I promised to keep you updated about my half-marathon training. I've struggled since moving to Kentucky. I made it to 6 miles, but then kind of got stuck, mentally. So I was really worried that I wasn't going to be ready for the marathon in 2 weeks. But my awesome brother came to my rescue. He came to visit for the Labor Day weekend (he's the one that started this whole thing, my big brother Macc), and he told me that he was going to help me get my distance run in. So here is the post I put on our families training blog.
"I knew when Macc got here he would make me do a long run. I'd been putting it off, I had a big mental block about getting past 6 miles. So I mentally prepped myself all week. Saturday we did 5 miles and it was pathetic; I walked at least 5 times. So Monday was the big day to shoot for 10 miles. Macc diagnosed my biggest problem being lack of energy meaning I wasn't eating enough carbs. So Sunday was carb loading day. We fasted, so all we had was dinner. We had pancakes (2), and then 2 hours later I had a HUGE portion of old fashioned oatmeal with raisins. Then right before bed I had another piece of wheat bread with peanut butter. I was stuffed to the gills with carbs - but man it made an ENORMOUS difference.
It was a perfect morning. Nice and cool, cloudy, and a nice breeze. I felt good. First 2 miles are always hard but no biggie. I told myself I couldn't walk till getting to 6 miles. But at 6 miles I felt great so I decided to try for my new goal of 8 miles without stopping. I totally made it; even though 8 miles came at the top of a big hill- yuck. So then I let myself walk for a water break about 200 yards then the guys made me keep going and decided I should be able to make it the last 2 miles home without stopping, and I did. The last 2 miles were very slow, but I still ran and I finished at exactly 10.02 miles.
My support crew on this run was Macc, Ron, and Zachary (on a bike). It was great having them all with me; especially since Ron was my "pack man" and wore the camelback for my water breaks. Zach added humor to the run and it was nice and distracting listening to Ron and Macc talk the whole time.
So what I learned. Macc is absolutely right about the carbs. I can do things and push myself past my comfort zone. Having someone running with you is a big support and help. So glad that Macc came and made me do it. So now I know that I can absolutely do this marathon with minimal walking, and at a 14 minute mile pace. Now I'm totally psyched for the marathon. "
I promise to post pictures of the marathon and tell you all about it. So next Saturday the 17th be thinking of me and my pain and suffering.
