Marathon Goal!

I almost forgot one of my main goals.

#3. COMPLETE A MARATHON UNDER 4 HOURS.

I keep having flash backs of mile 24 at my marathon, and being SO close to finishing under 4 hours but my body just wouldn't allow it. I don't think I could have pushed myself harder at that point, no matter how much I wanted to. I will complete another marathon, and I will complete it under 4 hours!

I woke up this morning at 6:45 AM ready to run. I stayed close to my apartment and did a nice slow 5 mile run. I walked .15 to the start and back- and counted it in my mileage which I usually don't count (walking) but today since it was my first day back I had no intention on running for time, but just to get back out there and move!

I ran 5.21 miles in 55:23 at 7:01. 

Last week when my parents were here I wore a pair of flip flops and the same pain in the bottom of my feet came back. The flip flops were arched similar to the inserts in my running shoes, so I decided it is that arch causing the pain in the bottom and sides of my feet. I took out the inserts in my tennis shoes to walk around last week and today was my first time running without them. I definitely felt flatter, and I taped my nike tracker in my shoe. I need to stop in a running store and see what is going on with my feet, shoes, but the run was great. It was hot and it's getting humid even in the morning, but it was definitely bearable and I am so happy I went this morning.

Recovery.

This week there hasn't been a lot to update, because I haven't been running! It's been a week and one day since the Marathon, and I'm still recovering. My body feels fine. I was never really sore in my legs, or body or anywhere except the bottom sides of my feet. I can walk fine in heels, just flat footed hurts. The two days following the marathon were by far the worst, and everyday has been getting better since. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods  yesterday because we got a $10 coupon in our marathon bags. I ended up buying the Thrive by Dr. Vonda Wright to try to massage out my pain!

Here is the "product information" from the website. Experience the healing benefits of the Thrive™ Massage Ball. The Massage Ball features durable spikes designed to stimulate sensory points on the body. The compact design allows you to release tension of sore muscles and promote healing anywhere. Place one on the floor below your feet for a relaxing foot massage, or place against a wall or chair for a soothing back massage. 

FEATURES:

• This fitness tool is part of the Dr. Vonda Wright, M.D., fitness program
• Spike design stimulates sensory points on the body
• Increases blood flow to release tension of sore muscles to promote healing
• Use at home, at the office, or while traveling
• Constructed with durable materials built to last
• Diameter: 3.5"

I brought it to work today and rolled it under my feet at my desk. If anything, it feels good! 

I swam on Saturday, but other than that I took it easy this week. I have plans to see "Water For Elephants" tonight, which I've been excited to see but tomorrow I will probably start my workout routine up again :) It will be interesting to see what I do without training now. My goal is to incorporate swimming, strength and yoga as well as run shorter distances. It is going to be a hot summer, but I have a treadmill for quick runs and I am sure I will still attempt outside. If I don't run in a few days I start to get antsy, and I'm starting to feel that now! I just want to be 100% before I attempt to run again. 

I feel settled in Orlando now, and am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend coming up! 

MARATHON

 This will probably be a pretty long post, but this was the reason I started this blog! Actually, when I started it was to survive a half marathon. At the time, I had no idea that it would turn into a full marathon just a few short months later.

My journey started with a wonderful company called Arctic Ease.  They passed out a sample at my half marathon expo and I really liked the sample after the race. I wasn't sure where to buy it so I started following them on facebook.  Almost immediately after I started following them they were holding a contest for the Pittsburgh Marathon.  I had to answer questions such as "favorite things in Pittsburgh", but since I had never been I looked up different places that looked interesting to answer the questions. To my surprise I got a message in my inbox saying I was the grand prize winner and won the entry fee and either a flight or hotel to the marathon! This was before I even knew I would be moving to Orlando.

When I found out I was moving I chose flight- I was determined to still run the marathon. Although with moving and the crazy week and weekends leading up to it, I wasn't able to put 100% into my training. I still had some amazing runs though, from Bonita Springs in Florida to Manhattan Beach in California.

I have crazy memories of getting bit by a dog, settling into my new apartment in Orlando and discovering new trails. It has really been an exciting, yet crazy few months leading up to it, but I can't even express how happy I am that I went through with it.

