Thursday, October 26, 2017

5 Marathon Training Truths (I Forgot About)...

So, most of you know it's been 4 years since I trained for and completed a full marathon. I've run 5 full marathons so far, so I felt like I kinda knew what I was doing when going into this training cycle (although I'm not going to lie - I definitely felt rusty)! Well, as I was out for my long run this past Saturday, I realized that there were SEVERAL things I somehow forgot about while training for a full.



#1 The amount of GU/Chomps I go through in a training cycle

I mean, really...who thinks about these things? I hardly use these guys while half marathon training but during my long runs lately, I've been eating them up! Guess I should have bought them in bulk over the summer as I've already made two trips to Academy this fall! 


#2 How much a long run truly is a mental game

On Saturday, I realized how true this statement really is. It's crazy how we train our minds as runners to distract ourselves from whatever mileage we are running at the time. I realized at one point on Saturday that I had completely distracted myself from what I was doing! It reminded me of a quote I'd read recently that said something along the lines of how a long run doesn't really start until the runner forgets they are running! All. Mental.



#3 Sore. Muscles.

This one explains itself - along with aching joints, etc. My foam roller and heating pad have become my BFF's here lately!


#4 Confidence Boost

When training for a full marathon, a few longer runs are a necessity and boy are they a confidence boost! I feel like once you pass that half marathon threshold (13+ miles) in training, everything starts to click into place and come together. It sure gives a boost of confidence on race day, too!


#5 Satisfaction knowing I just ran a REALLY long way

Ya know, there's just something about that feeling once a really long training run is over - your muscles ache, you have to limp a little to walk, and those endorphins are off the hook! Yes, I just ran 20 miles because I wanted to and yes, I might be a little bit crazy...but who cares! I feel amazing!


What are some things you learned while training for a race you'll never forget?

11 comments:

  1. Definitely the sore muscle thing! Also how much of a time suck training can be, especially when you get into the longer runs on Saturday mornings. I would run long and then I would come home and shower and be too tired to do anything else the rest of the day!

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    1. Yes to this!! Which stinks for me because Saturday is my day to hang with Brayden!

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  2. Laughing because I do buy fuel in bulk at the start of our training season! Between my husband and I, we go through a lot. You've got this, marathon-lady!

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    1. Oh now that’s funny! I should have thought of this one before!

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  3. Right?! I’ll have to buy a lot next time I head to academy!

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  4. I'm actually putting a run box together for my cousin since she's going to be training for her first full. I'll have plenty of chews in there because I know she'll need them.

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    1. That’s a great idea! What a great gift...I love that!!

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  5. I've only ran one marathon but the feeling of satisfaction & accomplishment after finishing the race and long runs was the best feeling ever!

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  6. All of this!!!!! I was reminded of so much of this during my Chicago training. Hopefully I'll be more mentally and physically prepared when I start training for my next goal race.

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