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Monday, January 31, 2011

Marathon Monday

Happy Monday everyone!! I thought I would make Monday's a little different around here for a while. Marathon Monday will start today! I am starting my marathon training today for the San Diego Rock and Roll marathon in June. And I am going to keep you all updated on everything from training to blisters to eating a whole entire pizza after a long run to chub rub and everything in between.

I finally put together my training plan. I have run 2 marathons, the first one I didn't use a training plan. My first marathon (Los Angeles, 2005) was really hard. I didn't train enough. I trained by time, not distance. And I overestimated how fast I was running during training. Oh boy, the last half of that marathon was brutal. But I finished it and caught the racing bug. Final time was 5:36. Not exactly what I wanted, but in essence I think I was just happy to finish and not puke or pass out while doing it.

2nd marathon...San Diego Rock and Roll in 2006. This time I ran with Team in Training. Awesome, awesome program. I got so much support from my family, I raised almost $5500. And I loved having a coach and people to train with.


Yes, I ran with that huge fanny pack around my waist. I really wanted to bring my camera during the race and this was the only way I could figure it out. It was annoying to wear and by like mile 6 I wanted to throw it over the side of the freeway. But thankfully I didn't because I got this awesome sweaty lobster red faced photo at mile 8.

Race day was hot and humid, very unlike San Diego weather. I loved running on the freeway!


My goal was to break 5 hours. I really really really wanted to break 5 hours. I ended up running without my training group for most of the race because I panicked around mile 10 and decided I needed to run faster to break 5 hours. That killed me in the end...but my final time was 4:56!! SO stoked to break 5 hours!!

This time I am trying to train 'smarter', which really means I actually have a plan and a training schedule. I modified one of Hal Higdeon's training plans. I am running 4 days a week (with one of those days being a tempo/speed run) and doing boot camp 2 times a week. I loooove boot camp and really wish I could fit it more into my schedule. But right now, I need to put some miles on the road. And I NEED to schedule a day of rest, or else I won't do it. I am hoping to stay injury free. Since pulling my achilles tendon in 2008, I am crazy about stretching and foam rolling and icing and resting. I hope I can keep up that level of crazy.

So there you have it. I am at the beginning. The beginning of an 18 week training plan that will have me running my little heart out and getting up at the crack of dawn to do it. I would love to run a marathon around 4 hours...that's my goal. But I will see how my training goes, I might have to adjust that.

Thanks for coming along for the ride with me!! Gotta go stretch...

18 comments:

  1. CONGRATULATIONS on your AMAZING time Mara!!! I am so proud of you! My feet are screaming just thinking about pounding the pavement like that! :)

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  2. Wow Mara! How cool to make it under 5 like you wanted! Go girl go!

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  3. This is so inspirational Mara.. I will be waiting, cheering and watching you the whole way threw...I am so envious I cant wait to one day run again... "GO MARA"!!!!

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  4. ACCCHHH Mara - GOOD FOR YOU! I hate!@!! running so I admire you for getting it done! smart to train properly this year!

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  5. how exciting and that is soooo impressive!!! you are totally amazing!!!! and inspiring

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  6. 4 hours?!!! That would be an AMAZING time! Good luck to you! No sluffing off... I'll be watching you!

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  7. Nice! :) Good luck with your training!

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  8. You and my other marathon runnning friends amaze me. i don't even know how it's possible to run that many miles all at once. ha ha! anyhow, so here's my cheer: GOOOO MARA!! I look forward to reading about your journey to your next marathon (and use you for inspiration, but i only hope to achieve 5 miles for me. hee hee).

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  9. Mara this is A-MAZING! I can't imagine doing anything like this, I stand in awe of you girl! Way to go and good luck with your next race! You sound pretty determined so I know you'll do great!
    e.

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  10. Yay! I did TnT in 2005! Go team! lol! You will do great in your training! I'm excited to follow along!

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  11. WTG and Congrats!!
    Thats an amazing time!!
    So glad your plan is working well for you!!
    I have driven on that freeway many times!!
    Have a blessed week!

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  12. That's awesome Mara! Congrats on reaching your goal!! You are definately an inspiration:)

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  13. YES REST DAYS ARE SO IMPORTANT!! I am so excited to follow your training, you are going to do amazing! LOVE the pictures of you!! Love that you use the same lipgloss:) Have a great day!

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  14. wow Dana I am impressed, and not only because I cant run down the street.

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  15. Awesome photos! Good luck with your training!

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  16. That DOES look fun running on the freeway! Thanks for letting us vicariously experience a marathon through you...I'm looking forward to it:) Woo Hoo!

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  17. That is so awesome...keep us posted. I am training for NYC ING in November. Doing the FIRST 3plus2...it's been great...I have a half the first week in April, we will see if I am getting the results I am expecting.
    Way to go!!!!

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  18. Congrats on your time!!! I can't wait to hear more about your training. I use Hal Higdon's training for my training too and love it. I know you will do awesome in this next one! I'll be cheering for you all the way!

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