Saturday morning started my 24 hours in Pittsburgh journey. I didn't arrive in Pittsburgh until 5 PM. One of my friends, Nicole, who I haven't seen in years- and was roommates with Natalie (who I visited in California) absolutely made my trip. I was blown away by her kindness. First- her and her boyfriend JD picked me up at the airport and brought me to pick up my race packet from the wonderful Arctic Ease staff. Then we went to a cute Italian restaurant in a basement near where Nicole lives in Shady side. I had a house salad and pasta with vodka sauce- it was amazing! I took carb loading that day very serious, and spent the day snacking and drinking water. When we got back to Nicole's apartment I laid out all of my race things. This is one of my favorite things to do before a race!

 I went to bed right around 9 PM. I didn't sleep well the entire week leading up to the trip because I was excited and anxious for the race, so it was great to fall asleep early. I woke up at 4:30 AM to my alarm, and realized I was in Nicole's bed alone. When I went to her living room I saw her curled up on the couch and her boyfriend basically sitting up in a chair sleeping. They were worried about waking me up so decided to sleep in the living room, I COULD'NT believe it! Also, I had planned on taking a taxi or walking the 5 miles to the start line because I knew I would have to get up crazy early- but instead Nicole arranged with a friend of hers who was running the half to meet me at the bus stop. They said there was no need for me to run a 30 mile marathon and they would drive me- at 5 AM! 

 

So I met up with Nicole's friends at the bus stop, and the bus never showed up. We ended up driving to the race, and although it was crowded we found a spot close in the parking ramp. I was in the same corral (B) as the sister so we headed into the corrals together, said good luck, then I put my headphones on. It was raining on and off throughout the morning, and I used my white lululemon headband to cover my ears to keep my headphones in and dry. 

Now onto the race! My official stats off Active.com were as follows: 

Bib: 1946

Div: Women 25-29

Chip Time: 4:07:58

Clock Time: 4:10:09

Overall: 1573

Sex Pl: 395

DivPi: 109

10k: 53:30

Half: 1:54:29

15 mile: 2:11:43

20 mile: 3:02:20

DivTotal: 377

Sextotal: 1639

Pace: 9:28

4284 Finishers, 2645 Male, 1639 Female

As you can see the beginning was great! I was flying. I felt GREAT honestly until about mile 20. It was rainy, but it felt nice after a few miles. When I got to the half point and realized I had about half left, I wasn't worried. My body was still feeling great and I was moving along. I didn't feel any pain until about mile 20, and then it all kind of hit me. It was really tough to push through- it wasn't as much a mental wall as physical wall. Each step was painful and it was hard to push through the end. Around mile 24 the 4:00 pace guy showed up and when he passed me it was like everything stopped. I had no motivation and it was hard for me to move, since I was so close to finishing under 4 hours. 

A man came up behind me and said "come on! we've been at this together since around mile 6" I didn't realize but I guess we'd been running near each other for the past 15 miles! So we ran the end of it together, even chatted a bit and crossed the finish line together. After the race, we gave each other a hug and that was it. It was something I'll always remember! Also when I crossed Nicole and JD were standing there. I can't even explain how amazing it was to see people at the finish line, especially since when I signed up I didn't expect anyone to be there.

The marathon was an incredible experience. I couldn't walk for almost a week following the race- I could walk fine in heels but flat footed was a different story. Physically my body has never been in the pain it went through those last few miles, but I felt so amazing when it was finished and accomplished that I could see myself pursuing another one. I love running still and am anxious to start up again once the pain goes away in my feet. 

I am happy to say I completed my first marathon! 

WOW

I just got home from a crazy 4 days. I have A LOT to update. Until then...

FINALLY!

My "blogger" has been down the last two days. I have been busy thinking and preparing for my MARATHON weekend!

I sent everyone the link so they could TRACK ME! Although I'm nervous for my results, considering with the move and crazy schedule I don't feel as prepared as I did for my half, I think knowing people are tracking me will be motivation throughout the race to KEEP GOING!

Also, I read an article a few months ago and it stuck with me so I thought I would give it a try. I wrote down the names of 26 (well more than that, some miles have a few names) names to think about and "run for' or motivate me along each mile. It was fun coming up with a list! My marathon "playlist" is complete.

