Getting Started

Ok, so this might be a little bit dorky of me, but since I am a visual person and since I know that  I will likely need daily motivation, I decided to make a marathon poster board to hang up in my room.  It helps keep me excited and motivated as the weeks go by.
I have officially completed my first 4 weeks of training so I will just do a recap of these weeks before I move on to more regular posts.  I am registered for the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon on June 1st.  One of the hardest things for me to decide on was the right training plan.  I decided to do 20 weeks because for half marathons I train for 10 weeks and that has seemed to work well for me.  The problem is there are sooooooo many different plans out there, and I wanted to make sure I chose the right one for me.  I am used to running three days a week, and I was pretty sure that  I would likely have to bump that up by at least one day a week, but I also felt like I would get burnt out running more than 4 days a week so I considered this when choosing the plan.  With those things in mind I came across this one, and decided it looked good (I think the title says it all):

20-Week Foolproof Marathon Training Schedule

Since I Have nothing to compare it to, I am not 100 percent certain that this plan is the best, but it has been great so far.  I like how it explains what each of the different runs are and why they are beneficial.  For a beginner like me, this is extremely helpful!  The next decision to make was what cross-training activities I should do.  I want to keep up with strength training so that I stay toned, and also want to do core work to help with the stamina aspect of being able to run 26 miles, but I also don't want to overdo it and wipe myself out.  It has been a hard balance to come up with, but hopefully will get easier as training continues.  Another good thing about the plan I chose was that it tells you how many minutes of cross-training to do each week.  So far I have incorporated kettlebell, an at-home cross fit circuit, core work, and a rapid muscle movement routine that was made specifically for runners. I find a lot of inspiration and great workouts on Pinterest as well as Youtube. Here are the links to some of these workouts:

Beginner kettlebell
Cross Fit
Rapid Muscle Movement

I know that one day more a week of running isn't that much, but the extra day really feels like a big change.  It's another day of finding the mental motivation to put on my running shoes and get out there;  I am still getting used to it.  I wish I could say that I was one of those runners who wakes up excited to go, but I am definitely not that person (at least not yet anyway).  I never really feel like going, it's the routine that gets me out there, and the board I have where I cross off each completed day.  The thought of not being able to cross the day off on the schedule really helps.
Because of the extra running that I will be doing over the next 16 weeks, i need to focus more on stretching after my runs. I have always been bad at taking the time to do so, but I know that the benefits of stretching are huge and will help my body adjust and stay healthy.  Just like the training plan I was unsure about what the best post-run stretches would be so I just did a youtube search on post-run stretches and found a couple that I have really liked.  I definitely notice a difference since I have added these stretches, I have been a lot less sore than in the past and feel less stiff when I am out running.  They only take a few extra minutes to do, and they are very worth it!

Post Run Stretch
Post Run Stretch #2

So after I chose the plan, the workouts and the stretches to get me through my 20 weeks, the next step was to get a new pair of running shoes.  This is the fun part, but also, like the other steps, it is overwhelming because of all the different options.  Since these shoes are going to be with me for over 450 miles of training I want the right ones, but since I am far from being an expert on these things I decide to actually go to an expert to help me out.  I went down to Roadrunner Sports in Carlsbad to have an analysis done.  The analysis was very thorough. I answered questions about my plans and routines and then they measured my  arches, watched me run barefoot on a treadmill, figured out my pressure points, and molded some custom insoles to fit my feet.  Based on all the facts they then pulled all the shoes that fit with what I needed.  It was a great experience, and I would highly recommend going through this process if you plan on running on a regular basis.  ASICs won me over again, and I ended up getting the neutral GEL Nimbus 15s.  I could not believe the difference when I went on my first run in them.  I felt so fast and bouncy, I don't think I realized how worn out my others had gotten.    So far I am loving these shoes, the awesome colors really help too!

Overall, my firs month of training has gone really well.  I have not missed a run yet, and my body is feeling pretty good.  I have the occasional ache in my shins or knees, sometimes both (I've read that ice-baths are essential to marathon training, but can't bring myself to go through with it), and I am constantly wanting to snack every night about 9 o'clock, but everything else is great.  Still working on waking up and being excited to run, I think I will get there someday.  Looking forward to what's to come!

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!" -Philippians 4:13