The Marathon Training Blog

Due to the response I got to my posting on running in the dark (lots of emails from readers and calls from friends), I've decided not to head home after work and then go running as I had been. Instead, now I hightail it out of the office and go straight to the park, which probably gives me another 30 to 40 minutes of light. Enough time for most of a 4-mile run. Not only is there more light at that time, but way more people. Which is good in terms of safety, but the path is really crowded. And because cars can still enter the park at that time, it's a tricky and frustrating scenario. But ultimately safer. I still need to get some reflective gear. And maybe carry my cell phone as one person suggested here, but that doesn't quite fit into my little running shorts' pocket. Anyone have some safety tips for me?

This week, I've actually stuck to my running plan, doing both of scheduled 4-mile runs. My time on both kind of sucked. Yesterday was about 43 minutes. I know what happened in both cases. Lack of sleep made Monday's run really challenging. And yesterday's poor showing was a combo of still not caught up on sleep and eating lunch at 3:30. I was still full when I started out running a few hours later. I also notice that I don't drink enough water. I'll fill a tall glass with water in the morning and by the end of the day, it's only half empty. That's not enough water for anyone, let alone someone who plans to run later. So my goals for now are to work on eating on a normal schedule (no more lunch at 3 and dinner at 10), drink more water, and get some sleep.

It has to be my priority because I want to be rested for Saturday's 18 mile run. I must admit, I'm a little scared about whether I can do it. I know I'll be disappointed in myself if I don't finish, so I've decided that's not an option. But I'll also be disappointed if I walk. I'm trying to visualize myself running the whole thing but I haven't been very good at it. I'm just going to make sure that all of the other things -- like eating well, resting, and drink enough -- are taken care of and trust that my training will carry me through the distance.

If there's one thing this training has taught me, it's how often I doubt myself and my ability and what a waste of energy it is. It can be a strangely difficult thing to trust and believe in yourself, but I'm working on changing that.

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• #1 Comment from m3nmanoa 
  10/6/06 3:28 AM | Permalink

  Running at night sometimes can't be avoided.  As a woman who had to run at night (many times alone) to get the miles in, I resolved myself to running in public areas even if the path was crowded.  Better to be safe than sorry.  
  
  Also, I wore a blinking light/arm band so cars could see me at night.  By all means, stay away from wearing headphones at night since it will distract you from paying attention to potential danger.
  
  On clothing...I highly recommend breaking in a pair of Thorlo socks (if you haven't already discovered these seamless socks).  Well worth the $8 a pair most running stores charge.  It will save your feet from blisters (which could make your marathon torture).
  
  Drink as much water as needed to make your urine clear and copious.  When that happens, you know you're properly hydrated.
  
  Lastly, keep it up.  There is no greater accomplishment than setting a goal, preparing for it and finishing.  You will discover renewed confidence in your capabilities.  Let's face it.  Not everyone can run 26 miles, and once you've finished, you'll realized there's nothing you can't do without proper training and attitude.