I have enough music for 7.9 hours of running. OH DEAR, I BETTER cross the finish line before my music runs out ;) I thought I would listen to it on shuffle, so it would kind of be a surprise what song was going to come next. And I have a mix of Adele, Florence and the Machine, and more upbeat songs. I usually listen to lighter tunes when running, so the combination should work for a long run. 

I am completely packed! I ended up buying a new Lululemon outfit for the run. I bought longer shorts- the Groovy Run Short and a Cool Racerback.  I tested the outfit during a 3 mile loop (I ran 3 miles in 30:15) around my apartment complex and although they still rode up a little bit, they definitely were longer than my speed short. 

It is supposed to rain a bit in Pittsburgh on Sunday- but weather from the 60's-70's.

This is it! My marathon outfit, and supplies for Sunday. I am packing them in my suitcase now. I have had a very productive Sunday so far preparing everything and packing, doing laundry and "catching up". I am not going to run today, but I'd like to do something active- I am going to swim laps at our pool and check it out. It's hot enough!

Tonight I am going to make myself a pasta meal, just wheat noodles and instant sauce. I have been drinking water and green tea all day. If you would have told me a year ago that I was going to run a marathon in exactly one year I would have never believed you. I remember being nervous for my 10k in Bangkok, not knowing if I could make that! I am really excited. 

Almost Ready!

ALMOST ready. I've been getting nervous about this weekend, now that it is quickly approaching. I went to Lululemon today to get an outfit for the run. I needed longer shorts- and a top. I ended up buying the "Groovy Run Short"  (highlights: mid-length, COOLMAX liner, chafe-resistant) in all black and a "Cool Racerback" (highlights- luon fabric, body hugging, flat seamed) top in a light purple with stripes. It's a really simple outfit, and I debated going with short sleeves but didn't want to be too hot. I went to three different stores today looking for Body Glide and it was nowhere to be found! Here are a few other options I tried on at the store. I want that blue top, but the material is so delicate I'm nervous I would snag it just by looking at it.

I am starting to put out some of my items for the marathon- I am going to wake up in the morning to do a quick 3 mile loop before running errands, cleaning up and packing for my big weekend ahead. I'm actually going to wear my outfit to test it out tomorrow morning- I did the same thing while training for the half- wore my outfit one time before the actual race and I will do it again tomorrow morning!

DIsney Run!

It didn't even occur to me that I could run along Disney's Boardwalk.  A new friend invited me this afternoon and it sounded like the perfect setting for a run, and it was! I was ecstatic to see the Tower of Terror  during a RUN!

It was a quick run, we ran 5 miles in 42:53. 

It was HOT though. This will definitely be a new fun running destination! 4 days, 6 hours, 41 minutes, 39 seconds until the marathon. Eek!

Enjoy The Struggle

Motivation came in the mail today. My friend Hannah sent me an amazing bracelet she made for a group of our friends who are all currently in training. They are all training for the San Diego Half and full Marathon while of course my Pittsburgh run is Sunday. I received a bracelet and cute note in the mail today, that really meant a lot.

She also included a quote "You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement." -Steve PreFontaine

My favorite part of the note was "Next time you feel like giving up use this bracelet as inspiration- we're all here for you, enjoy the struggle". Hannah has been a great inspiration throughout my half marathon and marathon training, I will wear this bracelet this entire week, the race, and probably after that! Thanks Hannah! Love you!

Today was a REST day. I considered doing a shorter run because the weather was beautiful, but I really enjoyed having a rest day and using it to knock a few more things off my "moving in" list. I keep telling myself to just get through this weekend...

8 days 14 hours 39 minutes 40 seconds

That's the countdown until the marathon! I did a easy 4 mile loop today.

I ran 4 miles in 39 minutes 22 seconds.

It started to rain on me halfway so I threw my ipod in the car and went "zen" style. I don't know what I think about running without music, it was interesting to hear my breathing- but it got old after like two seconds. 

Look what I bought today! Aerial Arts! I am going to try it with my roommate. Maybe afterwards I can join the circus!

 I am starting to get e-mails for the marathon. It's coming up! I'm going to meet my friend who lives in Orlando tonight and go out a little for my Birthday. I don't even feel like it, but at midnight I will be 26.

