Marathon Matters

Finally, I've decided. After two years of running training, I will, yes, try to run 26 miles in one go ie I now commit myself to running a marathon. It's not an easy decision for me, compared to some people who seem to put their name down for one in the blink of an eye. I've had plenty of time to consider the event and it's because of that I've been stalling. A marathon is really an extreme exercise event. Maybe not for marathon-junkies, but for half-marathon junkies like me, it's huge. Just this morning I ran my long Sunday run - a total of maybe nine miles - and found it reached overkill. I just wanted to stop. Not necessarily out of exhaustion but because I felt, OK, I've been running long enough now. Time to do something else.
If I feel like that now after just an hour or so on the road, how am I going to feel if I've to keep going for around three more in a marathon event? So I'm not feeling confident about my decision just yet, just committed to it. That'll do for now.
Of course I know there are numerous things I could be doing to add excitement and colour to my training runs. I don't listen to music for instance, and I know I must. My buddy Joan presented me with a gorgeous ipod shuffle, so I've no excuse. My running buddy, Noreen, is away at Cardiff in Wales this morning running a half-marathon which she plans to do in her best time ever. She's been killing me with speed training lately and will be raring for more when she gets back, God help me.
It's not that I'm going off running, because I honestly don't think that will ever happen now, I so love it. But I am still trying to find 'my event' in it. The half-marathons I loved, but you have to move on to new things too. I'm still enjoying my weekly kick-boxing classes and at the gym have started timing myself on covering 2,000 meters on the rowing machine. I'm at just under 9 minutes now. I think 6 minutes is a good time so I've a lot of work to do there and it sure provides some workout.
Anyway, I've decided the first step I'm gonna take in my new marathon training, apart from building up mileage, is to start incorporating the sports nutrition foods in to my diet. Noreen's been taking protein bars and reckons they're brilliant for recovery and energy flow. I've been reading much the same about them. My usual post-long-run treat is strong coffee and a chicken salad bap. I so enjoy it. But I realise now muscles need direct protein hits too for recovery. It's a never-ending learning curve for sure.

talk soon


Joan