Quick recap of my final week of marathon training. Just three runs this week. On the plan are two runs at conversational pace and one short run at marathon goal pace. I start carb loading on Thursday, which is day 123 of my marathon training plan.
What a week to have a busy and high stress work schedule. Some things can’t be avoided or planned for ahead of time. It just is a busy week with a speaking presentation at a conference, attending a hearing at the local association with an agent and a couple of other meetings
I also typically work at home on Friday’s but I will be in the office this week on Friday, which is day two of my carb load and the day before I leave town for the marathon. That means I’ll have to be extra organized and pack my food the night before work and bring everything with me. Last time I carb loaded, I overdid it and suffered with painful gas and GI issues. I plan to go much easier on myself this time. If I’m not hungry or if my eating schedule gets thrown off by meetings then I’m not going to force the food into me at another time. It will just need to do.
Day 120
Today was my early morning speaking presentation so I moved my run to the evening. I ran my scheduled three miles on the treadmill because it was raining and cold. The last thing I need the week of my marathon is to get a cold because I was breathing in the cold, wet air.
The run felt easy and comfortable. I watched a couple of episodes of Schitt’s Creek and just enjoyed my evening run before dinner. I only have two more runs before marathon day!
Day 121
I had really hoped to run all of my runs outside the week before my marathon. However, the weather just hasn’t been cooperating. I keep watching the race day weather and right now there’s a slight possibility of rain but for Southern California, it’s still too early to tell for certain.
I ran the 4 scheduled miles on the treadmill again today because of the weather but boy was I well fueled! I really overdid it on the oat crackers and peanut butter last night. It lasted me all the way into the morning for my run. I guess you can say that I started my carb load a couple of days early.
One more run to go!
Day 123
Last run before race day! Just two short miles at marathon goal pace with a warm up and cool down. It’s also my official first day of carb loading.
No treadmill this morning. I got the opportunity to take my final run outside. It was only 41 degrees but the run was very short. I dressed warmly because I knew I wouldn’t have much time to warm up on the run. Honestly, it was over before I knew it.
My muscles and energy felt great. It was difficult to stay at marathon pace. I tried to run mostly by feel and check my pace when the run was finished. When I checked my watch I found that I ran my two miles 17 seconds faster per mile than my goal pace. Normally, that could be a real problem but I think with only two miles of running it won’t impact my race day. Also, my heart rate was well within my normal race pace range. Today’s run was really just to get my legs moving and my heart pumping a bit before I rest for two days leading up to the race.
Carb load recap
My carb load plan was simple leading up to the race. I kept the foods easy and uncomplicated. I mainly used bananas, raisins, plain bagels, white rice and cereal. The one food that I incorporated that was different this time was I purchased Coconut Mango Sticky Rice bowls from Costco which I added tofu to and ate for dinner on two nights. Tasty but I would not recommend that meal on a normal basis. I tried calculating how many calories and carbs were in one package and it was so high that I thought it had to be a mistake. I don’t think it was. I think there really were that many carbs and calories. It was like an entire day’s worth in one meal.
To combat the feeling of bloating and gas I increased my water consumption exponentially during my carb load. I made a very concerted effort to drink large bottles of water in between every meal and snack and in the evenings, even if it meant getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
My efforts paid off because I did not experience the same level of discomfort that I had on my previous carb load even though I got in the same number of carbs, if not more. I used Gas X only a couple of times but mostly as a precaution. My body definitely took to this carb load much better than my last practice effort.
That’s a wrap!
My training plan is now complete. I started this plan 18 weeks ago. When I began down this training road I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know if I would enjoy the process, get board with it, get hurt doing it or if I would make it to each progressively longer run.
I can with all honesty and sincerity say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire process. Sure, I experienced a couple of weeks in the middle of the plan where I felt like I was just phoning in the miles but the feeling passed and it was replaced with wonder and excitement for the next run, or the next challenge.
Of course, the true test will be on race day to see how my training will pay off on the course. Hopefully, there will not be any unforeseen circumstances that derail my training effort. It can happen to anyone but I’m only putting out positive vibes for a successful race.
I feel confident in my training that I will be able to cross the finish line. I do not know if I will finish in the time that I have in my heart or if I will need to walk or if my stomach will cooperate but I know in my heart that I’ve given myself the best chance at success through my training.
Workouts
Day 120
- 3 miles at conversational pace on the treadmill
Day 121
- 4 miles at conversational pace on the treadmill
Day 123
- 2 miles at marathon goal pace
Total training time
- 18 weeks
- 86 running days (missed 1)
- 559.1 miles (not including warm up and cool down miles)
- 15 cross training days on spin bike
- 14 runner’s strength workouts