fleet feet half full training

I am marathon training. Again.

I run with an astounding group of people who are wholly committed to fitness — whatever the hell that means — while being parents, spouses and good corporate citizens.

I don’t know how they find the time. I am so impressed and inspired.

One of the women in my group writes a blog, and she wrote about her new goals while training for an upcoming marathon. Check it out. She inspired me to write some new goals for myself.

  1. Stop listening to so many voices. Everyone has an opinion on running, even though very few people run. Some people want to offer general advice. Some suggest that I should back off because I’ll need knee replacements. I rarely ever ask for advice, and when I do, it’s not from someone who hasn’t exercised in seventeen years. I’m going to shut it down before it drives me crazy.
  2. Eat real food. It’s tough to fuel my body for long-distance races. I am a vegetarian but have specific food allergies (soy, strawberries, apples). I don’t want to load up on supplements and eat more fake food (protein bars, gels, gummis), so I’ve developed a pretty good food strategy for this race season: I’m going to eat more real food. Pancakes and hashbrowns = real. Gel packs = not real.
  3. Get my hydration in order. I can’t tolerate a big sugar rush to my body. It makes me poop within a few minutes. This is unfortunate because sports drinks like Gatorade falls into that category. The only drink I can tolerate is Powerade. It’s not a classy sports drink, but I’m not apologizing for it.
  4. Have a better post-run ritual. Last week, I ran eight miles on a few hours of sleep. Then I came home, waited around for my husband, and went out for brunch. I didn’t eat anything for nearly three hours, and I kept falling asleep in the car on the way back from brunch. The rest of the day was spent napping, and I still went to bed at 9:30 PM. I know better. I’ll fix that.
  5. Gear up more effectively. A good runner needs two basic things: decent shoes and decent socks. The rest is a luxury. Unfortunately, I need new shoes and socks. (I could use a new sports bra or two, but they are so expensive and ugly.) When your feet are happy, your body is happy. I’m on it.

I have some goals about being a better running partner (ask more personal questions of my fellow runners, get to know them, listen more effectively, etc.), but those are just personal goals that relate to being a better human being.

I am ready for the next twelve weeks. Pretty excited to write about it.

Thanks for your support!

Why does everyone hate HR? Join the movement to fix that. Download the new e-book, “I Am HR.” ow.ly/xIRbQ Click to tweet.

Category: Life13 Comments

13 Comments

  1. Just wanted to share two nutrition tips. I’m back training for a half marathon and this go around I’ve also been trying to avoid sugary drinks and gels as much as possible.

    For fuel: Try Generation Ucan before your runs. It’s magical and has almost completely replaced my gels. It’s more real than most fuels, but read up on it to see if it will work for you.

    For electrolytes: Try Nuun tablets. I use the “Active Hydration” tablets. No sugar, no carbs. No “problems”.

    Just thought I’d share. Happy marathon training!

  2. Yay Laurie! I’m so excited for you and your training! You’re going to be awesome! And you get to eat pancakes!

  3. The continuous investment in shoes and sports bras for my fitness routine (currently T25) makes me realize how well we are doing financially and reminds me what a financial sacrifice my ballet study was for my parents.

    My doctor told me to try Endurolytes (since I won’t drink sugary drinks) to balance out low sodium (not low in the blood, but in the noggin), which makes me have weird neuro symptoms. I thought it would be a total joke, but on super hot days or days with serious sweat, I notice if I haven’t popped one.

  4. Thanks for the mention in your blog Laurie! I can’t wait to read about your marathon journey as well this season. Love your 5 goals – very practical!

  5. Try Elete for electrolytes. It’s an additive that has no sugar or flavour, I’m ultra marathon training while going to school for HR (and working full time in HR!!!) and I have lots of stomach issues, it’s the only thing that doesn’t irritate me or make me want to gag. As for on the go nutrition try eatin something with natural sugars such as dates. There’s lots of home made “gel” recipes out there!! “Feeture” and lulu socks are my go to, even for 8 hour of running!! Enjoy your training!!!

Comments are closed.