The Road To My First Half Marathon Part 2

I am now 42 days away from the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon!  Yesterday I ran over 12 miles for the first time.  

All of this training is making a big difference.  When I got to mile 10 during my last long run, my feet were killing me.  This time I focused on gliding and not pounding my feet.  I could’ve probably made it the whole 13.1 miles, but I decided not to push it.  Not too long into mile one, I realized that I had forgotten to bring my salt capsules.  Ugh!  I was all ready drenched by the end of mile one.  It was actually a lot cooler than it had been the week before during my short run (thanks to rain from the night before and a breeze).  Since I had forgotten my salt capsules, I ended up using one of my Gatorade chews that I had with me and alternating drinking Gatorade and water.  Earlier in the week, a sweet friend had sent me some Stinger Waffles and some Sports Jelly Beans. 

I had a Stinger Waffle pre-run and the Jelly Beans around miles 7 and 8.  I’m testing all of these things out pre-race day so that I can figure out what works best for my body.  It’s a whole lot of trial and error.

I have two more long runs before race day.  In the meantime, I have also signed up for the Tour des Fleur.  This race is a 10k that runs through the Dallas Arboretum.  This will take place the weekend before the Plano Balloon Festival races.  I’ve been really focused on my eating and on my training schedule.  I think that running the hill intervals on the treadmill have helped.   During my next long run I’ll try to run as close to the full half marathon course as possible.  One of the coaches at my school has agreed to take me out on the track to do speed intervals.  I’m excited about that.  My goal for this half is to get it done in 2:30 (2 hours and 30 minutes).  I think that I’ve also brought down my time for my 5K and 10K.  I guess we’ll find out in 5 to 6 weeks.

The trick for me has been how to fuel my body for the long run days.  For example, I burned somewhere around 2,000 calories from my run yesterday.  On a normal day, MyFitnessPal has me eating around 1,650 calories a day.  I’ve been good about just hitting it or being a little under.  MyFitnessPal said that I was allowed to eat 3,700 calories yesterday.  I didn’t want to do that.  One of my friends suggested that I multiply that number by .8.  That would’ve given me about 2,900 calories that I could eat (& still stay on my weight loss track).  I still ended up being a little under just because I really wasn’t hungry.  Like I said, this whole process is trial and error.  I am still eating clean.  I’ve been able to avoid the junk because my body was “yelling” at me.  I’m glad, because I’ve been able to easily say no to cupcakes and eating out.  J I will admit that I have tasted tested some treats that I’ve been making for the girls to stick in their lunches when school starts.  I’ve documented it all though.  J

I have been enjoying this journey.  I can’t wait to see what the next few months hold.  I can’t wait to run with my friends at Disney.  Stay tuned for more…

Half way point yesterday.

2 miles to go!

1 mile to go!

The beginning of a beautiful sunrise!