Category Archives: Marathon Training

MCM Training – Week 8 (Trails derailed, time for R.I.C.E)

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Well it appears that a tiny tear/muscle strain in my left calf has derailed my training for the week….perhaps two, but I’m feeling optimistic. Yesterday we were supposed to do 6 miles of trail, which I love, but had to skip. As my friend Kevin said to me earlier this week, “Respect the injury.” <sigh> My doctor, physical therapist, and personal trainer all say the same thing…better to miss a couple of runs now then to screw it up and miss out on the marathon down the road. Continue reading →

Race Weekend Lesson’s Learned

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I always like to take a look back at races or long runs to reflect on what I can improve on next time. While I really enjoyed the Charles Street 12, there were definitely some lessons learned.

Lessons Learned:

  • If you are going to wear your Garmin during the race, turn it on.
  • It’s okay to run with a friend who is at a different pace, but once your body starts to reject that pace, listen to your body. Your friend will understand because they get it…they run too.
  • Always be sure to warm up before and stretch afterwards.
  • Know the warning signs of dehydration, which was the most important lesson learned of the day.

So, let’s talk about dehydration and how to stay hydrated. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 8 (Long Run – Charles Street 12 Race Review)

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I love running a race as part of my training program! Today was the inaugural Charles Street 12 miler run. It was more humid than I expected, but I was so glad that it was overcast.

The race was organized by Charm City Run and I have to give them kudos for putting on a great race (THANK YOU CRR). The course was supposed to be downhill after mile 4, but don’t let that elevation chart fool ya…every downhill was preceded by a kick butt uphill. The course was very well supported with water stops and plenty of Baltimore’s finest cops blocking the course so that we could reek havoc from Baltimore County to Baltimore City (THANK YOU BCPD). Continue reading →

MCM Training – Rest & Recovery

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Dear Sleep,

I know I’ve been neglecting you for a very long time, but please don’t think I don’t love you. I miss you so much and I’m doing my best to spend more time with you every night. I know you are so good for me, all of me, but life gets in the way. I promise that I’ll keep trying to give you more of my time. Please don’t give up on me.

With all my mind, body, and soul,
Sandy Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 7 (Track workout – From Gucci to Brooks)

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Tuesday’s track workout was pretty much uneventful. I thought we were going to get rained out with thunder storms, but that didn’t happen. Secretly, I kinda wish it did. I was tired.

Anyway, we ran the following workout:

  • 1 mile marathon pace
  • 1 mile half marathon pace
  • 1 mile 10k pace
  • 1 mile marathon pace

We could’ve added a mile 5k pace, but Meg and I decided to do the beginner program instead. During the run I was getting a sharp pain shooting up my big toe through the what is my soon to be bunion area. Ahhh…the effects of wearing stiletto heels all day had set in. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 7 (15 Beautiful Miles in Baltimore)

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The continued break from the heat and humidity gave us another beautiful weekend for our long run. Yesterday’s long run was perfect! Overcast, low humidity, and a sprinkle of light rain right in the middle of the run made for a pleasant 15 miles through the City of Baltimore. I had the pleasure of running with two of our six pack and we all agreed, it was a great run. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Weeks 5 & 6 (Catching up!)

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OMG! I’ve been away for so long that it took me a full 10 minutes to figure out how to post a blog. Good lord! Yes, it’s been over a week and my trip to MN threw my blogging by the wayside. So, we’ve gotta play catch-up! I left off with Week 5’s Track Workout, so this is going to be quick and dirty… Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 5 (Track Workout – Form Drills & Mile Repeats)

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I really wanted to bail out on this week’s track workout. I was still catching up on work that I missed while I was out for the family vacation and I still hadn’t packed for my 6AM flight to MN to attend the Dup15q Conference. (See below to learn about Dup15q) And, if it weren’t for the encouragement of the folks on my So What? I run. Facebook page, I totally would’ve bagged it. Continue reading →

MCM Training Week 5 (13 miles…thank goodness for training groups!)

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It’s funny that last night when I started to write about group training vs. individual training, I had no idea that group training would mean so much more for me during today’s run than ever before. Due to scheduling conflicts, my usual running buddies couldn’t make the training run.

I have to admit, I’m a social butterfly. Even when I’m by myself, thanks to social networks, I’m constantly interacting with people. When I started running, I did it with friends. When I decided to train for a half marathon, I joined a training group. When I decided to train for a full marathon, I wouldn’t even consider not being in a group. As determined as I am, I’m lazy and I find that being in a training group with a set schedule and an experienced, knowledgeable coach who you can consult regularly keeps me honest and makes me more accountable for my training. Continue reading →

MCM Training – Week 4 (8 mile epic fail to hill repeats redemption)

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The two week visit of my family really through a wrench into my training and my blogging. Lugging 12+ people around the what seems to be the entire Mid-Atlantic region was very taxing. I posted on my personal FB page that it was the equivalent of herding cats. From Baltimore to NY and to DC, I herded cats everywhere – and I wasn’t too good at it either. It seemed that the only time I had the entire group together was in the 15-passenger van that I had to quickly learn how to drive. I’m now a van driving fool. Anyway, the sight seeing gave me plenty of time on my feet, but left little time for proper nutrition, sleep, and of course training. Continue reading →