Marathon Training

I am now just over two months away from my first marathon - Victoria Marathon October 10, 2010. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Although I have been running for close to 10 years and racing for over 3 years, I hadn't yet jumped into the world of the marathon. This entire experience has been new to me, but I am enjoying the journey. Over the last few weeks, I have had several new experiences: running longer than 30 km on the road (I've completed longer runs on trails - Juan de Fuca - 48km in 2009 and North Coast Trail - ~40km in 2010) and running more than 60-65km/week. I have found the increased distance enjoyable, yet tough at the same time.

I have now done three 30+km runs at a pace slightly slower than my marathon goal pace. At the end of the first two efforts my legs were tired and sore, and my legs felt tired for almost a week thereafter. Although I have been able to run the day after my long efforts, my legs have certainly taken a beating. It feels like going up to the 30km distance has been a huge leap, and my legs have taken more than the usual 1-2 days to recover. This has been exacerbated by lack of sleep -- so I hope to be able to correct that issue, and speed my recovery - enabling me to get more quality work-outs.


My third run was at a slightly slower pace and while my legs ached at the end of the run, I felt much better following that run. I'm not sure whether it's because of the slower pace or because my legs are getting used to the longer distance - but either way, I'll take it. I know that I still have some time to get ready for the race, but I would be lying if I didn't say I was feeling somewhat nervous. Adding an extra 8-10km to the runs I have already completed and doing the entire distance at a faster pace is somewhat nerve-racking.

Jumping into the world of longer distance running - I am truly inspired by the true running 'crazies' who compete in ultramarathons of 100km and 100 miles. Running 42 kms seems far enough - more than doubling and tripling that distance sees inconceivable. Although, as often goes with runners -- ask me in a few years, and I might be planning my first assault at one of these insane distances! :-)

So -- how has my training been going? At about the begining of July I started ratcheting up my long runs. I started at about 20km, and have worked up steadily from there to about 33-34km. My weeks have't changed much. I've been running 5-6 days a week - something that I thought would have been unimaginable a few years ago, as I dealt with injuries and pains anytime I surpassed 3 days/week. Physiotherapy, consistent exercises and orthotics helped me -- despite the fact that I secretely want to be a barefoot runner, with strong arches!

My shortest runs are around 40 minutes, and I have done a combination of speed work, moderate runs, easy runs and a long run. Now, I am re-evaluating my schedule and will be modifying my weeks to ensure my training week includes:

• an interval training session 
• a longer tempo run (16-20ish kms) 
• a hilly run 
• the long run

The other days will be easy runs or cycling.

Learning the nutrition piece has also been interesting. So far, the longest I have run timewise has been 2 hrs 45 minutes. During my longer runs, I have taken one gel and some cut-up fruitsource bars, and water. I'm still trying to figure out exactly when I want to consume energy -- as my stomach's been somewhat distressed during my longer efforts, and I don't want to consume too much -- but on the flip side I also don't want to bonk, or get low energy, as that could also stall my race and inhibit me from meeting my time goal.  Post-runs I have had a smoothie with fruit, yogurt, soy or almond milk and sometimes a little protein powder.  Then, I make sure that I eat quality protein and carbs throughout the day and week.  My body seems to know what it needs and definitely is craving more protein (eggs, nuts, peanut butter, beans etc).

Okay -- so what is my goal for the marathon?....

A goal: 3:20
B goal: sub 3:30
C goal: sub 3:40 (Boston qualifying time)

In some crazy way I am enjoying it - and I enjoy watching non-runners' reactions when I say that I ran over 30 kms. Although it's nothing compared to those 100km guys and gals, it's a good start for me, and still feels like an accomplishment. I am certain that I will be tackling the 50km distance sometime over the next few years, although beyond that - I'm not so sure.... Time will only tell.