Marathon Training: The Beginning

December 15, 2011 — specializingintheimpossible

This past Tuesday was the first day of my newest challenge:  marathon training.

I started running March 2010, and ran my first half marathon the following August. This will be my first marathon.

First 1/2 Marathon

In 2010 I became addicted to running because it physically embodied running away from my problems. Outside of commitments I did nothing else, but run….away. I even prioritized it ahead of spending time with my husband. My husband called me out on it, and I attempted to balance my life.

Those problems are still there. But I no longer run from them. Running for me has transformed. It has become the physical embodiment of overcoming the obstacles. Instead of escaping, now when I run, I feel like I’m meeting challenges head-on. Which enables me to believe that I can overcome challenges in other areas. God has used running to illustrate transformation in my life. I was reminded of all this when I read Chris LoCurto’s Blog entry Why You Can’t Stay Focused On The Past.

Marathon training can take up a lot of time. That’s one reason I picked an easier guide that doesn’t require as much distance:  Hal Higdon’s Marathon Training Guide, Novice 1

Hopefully, besides reaching a goal and enjoying the endorphin highs, I will also be able to keep my life balanced…and not drive my husband crazy!

If anyone has marathon experience, tips are appreciated!

Posted in Running, Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , . 13 Comments »

13 Responses to “Marathon Training: The Beginning”

  1. b Says:
    December 17, 2011 at 8:20 am

    I am not a runner and ran a marathon 6 years ago. Loved, loved, loved crossing the finish line… training was grueling because of the time involved, but I grew so much as a person through it. When you are not running and spending time with the ones you love, BE IN THE MOMENT, so you won’t feel guilty when you run… makes sense?
    barbara, visiting from http://www.mylifeasanadventure.com

    Reply
  2. Joel Fortner Says:
    December 18, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Hey there! Congrats on going after this goal. I ran my first marathon last year and it was physically the toughest thing I’ve ever done. Here are 3 tips: 1. Pray boldly. God likes when we go big with our prayers. Take Him along for the ride! 2. Ensure you get your long runs in. That’s where you make big gains. 3. Ensure you eat enough healthy carbohydrates. You’re going to enter unchartered physical territory and your body will do stuff you’ve never experienced before. For instance, I didn’t change my diet at all during training and I didn’t understand why I struggled after 15 miles during long runs. Well, I figured out my body was simply out of energy stores. I added more carbs and that did the trick. Look forward to hearing your training progresses!

    Reply
    • specializingintheimpossible Says:
      December 18, 2011 at 8:05 pm

      Thanks for the encouragement, Joel!
      When I first took up running last year I regularly talked to God during, and enjoyed doing that today while running six miles solo.
      I’m actually really looking forward to the long runs! Those were the ones I enjoyed the most when training for the two 1/2 marathons I did.
      Carbs is the trickiest for me. I bought a book from my doctor to help me keep track….have never kept track of that stuff before in my life! If you have tips on great foods to increase carb intake, would appreciate the tips 🙂 I know spaghetti and bagels are good….maybe not together!
      Have you done more than one marathon??

      Reply
      • Joel Fortner Says:
        December 19, 2011 at 5:02 am

        Spaghetti and bagels will do the trick but try to do healthier carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, garbanzo beans, and black beans. Your body gets more out of these where spaghetti, bagels and so many other carbs just break down straight to sugar and you don’t get nutrients you need. I’ve only run one marathon. I’ve run 6-7 halfs. The next one is in April in TN.

      • specializingintheimpossible Says:
        December 20, 2011 at 7:01 pm

        Thanks for the specific food recommendations!
        Enjoy your 1/2 🙂

  3. lapeerclik Says:
    December 19, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Hey, Laura, you go! That is awesome that you’re training for a marathon. I haven’t done that yet, but it’s on my list. I love long runs. And I, too, feel empowered through running. Love your blog here! Thanks for stopping by mine!

    Reply
  4. sarahrunsfar Says:
    December 20, 2011 at 7:23 am

    I have run two marathons so far and both were some of the best experiences of my life! Remember while you’re training that you’re demanding a TON from your body and so you need to treat it well, both in nutrition and in proper recovery. Eat well and listen carefully to your body. There may be days that you have a workout on the schedule but your body just doesn’t want to do it. It’s okay to skip a workout or two over the course of your journey. Also, while you’re running the actual race, just soak up the experience! You have done the work to get to that point so now just enjoy it. Don’t focus on counting up or counting down the miles, as that can become intimidating. Take it step by step and just revel in the moment. There is nothing like the feeling you’ll have when you cross the finish line!

    Reply
  5. Broke by Choice Says:
    December 22, 2011 at 9:57 am

    Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a blog award. Just posted about it.

    Reply
  6. Greatness at 5:30 A.M.? « Specializing in the Impossible Says:
    February 16, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    […] if we were training for a half marathon. I loved running for the challenge (as I talked about in Marathon Training:  The Beginning) and the endorphins. It made me healthier, made me feel better, and made me sleep […]

    Reply
  7. Here We Go Again… « Specializing in the Impossible Says:
    May 3, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    […] In December I posted about beginning training for my first marathon:  Marathon Training:  The Beginning […]

    Reply

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