Weights

I tried out the gym in my apartment complex today. (The picture is taken from my apartment's website, but I don't want to put the link up)

I was not impressed. I wanted to do free weights in front of the mirror but there really wasn't anywhere to stand, and they didn't have 8 lb weights which I usually use- only a set of 5's and ONE 10. They didn't have any mats so I laid towels down to do abs and weights on the floor. I did 10 minutes on the elliptical with the 5 lbs in my hands. I tried to do a few different sets with what I had in the area I had, but I think my best bet for free weights is to buy a set of 5-8- and 10 lb weights and do DVDs. I will check my TV tomorrow to see if I have any programs. I ended off my awkward workout with a mile on the treadmill- at 9.0 speed, I did a mile in under 7 minutes! I think it ended around 6:50. It felt good.

Tomorrow I am going to see if I can use our pool for laps. I think I should be able to as long as no one is there, and it did NOT look crowded. That would be the perfect summer workout. I already finished my 24 hours for the week and I'm thrilled to have a long "Thanksgiving" weekend. I always call having Thursday and Friday off a Thanksgiving weekend, because that is what it reminds me of.

Here is a picture of my pool, again taken off the website.

It looks nice, so I will attempt this tomorrow. I am not setting my alarm tomorrow and going to sleep until I wake up- which means it will probably be too hot for a run by the time I'm up. I have a TON to do tomorrow, and I haven't slept in yet!

My newest FAVORITE thing since I've been in Florida is flavored water. I drank a lot of cucumber water during my trip to California so every morning I put a different fruit in my new favorite tumblr by Aladdin that I bought at Target for around $12. I love it! We have a water machine at work and I will fill it with ice and water and all day it is delicious! Monday and Tuesday I put cucumbers in, and today oranges. I am obsessed!

I'm starting to feel a little more settled. It's my Birthday this weekend. I have a few plans, so that is exciting! I'm not sure what yet, hopefully a combination of going out, Disney, working out and relaxing before my big marathon the following weekend. Ahh!

1 down 1 to go

I went to a yoga this morning. Vinyasa. The instructor was 15 minutes late, and therefore tried to hold us 15 minutes after- I had breakfast plans so I left early. I was kind of annoyed to leave early, but I had to. Also, I might go to my LAST one at 4:30 PM. I have been running errands all day, and I have a few more so I figured a Yoga class might just work.

It has been great to see all my family and friends the past week. It always makes me sad that we don't try to see each other ALL the time, and just not on special occasions.

Back to errands. No running today. I am getting antsy again! I really miss it when I can't lace up and go. I'm starting to get a little nervous for my marathon. I just don't want to get injured! It's only 17 days away! Well exactly 17 days, 13 hours, 6 minutes and 42 seconds from now.

20 miles :)

I ran 20 miles in 3:54:21. 

Wow. What a great, great afternoon. I did 21 miles last week in Florida in 5:04:39 and 20 today is 3:54:21. I wore my yellow Brooks running shirt, a hot pink lululemon sports bra top, lululemon shorts (which was bad because my legs chafed, really would have preferred to wear my pants but there's a big hole in the back), lululemon socks, lululemon headband and the KT tape knee wrap. I ran the majority of it today and only stopped to take breaks to eat shot Cliff bloks and have water. I brought 2 waters, one pack of Tropical Punch Cliff bloks,  and pretzels with peanut butter for a snack. I had the bloks and water about every 4-5 miles and drank my water around then too. Around mile 18 I stopped in a deli to pick up a gatorade and a Muscle Milk protein shake. (I also bought a "Oh Yeah" protein shake, but I didn't drink it... It's for tomorrow)

I ran the entire "strand" back and forth twice, up and down two piers and then had to circle around my friends apartment at the end to reach 20. I ran the majority of it and stopped to refuel, but other than that my body felt pretty good. I had texts from Hannah throughout which helped, and the first half flew by. Actually up until about 15 went pretty fast, with the view of the houses and ocean but the last 5 miles dragged. I am currently icing my feet which feel really swollen and my knee which hurt a little throughout. I am THRILLED I bought new tennis shoes today, I can't wait to get them. I need them. Tonight my friend Natalie and I are going to sushi for dinner. I have a feeling I am going to be hungry...

This was in someone's window! Hello! 

The weather was perfect. It was mid 60s with sun here and there. I was able to keep my long sleeve on the entire time without getting too hot or too cold. It was fun to people watch. It was inspiring to look at the amazing houses. I spent the day at the beach, doing something I love, running. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Pittsburgh Marathon!

