Marathon Mondays: Weeks 4 & 5 & New Kicks & Sucky Weather

in Running

Asics Women's Gel Nimbus 15

That foot pain I had a couple weeks ago? I didn’t experience it this week. And I bet you can already guess why.

New kicks!

They are completely fantastic. My feet feel like I’m running on sparkly fairy- and butterfly- and tequila-filled clouds.

The rest of my body? Just feels like I’m running tequila-filled.

I limped into my local running store and had them give me & my shoes a once-over. You never realize how bad your old shoes are until you lace up a new pair. As I was running around the store, I felt like I could bounce out of the shoes with every magical step.

And then I laced up my old shoes just to compare – thwack splat thwack! It was like I had laced up snow shoes over 2x4s.

Week4_5

My big run this week happened inside. Because 99F with a feels-like of 104F is just no fun. And it’s definitely no Chicago, where I was blessed to be able to run outside at 72 degrees. I don’t know what kind of immoral things I have to promise and to whom… but I really would like to get that kind of weather in Houston in July. (Just putting that out there, weather gods.)

But’ I’m also at that stage where I have hit the top part of my ability. And somehow, I’m going to have to add an extra mile onto the brutal 6 I ran this weekend. I don’t know how it’s going to happen because I was beyond running on empty when I finished.

Should I be drinking Gatorade while running? Using one of those gooey things? Praying harder?

Stay tuned for Week 6, when – fingers-crossed – Jason doesn’t have to come on here and write my eulogy.

13 comments… add one
  • It will be fine! You will be great. I am training for a half marathon and Sunday was my longest training run – 12 miles. I got it done! Every time I did a new, longer distance I just told myself that it didn’t matter how long it took, it would be a PR for that distance anyway. Once you know you’ve can do the distance you can worry about doing it faster 🙂
    I drank powerade for all runs longer than 8 miles. The running store people should be able to help you with nutrition too. If you want something natural then I’ve heard dates are good.

  • Holly Underwood

    Foodie Bride, I have been following you for about three months now and I love you!!!! Your recipes are fabulous (I have made several to resounding applause) and your humor is right up my alley!!!! Your food styling and photography is beautiful, too!!! I, too, was once a dedicated runner and fully understand your pain and elation at accomplishing various goals. My knees don’t allow me to pound the pavement anymore but I remember the great feeling at the finish line of every 10K I ran!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

  • YAY on the new shoes!! I am always amazed at how big of a difference it makes when I get a new pair…and now I get one every six months lol.

    I would say for any run over an hour you should add in some gatorade (I actually mix half water half gatorade since I find gatorade alone to be really sweet and sticky). Also, for every hour your run, you should have one gu (I prefer the ones with caffeine…especially vanilla or chocolate raspberry)…you can DEFINITELY tell the difference!

    • Thanks for the tips! I’m going to pick up some gu before this weekend’s big run. I strongly dislike gatorade due to the sugar but never thought of cutting it with water.

  • Becky

    Great job! How do you calculate calories burned or do you have a fancy gadget for that?

    • Thank you! I have a fancy gadget for that – my Garmin does it (watch + heartrate strap).

  • Go, go, go! You can do it! Said as I sit here slurping an ice cream cone…

  • Lee

    I think it varies for everyone, but hydration/nutrition is very important piece of your training. If I jump on the treadmill, I always have a water bottle just because it is easy to just set on the treadmill. Sometimes water sometimes Gatorade (try the G2), it just depends on my distance. If I am running outside in the heat or humidity, I usually wear a fuel belt with Gatorade, if I am running for more than 30-40 minutes. If you have had sufficient nutrition leading up to the run, you could probably go for an hour without needing nutrition. I love the Cliff Shot Blocks because you can open a pack and have a few and save the rest for another run, if you don’t need them all. Hang in there and just experiment. You will find out what works and does not work for you!!

    • Annie

      Hi Shawnda! I was just reading your post. Keep up the great work. I’m training for a marathon, too. I live in the Sacramento area, so it gets pretty warm during the day…I try my best to get out early for runs…but somedays are just plain hot. Like Lee said, hydration and nutrition are definitely key. I’ve run several half marathons and one 21 mile run. During my half marathons I take 3 Clif Shot Blocks (non-caffeine) at 3 miles a Chocolate Outrage GU pack (caffeinated) at 6 miles and then another 3 Clif Shot Blocks (non-caffeine at 9 miles). That’s worked for me so far. The 21 mile was more of a practice for my upcoming marathon, but to tell you the truth…I just ran walked and survived it, but I still took my Gu and Shot Blocks along the way. I read Kara Goucher’s book, “Running for Women” and that has been really helpful…she covers everything. But, I did decide I needed something a little deeper to not hit the walll…like people talk about, so I am reading, “The New Rules of Marathon and Half Marathon Nutrition” by Matt Fizgerald with a forward from Kara Goucher (Amercian Olympian Runner). He talks about nutrition during the race and weeks leading up to it. I’m not sure if any of this is helpful. I wish you all the best in your marathon training…you will do wonderful!

  • Kate

    This is an awesome read! Keep it coming and best of luck! I’m pregnant, jealous and FASCINATED!

  • You’ve got this!! I remember when I was training for my first half, I added a mile onto my long run every weekend, and every time I couldn’t sleep the night before because I was so worried about being able to complete it. 6 may feel like the top of where you are this week, but next week it will be 7, and it will only continue to grow from there!

    I’m training in the Phoenix heat, and I don’t carry gatorade, but I do have a handheld water bottle that I take, and stop and refill–even when I’m only running a few miles. I started using gu around when I started running 8 miles, and if you’re going to be running for longer than 90 minutes, I would definitely consider taking one with you and having it around an hour in. I also try to be super diligent about water the day before, or at least when I remember which is rarely, but it’s at least a good goal. 😉

    Sorry for the longest comment in the history of life. You’re doing awesome, and I’ve always loved your amazing recipes and gorgeous photos, and recently I’ve been enjoying getting to read along on your marathon journey! 🙂

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