This week was huge! I knew going into this week that it was going to be my biggest test during my training. 20 miles during the week plus a 20 mile long run equals a lot of jogging in one week. However, after 3 hours and 56 minutes of running this weekend I wrapped up the longest jog of my life so far. It actually went really, really well.
One lesson I learned in past weeks is that refueling your body during a run is essential. Looking back, I realized that on all of my bad runs I had eaten very little while I was running. I found some resources this week that discussed the importance of putting calories back into your body during these long runs. By eating regularly you are providing yourself with the nutrients needed to keep you going. Otherwise, you will be drained of all your fuel and you will hit the infamous “wall”. I now believe that this is what happened on week 7 and week 4 of my training. So, I planned ahead this week and brought a bunch of snacks with me as I jogged. Overall, I calculated that I actually consumed 1,000 calories during my 20 mile jog. Some experts would say that this isn’t even enough but it got me through the miles without a problem. During the run, I ate:
1 Powerbar
2 Balance Bars
2 Packets of Gu
1 granola bar
I also drink plenty and plenty of water – another essential in keeping yourself from getting overheated.
I am now 16 days away from the marathon and am starting the taper period. During these next two weeks I am supposed to reduce my mileage during the week and during the long runs to allow my body to rest and rebuild both muscle and endurance for the big race of 26.2 miles. I think I’m going to enjoy this period.
This week’s mileage:
Monday: ultimate frisbee
Tuesday: 5 mi
Wednesday: 8 mi
Thursday: 4 mi
Friday: rest
Saturday: 12 mi
Sunday: rest
