Oddly enough, I’ve decided to run a marathon.
This comes after years of saying I had no interest in it, which, until recently, I haven’t.
I like to run. Maybe I even love it. But I am by no stretch a born distance runner. I’ve been running for as long as I can remember, and even though I have done six, eight, 12, and 15 miles at a time, I usually stick to the three-to-five range. Obviously, that’s been changing in a big way.
Of course, surviving 20-mile runs is going to be about more than running. This is my personal marathon training plan; it’s how I’ve been dealing with these last six weeks of training, and how I’m going to tackle the next three months.
Run
A big shout of thanks to Hal Higdon, whom I don’t know personally, but (thanks to the magic of the internet) whose marathon training plan I’m following. I have huge love for his expertise, because I have no idea what I’m doing. Except running. When it says five, I run five. When it says 10, I run 10. When it says 20…well, I’m getting there. And I will run 20.
Vemma
I’ve been using these daily liquid nutritional supplements for five years. During this training, I’m taking a serving (2 oz) of Vemma after every run, in addition to at least one other serving in the form of Vemma, Verve, or a Bod•ē shake.
These products contain 12 vitamins, 65 minerals, aloe vera, green tea, and (my favorite) mangosteen–a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is much needed after those hard runs.
Chiropractic
Lucky for me, my boyfriend is a chiropractor. I already get regular adjustments, but he has promised to keep me on a twice-a-week adjustment schedule to keep my body in top shape.
Yoga
Every single day, first thing in the morning before my run, I practice yoga. Some days are a little more productive than others, depending on how energetic my puppy is, but no matter what, I get on the mat. Even rest day includes yoga.
Massage
I recently met four therapists who each specialize in something different: rolfing, trigger point, Thai bodywork, and deep tissue. I’ve seen the rolfer and the trigger point therapist a couple of times and I want to stay consistent with it as the runs get longer.
Food
Contrary to desired belief, running this much does not give you a license to eat whatever you want. I haven’t changed much in regards to my eating habits since starting my marathon training, but I am paying close attention to what my body wants and needs. My first breakfast is a smoothie, my second breakfast (or early lunch, if that sounds better; this is a new development) is eggs with vegetables, and then late lunch and dinner vary from day to day.
Visualization/Positive Thinking
My dad had me doing this when I was a young athlete, and it’s important to fitness endeavors and all areas of life. I see myself strong and fast. I no longer call it “crazy” to run 15 miles. I tell my body I love it, I talk myself up, I encourage myself with every step. There’s no room for anything else.
Have you ever run a marathon? What did you do to prepare?