I'm officially all set up for the Pittsburgh Marathon.  I am so excited! Today I booked my flight. I am leaving Orlando on Saturday and returning Monday. It is going to be a SHORT trip, with a lot of travel, but I didn't want to make it longer since I will be starting my new job just the week before. I was considering leaving Friday night, or early Saturday morning, but my schedule allows me to be rested and just be like a regular weekend with the exception of the majority of it traveling or running. I won the flight and registration from Arctic Ease, and they have been so helpful and accommodating. I can't wait to meet the great people behind it! It will be fun to have people supporting me there, even if I just met them, or barely know them at all. Today was jam packed of errands/ getting ready for Florida. My sister is on her way here right now for a quick dinner before we head off to Bonita Springs for the weekend. I am bringing my laptop to track my runs, which I am 100% committed to doing this weekend. Bring on the sun!

April Showers

I missed Yoga this morning, because I decided to spend the morning with my mom eating pancakes and shopping for my new room! I had buckwheat pancakes, and they were delicious! I ate 2 pancakes and half a piece of bacon for breakfast. After we spent the day looking for different white pillows. I think I am going to have nightmares about pillows attacking me in my sleep. However we found some cute things, and after I have it figured out I will post.

There is a pet store at one of the malls we went to, and I had to go in. How cute is this baby? I wish I could have taken him home with me.

It's not warm out today but it's not freezing either. It started to rain a bit at the end, but it pushed me to get home because I didn't want to get wet. Maybe high 40s, but not sunny. I have to hurry and meet a friend in a little bit, but I managed to do a quick 5.5 mile run. I am so happy I went! I love when I debate to run or not to run, and I do run and love it! I walked a little bit of it in the beginning and end. I think I'm going to stop counting the walking, even though I said I would for marathon training because it doesn't give me a accurate pace. I need a new watch!!!!!! Also, I NEED TO DO MORE LONG RUNS!

I ran 5.5 miles in 54:03

I love the weekends!

Big block of, foam.

I just bought a "foam roller" from Hanson's Running Shop in Grosse Pointe. Yesterday at the end of my 8 miles my hip and knee hurt really bad. I was hoping I would never experience the "running pain" I've heard so much about, but after yesterday's run I knew I had to do something or it would get worse. I tried to go to the chiropractor today, but she wasn't in- so I will try again tomorrow. Instead, I went to Hanson's, explained my problem and was recommended the foam roller. My friend also recommended it to me yesterday, so I was anxious what this piece of equipment would look like. Well, it's not really a piece of equipment at all, it's exactly what it sounds like. A big piece of foam. It looked like packaging in a box, and I couldn't believe it was $20, but if it helps it will be worth it! The runner at Hanson's also showed me a few stretches I can do to help my hip, and advised me not to do a long run until it feels better. I'll see how I feel on Saturday, I am hoping to do my stretches, a chiropractor session, and yoga before then.

The runner at Hanson's also showed me how to use the roller, but I also found a youtube video to demonstrate it.

I have a important phone call in about 15 minutes, then I am anxious to get outside for a 4 mile run. I think I am going to do some strength training today as well. It's St. Patrick's Day, it was a great day at the preschool. The children have been trying to catch the leprechaun all week by writing him letters, and leaving out traps. Today we left small pancakes and a box out, and went outside to play. When we got back in the classroom, it was trashed! There were little green footprints everywhere, chairs knocked over, bites taken out of the pancakes, and even green pee in the small toilet! The kids went wild, and the rest of the morning talked about how they think the leprechaun got in their lunches and took a bite of their sandwich, and how they would attempt to catch him again in the afternoon. This will be my first time in about seven years not going out to "celebrate" it. This year I am perfectly content with rolling my hip on my new foam roller, and going to sleep early to prepare myself for a long weekend of running/ yoga/ and staying on track.

9 week training schedule... until the MARATHON!

I have heard a lot about "Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide".  I decided to go with the Full Marathon Training Schedule: Novice 2.  I actually feel relieved that half of my training is done. I missed two weeks of long runs, but I ran after the race a few times, so I'm not too worried :) However, I'm supposed to jump right into a 17 mile run on Saturday. This will by far be the furthest I have ever ran, considering the half prior to this was the furthest at 13.1 miles! I will go slow, and not worry as much about time as just completing the run. This is going to be a challenge!

