell in the way my body feels. I haven't done strength training in a while either. I think I have been so focused on running lately that I have lost sight of my diet and other exercise. I can't let the marathon training get in the way of everything else, I can see I will spiral out of control very quickly if I don't get myself back on track.

Tonight after work I will be running with a co-worker. Then tomorrow night I am going to focus on strength. I really need to get myself focused the way I was before!

[fitoverforty]

Yeah, Joc, it is easy to lose track of our diet at times, especially when starting a new goal. But the key is to keep the original goal (losing weight and getting stronger and healthier) and let it merge with the new goal (1/2 marathon). They really can co exist, it just takes alot of commitment and work.
Most 1/2 marathon training plans incorporate 2 days of strength training or cross training in them, so just find one that works best for you. I tend to focus alot more on core strength when training for a race, because a strong core will give you a better posture which opens up the diaphram so you can breath easier and lessens those dreaded side stitches.

Don't worry, you can do it. Just continue to focus and don't let it all overwhelm you - you'll be fine.

[feelin-great]

Yeah, Joc, it is easy to lose track of our diet at times, especially when starting a new goal. But the key is to keep the original goal (losing weight and getting stronger and healthier) and let it merge with the new goal (1/2 marathon). They really can co exist, it just takes alot of commitment and work.

I can't believe how fast my new goal made me lose track of my old one! But I think that link Allison posted about the marathon training really helped me to realize that I need to focus on both, now I just need to find a good middle ground

I tend to focus alot more on core strength when training for a race, because a strong core will give you a better posture which opens up the diaphram so you can breath easier and lessens those dreaded side stitches.

Good to know, I will definitely keep that in mind. I tend to get the side stitches early in my runs but they generally go away once I get into it. It's amazing to me how when I start running I struggle, but once I get in the zone, once I get my stride, it gets easier. I always thought it would be the opposite!

[fitoverforty]

It's amazing to me how when I start running I struggle, but once I get in the zone, once I get my stride, it gets easier. I always thought it would be the opposite!

I don't really feel good until I hit the 2.5 or 3 mile mark. I think the first 20 minutes or so the body is in denial. It does not want to work, it is sending signals to your legs to feel tired, draggy, it is trying everything in its power to get you to stop and go back to the couch! LOL! But if you persist, it finally gives in and goes along with the plan - sometimes even giving you the best run or workout of your life! I love those days.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when training for a race - not to focus too much on trying to lose weight by cutting any calories or restricting healthy whole grain carbs. Your body needs fuel. You will probably find yourself feeling hungrier as your workouts and runs increase in time and distance. That's okay, and it is good to satisfy that hunger with healthy options. Your body will use what it needs and you'll burn off the rest - probably dropping some pounds - but in a good way.
I haven't watched that link Allison posted yet - I need to do that!

[feelin-great]

Another thing to keep in mind is that when training for a race - not to focus too much on trying to lose weight by cutting any calories or restricting healthy whole grain carbs.

I was actually planning to increase my calories a bit since I am doing so much more cardio - and cutting carbs is something I don't think I could EVER do I love my carbs! I have heard that eating a banana before running is good - is that a good option for my pre-workout snack?

I haven't watched that link Allison posted yet - I need to do that!

It's interesting - long, but interesting It is just under an hour long so make sure you have time to watch it.

[fitoverforty]

I have heard that eating a banana before running is good - is that a good option for my pre-workout snack?

Yes, bananas are a good pre-run snack. I've been reading on pre-run foods myself here lately, trying to learn what is best and easiest on the tummy. High fiber foods sometimes can cause stomach distress - like whole wheat, etc. Although I personally have not had a problem with it.
Things like bagel w/PB, banana, cold cereal, oatmeal, toast are a few choices for pre-run foods.
I like to eat a "Gu-gel" about 15 minutes before I run for the energy - and if I'm running longer than an hour, I usually eat another one after 4 miles or 45 minutes.

They are really great to take with you - especially during a race to keep your energy level up. Make sure you drink some water afterwards - they are quite thick and gooey.
You might want to look into buying a runner's fuel belt.

I have this one, and can not live without it on long summer runs and races. I usually fill 2 bottles with gatorade and 2 with water. I put 2 gu gels in the pocket. I love mine - plus it makes me feel like a "real runner" when I wear it!

[feelin-great]

http://www.amazon.com/Costume-SuperCenter-Mardi-Drinking-Helmet/dp/B000PVF6CG
Brent, I think this would be more helpful for yardwork - it is hands free (The picture wouldn't show up so I changed it to a link)

[feelin-great]

Last night I did a 4 mile run That is my furthest so far. I ran with my co-worker for the first time. She is in her early 50s and extremely fit - I was kind of nervous to run with her for the first time because I didn't want to look silly as slow as I run. It was actually kind of humorous - we talked through most of the run and she could carry on a normal conversation like she was just sitting down - then there was me I was huffing and puffing through all of it!

We walked to the beginning of the trail which took about ten minutes so it was a good warm up. Then we ran the trail for 2 miles and turned around and ran back. Then the cool down was the same 10 minutes return. It felt really good. I was tired at the end but I could have gone further if I wanted. Actually, my co-worker told me I am a really fast runner, especially for a beginner, so that felt great

Tonight I am going to focus on strength.

[fitoverforty]

Having someone to talk to or at least listen to, while running is a great distraction and really helps to keep your mind off of the run.

Then we ran the trail for 2 miles and turned around and ran back

An out & back run is my favorite kind! When you turn around you know you are half way and it just seems easier knowing exactly how far you have to go. Plus the 10 minute warmup and cooldown was exactly what you needed to do to ensure a safe and productive run.

I am a really fast runner, especially for a beginner,

Awesome!! you are blessed.
Great run Joc!

[feelin-great]

I like loops...you can't talk yourself into turning around early.

LOL! I think both have their positives and negatives - I like the out and back because the first half is the easiest and once you turn around you have to finish But on the negative side there is always the option to turn around early. Loops are good because you kind of have to finish the whole thing. But it is more difficult to gage the distance you have left unless you know the loop really well!

Lynne, it is really nice to have the distraction of someone to talk to. The four miles went by a lot faster than the 3.5 I did by myself over the weekend. But I did most of the talking and I am sure I sounded hilarious because I was huffing and puffing My co-worker is a very curious lady so she asks a lot of questions

[Nokie173]

Last night I did a 4 mile run That is my furthest so far...

Man... I can't even reach 3 miles without wanting to die... LOL... Keep it up girl... you're doing GREAT training for this!

[feelin-great]

you're doing GREAT training for this!

Thanks But all I could think as I was running the four miles was "what the heck was I thinking signing up for a 13.1 mile race ." I have a hard time believing I will be able to run that far, four miles was tough for me... I guess I will just take it one day at a time and hope for the best!

[EdgarHF]

I'm betting you are going come through this fine. Think of the emotional payoff you are going to get when you finish that race.