Pre-Training for a Marathon- Find a perfect Cross Training Day!

Whether you're training for a full 26.2 mile marathon or a 1/2 marathon, or even a 5k race... you will want to incorporate at least one day of cross training. Indulge yourself and make that cross training day a rejuvenating activity that makes you feel strong, feel younger and ready to tackle your next "running" day. My cross training favorites are roller blading at Jensen Park in Syracuse, Utah and Ellison Park in Layton, UT. There's nothing like rollerblading at top speed (for you)- to make you feel like your 10 years old again! Check your gear to ensure your blade wheels are tightened and ready for a good workout.
Hiking and trail runs are a fantastic cross training addition as well. For those in the Weber county area, check out Weber Pathways free public hiking outings. These are guided hikes, trail runs, family hikes, and more! Check out the schedule at www.weberpathways.org
Just remember to pack the appropriate gear. If your trail running- be sure you have sturdy trail shoes and pay attention to the weather a few days ahead to determine whether there will be water or mud on the course and plan accordingly. Never wear your marathon running shoes to run the mountain trails- it's the fastest way to find yourself buying new shoes. Also remember to always pack appropriate water and snacks for the activity. Happy Cross Training!

Back in the Running Shoes

I have to say it feels great to tighten the laces on the running shoes and know that I'm taking time to run... just me.. the treadmill belt and the tunes on my fake I-pod. Whether I run 2 miles, 5 miles or more... it's just nice to know it's my time. I've never been a treadmill fan, but the snow falling .. and accumulating over 2 inches now.. is the perfect reminder that running doesn't have to equate to frigid temperatures and pain from the cold. I remember in prior marathon training periods running in 20 degree weather.. where all you can feel is your feet hitting the ground.. but you feel nothing else becuase the rest of your body is frozen. I kind of liked the feeling of frozen running, but it will wear on you and your lungs. Remember don't run in temps below twenty degrees- it causes damage to your lungs. I'm just happy there's no frozen lungs tonight..not in the comfy haven of the basement. Let it Snow!

Registered for the New Layton Marathon, October 9, 2010

Saturday, April 3rd~ Signed up, committed and will begin training for the Layton Marathon on October 9, 2010. It's the inaugral year. Race starts out on Antelope Island, over the causeway and ends at Ellison Park. 26.2 miles of shear fun!
Sunday, April 4th- 3 miles on treadmill- interval/hill training -

Wow- 5 years since last Marathon Training Blog

I jumped on the blog tonight to see if it was still active and realized that I had not blogged about running since 2005. Which was when I was training for the New Las Vegas Marathon. Here's a commitment to using the blog as motivation for the marathon training!

20 Miler- Sunday, November 13th

20 Miles today. good long run.. longest distance I have to run in the training program.
Officially 3 weeks out from race day. It was a wet, soggy run.. it started snowing.. then turned to rain at mile 2.. so had to run 18 mores miles with wet shoes, wet coat, wet head, soggy everything. Blisters started forming on the inside arches of both feed at mile 8, ouch-
due to wet sock, wet shoe syndrome.. haha
got thru it- ditched a wet coat at mile 10 and replaced with a funny poncho with Mickey Mouse on it- but it did the trick- kept me dry underneath - and made me look like a large french fry running down the road. Hey, it was funny enough to make me laugh.
33 degrees - cold... but it's over. Next weekend- only 13 miles - piece of cake after today. ha ha
took over 4 hours to complete- would have been faster- had it not been for wet, cold body
and sorely blistered feet.

16 MILES *** SUNDAY, OCT. 30TH

16 MILES- LONG RUN. YEAH, I THINK THAT QUALIFIES AS LONG RUN.
LEFT CAR AT 9:44AM AND FINISHED AT 12:52PM.. SO NOT BAD TIMING. GREAT WEATHER- HIGH 40'S WITH SUNSHINE AND BLUE SKIES.- SPORTED THE SUN SCREEN AND LONG SLEEVED SLC MARATHON TSHIRT. NO ISSUES- JUST ME, THE ROAD AND THE TUNES. THE ROUTE WAS 4 OUT TO THE EAST , 4 BACK.. THEN 4 WEST
AND 4 BACK. LAST 2 MILES- HAD A HILL- BUT PUSHED THRU- MADE IT TO THE TOP.
SUCCESSFUL LONG RUN. TRIED JULIE'S SUGGESTION WITH THE JOLLY RANCHERS.
WORKED GOOD- BUT TEETH HURT NOW.. HAHA- REST NOW UNTIL WEDNESDAY.

Wednesday, Oct. 26th- 7 MILer

7 Miles today. Got up early- should have gotten out of bed sooner- but got it done anyway.
legs sore and tired from long run on Sunday- took it easy.
Batteries died at mile 3, bummer. 4 remaining with no tunes- getting used to having the tunes
to keep me moving. Note to self- get batteries.

Sunday, Oct. 23rd- 12 MILES LONG RUN

12 MILES. The body remembers how 12 miles feels- once you get past say mile 9.
You realize that you don't really control the movement or the body after mile 9- it just goes.
It just goes with hopes that you (the crazy brain that set out to conquer 12 miles today)
will somehow we happy and content for a day or two - once you return to the car.
It was a long slow run. Started at 9:40ish and finished at about 11:50am.
Set out water and goo.. on the course.. at mile 6. A car ran it over.. or maybe a bird took a tossle with it- not sure.. had to suck the goo.. in between the pieces of gravel that were "one" with the goo packet. Lovely. But did it. Done. Tommorrow- Rest day. Thank heavens.

Friday, Oct.21st 3.75 miler

What a way to spend your time on a Friday.. than out there running... haha
Download the happenings from the week and get ready for the weekend- perfect.
Just a quick 3.75 miler today- legs sore- a little slower pace- but got it done.
Just getting ready for the weekend long run.