Although I chose this schedule, I am making starting at week 10 since I only have 9 weeks until the race. I feel like I properly trained up until that point for the half marathon, so I am confident if I follow it and take the first few long runs slow it should be fine. The only thing I am worried about is, time. I have a lot going on from now until the race, so my goal is going to be to FINISH. I am not going to concentrate as much on time, and set a time goal as I did for the half, but really concentrate on the long runs, and getting through them! I have never ran over 13.1 miles, so this weekend will be a first. I think I am going to take the "rest" days, and even possibly after the 4 or 5 runs to go to Yoga.

So there it is, my first FULL MARATHON training schedule. Tomorrow it will be exactly two months until the race. I know it will fly by! Now, what will I pick out from lululemon for race day? 

Taken from Hal Higdon's Novice Marathon Training Page... 
PEOPLE DIFFER GREATLY IN ABILITY, but ideally before starting a marathon program, you should have been running about a year. You should be able to comfortably run distances between 3 and 6 miles. You should be training 3-5 days a week, averaging 15-25 miles a week. You should have run an occasional 5-K or 10-K race. It is possible to run a marathon with less of a training base (particularly if you come from another sport), but the higher your fitness level, the easier this 18-week program will be.
This program consists of several different increments:
Long Runs: The key to the program is the long run on weekends, which builds from 6 miles in Week 1 to 20 miles in the climactic Week 15. (After that, you taper to get ready for the marathon.) You can skip an occasional workout, or juggle the schedule depending on other commitments, but do not cheat on the long runs. Notice that although the weekly long runs get progressively longer, every third week is a "stepback" week, where we reduce mileage to allow you to gather strength for the next push upward. Rest is an important component of any training program.
Run Slow:  Normally I recommend that runners do their long runs anywhere from 45 to 90 seconds per mile slower than their marathon pace. The problem with offering this advice to novice runners, however, is that you probably don't know what your marathon pace is, because you've never run a marathon before! Don't worry. Simply do your long runs at a comfortable pace, one that allows you to converse with your training partners, at least during the beginning of the run. Toward the end, you may need to abandon conversation and concentrate on the act of putting one foot in front of the other to finish. However, if you find yourself finishing at a pace significantly slower than your pace in the first few miles, you probably need to start much slower, or include regular walking breaks. It's better to run too slow during these long runs, than too fast. The important point is that you cover the prescribed distance; how fast you cover it doesn't matter.
Walking Breaks: That includes walking breaks. Walking is a perfectly acceptable strategy in trying to finish a marathon. It works during training runs too. While some coaches recommend walking 1 minute out of every 10, or walking 1 minute every mile, in the CARA Marathon Training Class, we teach runners to walk when they come to an aid station. This serves a double function: 1) you can drink more easily while walking as opposed to running, and 2) since many other runners slow or walk through aid stations, you'll be less likely to block those behind. It's a good idea to follow this strategy in training as well. Our class that trains on the lakefront finds water fountains (also known as "bubblers") every mile, or more often. We teach them to stop frequently to drink. Our classes that train elsewhere in the suburbs don't always have easy access to fluids, but we teach them to wear a water belt and also stop frequently to drink. You will lose less time walking than you think. I once ran a 2:29 marathon, walking through every aid station. My son Kevin ran 2:18 and qualified for the Olympic Trials employing a similar strategy. And Bill Rodgers took four brief breaks (tying a shoe on one of them) while running 2:09 and winning the 1975 Boston Marathon. Walking gives your body a chance to rest, and you'll be able to continue running more comfortably. It's best to walk when you want to, not when your (fatigued) body forces you too.
Cross-Training:  Sundays in this training program are devoted to cross-training. What is cross-training? It is any other form of aerobic exercise that allows you to use slightly different muscles while resting (usually) after your long run. In this program, we run long on Saturdays and cross-train on Sundays, although it certainly is possible to reverse that order. The best cross-training exercises are swimming, cycling or even walking. What about sports such as tennis or basketball? Activities requiring sideways movements are not always a good choice. Particularly as the mileage builds up toward the end of the program, you raise your risk of injury if you choose to play a sport that requires sudden stopping and starting. One tip: You don't have to cross-train the same each weekend. And you could even combine two or more exercises: walking and easy jogging or swimming and riding an exercise bike in a health club. Cross-training for an hour on Sunday will help you recover after your Saturday long runs.
Midweek Training:  Training during the week also should be done at a comparatively easy pace. As the weekend mileage builds, the weekday mileage also builds. Add up the numbers, and you'll see that you run roughly the same mileage during the week as you do during long runs on the weekends. Midweek workouts on Wednesdays build from 3 to 10 miles. (I call these my Sorta-Long Runs.) There are similar slight advances on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program is built on the concept that you do more toward the end than at the start. That sounds logical, doesn't it? Believe me--as tens of thousands of marathoners using this schedule have proved--it works.
Rest:  Despite my listing it at the end, rest is an important component of this or any training program. Scientists will tell you that it is during the rest period (the 24 to 72 hours between hard bouts of exercise) that the muscles actually regenerate and get stronger. Coaches also will tell you that you can't run hard unless you are well rested. And it is hard running (such as the long runs) that allows you to improve. If you're constantly fatigued, you will fail to reach your potential. This is why I include two days of rest each week for novice runners. If you need to take more rest days--because of a cold or a late night at the office or a sick child--do so. The secret to success in any training program is consistency, so as long as you are consistent with your training during the full 18 weeks of the program, you can afford--and may benefit from--extra rest.

