I'm putting it down in writing, so that way I can't chicken out and go back on my word. I'm taking the plunge...
I, Stacy Dennis, have officially begun to train for my 1st half marathon EVER! Which means, I, Stacy Dennis, will officially sign up for a 1/2 marathon come September of this year!
There, I've said it. I'm looking into completing the Rock-n-Roll series in Philadelphia, PA on Sept.18th. I have a close friend's hubby doing it, so I wouldn't be alone. And it's also my hubby's birthday that day. He keeps telling me to "just do it" - no pun intended on Nike's slogan, as I usually wear Adidas. I think I'd sign up today, but I must wait until payday for sign-up.
Yesterday was my first day of training. It was stretching and strengthening. I was at the gym for about an hour. It was strange not doing ANY cardio, as that's what I tend to do most of these days. I worked my back, legs and core. I made sure to stretch my body out more so than I normally do. I read that post-race is the vital time for stretching, and this I NEVER do! I tend to only stretch beforehand. Obviously, this is still all new to me.
Now that I'm getting into running more seriously, I have come across a lot of questions.
1. What's this about an "ice bath"? Do folks really get into a cold tub? Yikes? How does that help the muscles? Is it just cold water?
2. What are the best times to refuel on long runs? I've never ran more than 6.33 (not needing water/snacks, etc...). What do I bring? When do I refuel?
3. What other stretches can I do for my calves? This is what seems to tighten up on me the most. I do the normal "lunge stretch" and stretch against a wall or step. What else can I do?
4. How can I mentally prepare for such a long run? Running a 1/2 marathon seems SO FAR! I'm not sure if it's the actual # or the pain that scares me. I tend not to hurt much on runs but rather afterwards.
5. Is it normal to have your ears sometimes plug up when running long distance? Maybe it's my breathing (which I feel I have quite under control most days), but sometimes I feel like there's pressure built up. And my ears sometimes feel plugged. Should I see a doctor?
6. Should I be scheduling routine chiropractor appointments? I've seen several of my runner friends book these appointments, along with massages and other pampering sessions post run (long ones, that is).
7. Side question: Does anyone know how to add a count-down to this 1/2 marathon on my blog page? I'm technologically clueless. Lol!
Again, obviously I'm new to all this. I am hoping that someone can comment and guide my unfamiliarity with running a 1/2. All I do know is this - I've said it. I'm making the commitment, and I'm going to run! I may experience things such as pain, fatigue, crabbiness, feelings of fear, exhaustion, and self-doubt. However, I also may experience joy, triumph, the ability to accomplish something great, a fitter body and a determined mind-set! This is what truly makes me want to do this.
And so, the journey begins...
1. I have done just cold water and ice. I think it helps repair the muscles faster. My muscles felt better after long runs (the day after)
ReplyDelete2. I refuel with sports beans every 6 miles... which ends up being about every hour. I also fuel with poweraide (only because poweraide was what my marathon was giving away during the race) I wanted to train with what would be provided to me on race day.
3. Some people will disagree with me but I firmly believe in a foam roller. You roll it on your calf until you feel pain.. then you let that spot sit on the foam roller for a few seconds. The foam roller will stretch other areas too.
4. With training come confidence and with confidence come being mentally prepared.
5. I have not had this problem
6. I started seeing a chiropracter this month. I love it. I also treat myself to a massage afterwards.
7. google... countdown widget. :)
Hope I helped.
PS Good Luck! You'll be great!
ReplyDeleteA few other tips.
Don't look at HOW FAR you have to run. Just think about it a mile at a time.
What also helped me was telling myself that this race is only X number of hows out of my day. When I thought about how many hours I had already lived... and how many I had left.. 2ish hours seemed so short.
Whatever you use or train with during training. Use for the race as well.
First congrats on taking the plunge in 13.1! And now for your questions:
ReplyDelete1-Here is my blog on the Ice Bath-what it is, what it does and how I do them. No need to do it every run or every long run, just when you feel you need the extra aid in recovery. I tend to only do it on long runs when I have the extra 20 minutes to spare.http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/2011/03/ice-bath.html
2-I’ve read that if you plan to run more than 60 minutes you need to refuel your liquids with water, Gatorade, propel, what ever it is you like. I tend to use G2 because its lower in calories, I like the taste and Gatorade seems to be what is offered and most races. I don’t use any goo’s, gels, beans, food during my long runs and I’ve gone up to 15miles. However I will need to find something when I do a full. And its all a process of training you find what works with you and what doesn’t so don’t hesitate to try and try again, find out what works for YOU because everyone is different. I’m lucky that I can literally eat a meal just seconds before I run and have zero issues.
3-those are all good to get in your lower calf stand like a lunge but when you sink down your legs are at a 90 degree angle.
4-by doing your training program! I like to say and say it often running not only strengthens your body but it also strengthens your mind! Each day you train you will be training your body and your mind.
5-Never happened.
First of all - CONGRATS! Signing up for your first half is such a great commitment! I remember training for my first was such an exciting time in my life. You'll be amazed at what your body is capable of, and how you gradually creep up from 2 miles to 13.1 with no problem!!
ReplyDelete1. Ice Baths are amazing. I trained and did my first half marathon last june, and then completed my first full a few weeks ago. I never had to take one or had enough pain to take one in half training, so hopefully you experience the same thing. I think the body is better suited to sustain and handle half training than it does full training - full is a lot more stress and pressure on your body/joints/etc.
2. I don't get hungry or thirsty while running. I would say anything over 13-15 miles you should carry something with you. but then again thats just me, and it is COMPLETELY different for everyone. You need to just find what works for you! If you feel sluggish or like you're losing that boost ya need, you may want to try gels or beans along with powerade or something like that. During full marathon training I didnt refuel until my 15 mile run I dont think, and then upward from there. I ate sport beans at 60 minutes, and then every 25 minutes after that. But again, whatever works for you. :)
3. I admit I don't stretch neaaarly as much as I should!
4. Don't think of it as a long time. Think of it as an adventure. No 2 runs are exactly the same. Yesterday I ran 12 and found a dime and saw a potato on the side of the road. I guarantee you those 2 things will never happen during another run lol. And instead of dwelling on how far you have left yet to run, think of how much you HAVE run and how much further you are to the goal. Running is all mental. You are in control. You are the only one that can make you stop or keep going, and that's a beautiful thing :)
5. I've had that happen a few times, and I know other runs that have, too. I have no idea what it is, but unless it's super painful I wouldn't worry about it. I seem to get it when the seasons are changing.
6. I've luckily not had much on my body break from running lol.. just some stress fractures but nothing a chiro can take care of, so I'm not sure.
7. I can barely run a microwave.