Week One

Today is the official end of week one of marathon training. I have new shoes, new socks, new hydration belt, new books on marathon training and an array of energy gels and chews I will be testing out over the next few weeks. I also managed to log 21.5 miles this week. Not too bad!

The hardest part is getting out to run. I know once I hit play on the ipod and start running, I am there. But setting an alarm to get up early to run absolutely sucks. So does getting dressed when the apartment is cold. I can't wait until I can just get up with ease! The first mile is tough too. My body gets really tight and tries to fight me on this whole running thing. Once I stop and stretch after mile 1, it usually gives in. And around mile 4 it really starts to open up. By mile 5 I feel like I can run forever!

The big run for this week was 8 miles today, and will be a good starting point for building higher milage on the weekends. I am bummed by nike+ isn't working, but I am finding that just having the music going and just running until I make it home is making me a better runner. I am not constantly checking the ipod to see how far I ran or what my pace is. I am just running, and it feels amazing.

The plan for this week is a 5 mile run on Monday, 6 miles on Wednesday and Friday, and 9 miles on Sunday fora total weekly mileage of 26 miles. I want to cross-train on Thursday... maybe some laps in the pool and some weights? An if I am feeling really good, I might bump up the Friday mileage to 8 miles.

Overall, I am off to a great start. I have my goofy belt to hold my water bottles and my gels but it is all worth it because I get a giant glass of chocolate milk when I get home. This is essential for muscle recovery! It really beats the awful energy gels, that work great but taste like someone is trying to show nasty vitamins down your throat to incite your gag reflex. Power Gels are official done, they are way too gross. Next to experiment with the Gu and Clif Shots.

Now I just have to recruit more people to join my race team... registration ends Friday!