I am the GRAND PRIZE winner!

Although it was tough falling asleep last night, I woke up excited to go to work today. It's been three weeks since I've seen the young preschoolers, and I was anxious to see their smiling faces. I was greeted today with hugs and pictures. Different students drew me pictures ranging from flowers, to castles to my favorite- a picture of myself, dressed as a lion with a small squeaky mouse next to me. (See below)

While I was at work, I checked my messages to find out I AM THE GRAND PRIZE winner of Arctic Ease's 

Pittsburgh Half Marathon Contest!

Show us your Black & Yellow Pride!

Arctic Ease the Official Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Cold Wrap for our runner friends. Arctic Ease is proud to sponsor this amazing series of races. We’re giving away 19 entries to the race of your choice; the marathon, half marathon or relay marathon!

Six daily winners will receive a race number to the race of their choice, and an Arctic Ease prize pack complete with Arctic Ease running jersey, wraps and pads. One grand prizewinner will receive a race entry and hotel or air fare for the race.
Rules:

1. You must become a fan of Arctic Ease by clicking “Like” on our Facebook page.

2. You must answer our question of the day by Midnight Eastern Time, posted “CONTEST:” in the comments section of the contest post.

3. Check back daily for the winners! Arctic Ease will select six winners at random each day from Wednesday, March 9th through Friday, March 11, 2011.

4. After all 18 daily winners are announced, we will select one winner over all the daily entries (not just daily winners) to win race entry and airfare or hotel (winner’s choice).

We’ll announce the grand prizewinner on Monday, March 21st. Bib numbers are non-transferable, so if you win, you’ll be the one running! Please keep all entries family friendly; inappropriate entries will be deleted and not eligible to win.

Start Thinking of Fun Answers Now! The Daily Questions Will Be …

Wednesday: What’s your favorite Pittsburgh landmark?
Thursday: What’s your favorite Pittsburgh sports team?
Friday: What’s your favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?

To qualify to enter you must respond in the comment section of the daily wall post marked CONTEST:

Thanks! Good luck!  

I received a message in my facebook inbox that I was the Grand Prize winner! Now I have to decide between the half marathon or the full marathon. I think I am going to go for the full :) YES, THIS WILL BE MY FIRST FULL MARATHON. A few months ago, I didn't even know if I could complete a half. Now that I have finished my first half under my goal time, it's time to go for the full! Since I just completed my first half about two weeks ago, I still feel like I'm in training mode. The marathon is almost exactly two months away, so I am going to research a few training schedules to see if I can incorporate what I have ran so far into marathon mode! This is exciting news. It is a REALLY busy time for me at this moment, but I feel really excited and like good things are going to happen to me career wise and athletic wise. I will do some marathon research and share what I find :) I am headed to Yoga tonight at Yoga Shelter, but maybe I need to start running again!? ;)