Ending on a high note
A week from today I will be running a marathon <---- aaaah!
And it turns out, I never did get a full blown cold like I thought I was a few days ago. Wohoo.
Yesterday marked my last long run of training. It was “only” 10 miles, and I wanted them be a strong 10 miles. But not so strong that they tired me out for my marathon.
I ran at a relatively slow, comfortable pace. My legs wanted to speed up but I had to keep reminding them that this wasn’t their day, and that I needed them to be speedy in a week.
I also noted where on my body felt achy. I had some piriformis and hip tightness, so I’ll focus on foam rolling those spots this week.
My 10 miles flew by! I ended up right where I wanted to be: not too slow, not too fast, no walk breaks, and feeling like I could run forever.
Mission accomplished.
10 miles at 8:50 pace.
I was beyond thrilled to have my training behind me!
Then I took my body to yoga to get in a good stretch. It hurt so good. Such a blissful exercise day 
Now I just have 3 short runs this week before the big day.
My plans for the next week are to do everything with my marathon in mind. Not like that will be hard since I’ve definitely been struck with marathon fever, and it’s all I think- and dream- about 
But what does this mean for me, specifically?
- Early to bed, late to rise: I’m shooting for 9 hours of sleep each night.
- Ice it, roll it, stretch it: “It” being my body.
- No sodium left behind: I have cramping issues when I run because I eat a very low salt diet. Not this week. Though I kind of regret salting my yogurt this morning…
- “Running shoes only” zone: No flats or flip-flops allowed. I’m only wearing my old running shoes this week to walk around in.
- Butt down, legs out: I want to sit as much as I can, with my legs stretched out as much as possible. Now how to rearrange my office to accomplish this?
- Sorry, furball: Mommy can’t take you on long walks this week. We’ll stick to 15 minutes or less. I promise next week, I’m all yours!
Anything I’m missing? How do you prep for a big race?
You Might Also Like:
Saturday was filled with yummy food and enlightening presentations. But for me, HLS was all about the good company. Kendall and I got shut out of the...
You guys, I cannot thank you enough for all of the support from my last post. Reading through your comments and emails had me balling (seriously, blam...
For the past nine years, we've been a happy family of three. Two of the three of us cannot wait to become a family of four. But as I've mention...
Blogher
Contact Me
- Loading...
Post by Date
Archives
- May 2012 (8)
- April 2012 (15)
- March 2012 (11)
- February 2012 (8)
- January 2012 (8)
- December 2011 (12)
- November 2011 (12)
- October 2011 (14)
- September 2011 (14)
- August 2011 (13)
- July 2011 (16)
- June 2011 (13)
- May 2011 (7)
- April 2011 (5)
- March 2011 (5)
- February 2011 (9)
- January 2011 (13)
- December 2010 (12)
- November 2010 (13)
- October 2010 (18)
- September 2010 (11)
- August 2010 (12)
- July 2010 (11)
- June 2010 (15)
- May 2010 (4)
October 10th, 2010 - 08:31
I’m doing many of the same things as you. You know what you’re doing, so I’m sticking with the plan!
Isn’t it funny how fast you felt like you could go yesterday?! I wanted to fly through it. I was grateful when we met up with my mom at the end, so she could hold us back a bit.
Can’t wait for next week!
October 10th, 2010 - 12:25
Your face is so cute
Go you – you’re gonna do awesome.
October 10th, 2010 - 12:30
No new foods!
I like your running shoes tip. I had never thought about that, but it makes sense because I’ve read about how bad flip flops are for our gait.
October 10th, 2010 - 12:49
My sister was a D1 runner in college and she was supposed to cut sugar and dairy from diet, especially before races. What are your thoughts on diet before races?
October 10th, 2010 - 14:12
Eat as much as I can but nothing new
I will go easier on desserts, but my favorite pre-race meal is pizza so I will definitely be eating dairy.
October 10th, 2010 - 13:04
May I recommend pickle juice snocones for a higher sodium intake. Though it may be too cold for snocones in October…
Popcorn balls would be good, too! Yum.
October 10th, 2010 - 14:15
good job Jen! You did great on the run!
I think those are all great ways to rest/prep for your race. I can’t think of anything you are missing besides don’t stress yourself out and don’t get sick!
October 10th, 2010 - 16:56
Oh, I’m getting so excited for you! Love your pre-race tips- I don’t think I’ve ever had a good race-prep week, but I will definitely remember to keep these in mind next time.
(Luckily, my next big pre-race week is right during the
summer holidays here- can’t wait!)
October 10th, 2010 - 20:48
During my long run today I thought to myself, “Jen will be running her marathon exactly one week from RIGHT NOW.” AHH!!!!! So excited for you. Love your plan of attack to prepare for race day.
I learned one very, very important lesson from my first marathon. Do not eat rich foods the night before. My parents were staying with us and it was Valentine’s Day so I made a chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting and whipped cream/strawberry filling. Yeah, I should have saved that for a post-race treat.
October 10th, 2010 - 21:13
So exciting to be one week away!! I prepare by eating “simple”, familiar foods and being pretty low key in activity. I try to do anything stress-relieving I can (mostly because I don’t sleep when I’m stressed). I love mentally preparing with visualization (of running strong the whole way and finishing) and positive self-talk (reminding myself I am strong and prepared).
October 11th, 2010 - 12:43
SO EXCITING!! you are going to do great girl, and after such a big weekend of racing this past weekend i am sure you are pumped!
October 11th, 2010 - 14:38
Way to finish your training strong! You are going to do amazing.
I never thought about cutting down the dog walks during marathon week – it’s such a habit I didn’t even think about. great tip!!
October 11th, 2010 - 15:47
I just found your blog and I absolutely love it! The best blogs are running blogs…in my opinion!
October 12th, 2010 - 11:41
I never knew lack of sodium could make you cramp. I always thought my cramps were from lack of water. Interesting…
October 12th, 2010 - 14:08
Sounds like a great plan! Just remember to do a few things that keep your mind off the marathon as well just for sanity sake! You’re almost there!!!