In all honesty, I've been meaning to provide an update on how things have been coming along for at least the last week or so, but things have been so busy that I haven't been able to find the time. With how crazy things have been at the office, all this marathon training and playoff football, blogging has had to take a back seat.
Over the last couple of weeks, I've tackled a total of 40 miles including 2 long runs of 9 and 10 miles respectively. My body is definitely still adjusting to running this much, but overall I can sense that my fitness level is continuing to improve week to week. When my schedule calls for 3 or 4 or even 5 miles now, it seems like a cake walk. Maybe in a month or so that's how I'll feel when I have to hit double digits on a Wednesday morning! (Fingers crossed!)
I consider both my long runs big accomplishments. I haven't attempted either distance since high school, but in the last couple of weeks I've done so at a pace competitive with (or maybe even faster than) the one I held up as a 16 year old. It may sound totally corny, but the feeling of pride I have when my iPod sounds "Congratulations, you just completed your longest workout to date" is something I can't describe. It's another small victory on my way to crossing the finish line in 3 short months!
My first long run was with a small group of MGH Marathon Team members. It was nice to meet some other runners and hear about their experiences so far. Overall, the run was a big confidence boost because I was well ahead of several girls and ultimately caught up to one of the more seasoned marathoners on the team. I felt awesome as we trotted along side one another -- that is until she told me that she was hungover and had gained nearly 15 pounds since last year (when she finished Boston with a qualifying time). Nevertheless, it was nice to know I could hang with her, even if it was on her worst day.
I decided to tackle my 10 miler this past Saturday on my own. I liked the group run a lot, but it sucked up a ton of time in the morning and I wanted to make sure I had hours to hti the pavement, shower, and rest before the Patriots game (are my priorities in order or what?). I bundled up and was out the door by 9:30am or so with my super cool, pink hydration belt strapped around my waist. I wish you all could have seen the look on Brendan's face when I showed him this thing. Pure embarassment. I'm seriously considering wearing it out the next time we're in public together. I live to torture him! 
The run was cold, but good. I felt really strong on my first 5 miles and once I hit the halfway point, I jogged in place while I took a GU (energy gel). I've read and heard numerous times that it's important to experiment with hydration and fueling methods during training, so that you know what works best for you during race day. The Chocolate Outrage gel that I got at City Sports tastes just like frosting to me and didn't upset my stomach at all, so I may have found a winner there. As for my drink of choice, I stick with water. For some reason, sports drinks do a number on me unless I drink them after a work out, so I didn't even bother bringing some along with me. I didn't necessarily feel like I needed to take the GU when I did, but that's a good thing. They say that if you wait until you're fatigued or hungry, it's too late to begin replenishing your glycogen levels because you'll never get caught up and fully restored. I think taking them every 5 miles is a good approach for me, but of course I'll have to continue to play around with that throughout my long training runs.
All in all, training is coming along nicely. I've been learning a lot about long distance running that I surprisingly never really knew and I'm enjoying pushing myself throughout this process. Also, on the fundraising front, things are awesome! I'm over $2K now and still have many people out there who plan to donate. I really appreciate everyone's continued support and encouragement. I know it's a big part of what will get me to Boylston Street on April1 6th!
Til next time (you know, in February!).
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