19 miles done

I think my exact words when I finished were "19 miles. Who's your mama?" No idea why I said that, but it just came out with chill bumps and everything. It's really hard to think that just 7.2 more and it will be a full marathon!

I have been trying a few things this week and so far, so good.

No more Nuun, and a switch from Balega to Feetures socks.

For pretty much every long or long-ish run we've done, I've been having some GI issues. Nothing crazy like sprinting to the woods, but definitely not comfortable either. The only thing that is different from the last time I trained for a half was the addition of Nuun. I really didn't think it could attribute to everything, but after talking to a friend who is an RD and she mentioned that some drinks or energy gels use sugar alcohols which can hurt your stomach. Then, I was reading Runners World and noticed an article that mentioned Sorbitol can cause GI issues, and then realize that Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and Nuun has Sorbitol.

So, that got nixed and replaced with good ol' water and Gatorade. I tried it for our 8 mile run on Wednesday and our 19 miler today and so far, so good.

I have worn Balega for years, but just seem to keep getting a few blister/callouses after long runs. The Feetures feel really good and seem to almost compress your feet. I still got a few hot spots today, but not as bad as previous weeks.

The first 13 miles felt pretty good ... relaxed and steady. When we got back to our cars at a little over 13, I was tired and hungry. After downing some Gatorade, eating 1/2 a banana, etc., we started out again. Those last 6 miles were hard. My legs just felt like they didn't want to go. It's also not the most scenic part of the route and includes a big hill during the last 1.5 miles.

But, we did it ... now just 20 and 22 mile runs left to do before the biggie. Gulp. 13 weeks of training down, 7 more to go. We actually realized that this was our last really long run on a Saturday. Due to schedules, we are running our 20 and 22-milers during the week. Gotta love that two of us have taken new jobs recently. Atleast we will be doing something positive on those vacation days!

Oh, and don't you love M's chevron skirt? I think I may have to go for it ... so cute & she said it was really comfortable too. 3 compliments from other runners today as well.

I really am running a marathon

So, yes I have known for quite some time that I was going to be running a marathon.

After all, I ran the Quantico 10K back in March so I would have a guaranteed entry, AKA golden ticket!

I signed up, paid the fees, found a training plan, had a great running buddy who made us gorgeous calendars with all of our training schedules, and I set up long runs in my Google calendar so every Friday afternoon I receive alerts that say scary things like "18 miles"!

But, it's just been recently when we moved into distances like 17 and 18 miles, taking regular ice baths, dealing with tummy issues, waking up at 4:30AM (or not) to go for an "easy 5", talking about snot rockets, noticing the difference between the Saturday "serious" runners and the Sunday "out for a Sunday jog" runners at our favorite park, black toenails, blisters, crazy chaffing, compression socks, and statements like "Oh, it's only 13 miles", that I realized we are really doing this!

I have had moments that 26.2 definitely feels manageable, doable, and even slightly enjoyable. Yes, I said it ... enjoyable. There have also been moments that I wasn't sure if I could do it, but it is exciting that the positive days definitely outweigh the negative days.

People have asked me how long it will take me to finish. No idea ... I really just want to finish. period. However, that competitive side in me comes out and I find myself looking up times of friends, Hubby's first marathon, Oprah's marathon, etc and plugging in times to pace calculators like this one. Speed work also started this week and I think we are now at the point in our training that we know we can do the distance, now it's time to hone in and work on speed and endurance.

It also hit me this week that I don't think this will be my last marathon. I don't think I could/would have said that 8 or even 4 weeks ago, but I could definitely see myself doing this again.

I will admit, it's scary, exciting, mental, and physical all in one.

Getting older stinks

So, I had been having some pretty regular foot pain, especially when I ran, so I took a couple of weeks off while I was waiting for an appointment with the local Sports Medicine Doc/Running Guru.

My appointment was Thursday morning and I set off with my new and old shoes and a bit of trepidation.  Dr. Google had turned up stress fracture on more than one occasion, and I'm definitely one that can go off the deep-end when presented with several options to consider.

So, it turns out that my left arch is falling/fallen and causing my toes to splay out incorrectly, throw off my form, etc. In thinking back to the 3-Day walk, I had some upper foot pain and I know wonder if it's now all related.

I left with new inserts and a pad for my arch and directions to come back for custom orthotics before Marathon training begins and a diagnosis of metatarsalgia, and to start running again, but take it slow.

I took the inserts on a little 2+ mile run/walk through the park. I felt good, felt pretty fast, but have no idea of my pace or distance because Garmina had a low battery from lack of use. So, I'll stick with the I felt fast comment and keep it at that.

All around, a decent run. I didn't have any pain, except a touch when going up hills and everything felt good.

So thankful to not have any major issues and to be able to get back to it.

MCM 26.2 ... here I come

So, I can now officially say that I have REGISTERED for the Marine Corp Marathon. I ran the Quantico 10K on St. Patrick's Day and received my golden ticket that guaranteed me an entry.

But, now ... I may be on the verge of my first real injury. Of course, I have already been using Dr. Google and doing too much self diagnosis.  When I ran on Tuesday, my toes hurt.  One of my running buddies asked if I were limping.  I had to be honest and admit, my toes/foot has been hurting for a while.

So, I did the responsible thing and booked an appointment with the Sports Medicine Doc who is on a first name basis with the majority of our local running community.  I am also planning to go back to our running store to see if perhaps my latest pair of Brooks are somehow not meshing well. I have also taken a break from running, just to see if I had tweaked something and needed a break.

So, here I sit ... reading emails about possible long runs in the morning, but replying "no" and contemplating spin classes instead.

So, anyone out there ever had bursitis, stress fractures, or neuromas?

Yes, please talk me off the bridge now, please.