It’s been almost a week since Country Music. My legs feel a little heavy but other than that, I’m recovering better this time around!
My first marathon was 6 months ago. Here are a few pictures from that awful day! Or at least I thought it was awful. I promised myself I would not run another marathon!
Looking back, I appreciate the experience. I learned a lot within the last 6 months!
What I did differently:
- Training group: The first round of training I ran alone. Running with a training group was the best thing I could have done! You have accountability and people who know what you need to do to fulfill your goals.
- Weekday runs & switching it up: I only ran maybe twice a week during the first training. Each of those days were 3 or 4 miles max. No type of plan, just getting out there and running what I felt. I got discouraged fast when I began training. So, I told myself well as long as you get the long runs in on the weekend you should be fine?! WRONG! It is crucial that you also run during the week and alternate your runs (speed, tempo, progression, etc.)
- Cross training: I did lift some weights from time to time during the first training. I tried to incorporate more cross training in general into this round. Switching it up can help break up the running. I also did more ab focused workouts. A strong core is essential for every runner!
- Fuel: During my first training, I rarely took any fuel with me..maybe a granola bar. I didn’t know enough about GU’s or chews. When race day came, that’s what I had 1 granola bar?! During this race I took 4 GU’s. One mistake that I did make though, I took too many GU’s in a short amount of time and it did not sit well. Next race, I’m going to space it out better and have a small snack with me.
- Accessories: I ran with a water belt the first time around. Never doing that again! It adds a lot of weight around your waist. I’ve been using a hand held bottle and things went much smoother.
- Food: You can’t eat everything in sight! When your training, you get rungry. I didn’t eat whatever I wanted but, I did over eat to compensate for the calories burned. This time around I’ve been smart about giving my body what it needs with a few treats thrown in. I’ve found a balance and ended up losing almost 10 pounds this training cycle.
If you did not see on my Instagram account, I’ve been accepted into the Chicago marathon through the lottery!! My goal this race is to run stronger and focus on changing the things I did wrong last race. Maybe a sub 4 race time?! Even if it’s 3:59:58, I’ll be ecstatic!
Training will start June 22nd!! 🙂
It’s the end of the month..
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!
20.22 miles with my Fleet Feet training group to end the month of February!! 
JennyJennRuns 