Marathon Success Week 2

This was a week of firsts and lasts. This is the last week I have 5 little campers at "Camp Listenbee" for the summer. My nieces are going back home and as of today we are back to our normal routine. These last 6 weeks were full and fun. Thank God for my mom's help, I don't think we could have succeeded without her.

This week was also the first time I ran 9 miles. It was a big moment for me and I'm thankful to God for the health and resilience to get there. This thing really helped me during my run:

Cliff shot energy gels are good!

I listen to the Marathon Training Academy Podcast often and they always talk about fueling. It was there where I first heard about gels but didn't give it a try until recently. Running in the Texas heat is no joke so I took a gel, grabbed some water, which made me feel like a human being when I was finished with my run. I am currently looking for a cheap (or free) hydration vest or belt to help me in my long runs. Carrying a bottle the whole way gets tiring. 

This week my husband and I had the blessing of getting away by ourselves for two nights. I used them as rest days from the training. They were lovely days indeed! The getaway included a SPA treatment, which was my reward for running 9 miles.

I learned that fueling is an important part of long distance running this week. I have to give my body the right fuel in order to cover the miles within the plan.

During my long run I ran through a 5k run/family walk and my run ended in this massive open air Boot Camp Class. It was nice to see so many different people exercising while I was out there.
There are 196 days to the Houston Marathon. I can finish it through Christ who gives me strength!

The end of my 9-mile run

Action Items:
• Find a hydration vest;
• Complete my cross training;
• Make sure I'm getting the correct amount of protein, grais, dairy, fruits, vegetables, oils and waters;
• Make a list of several non-food rewards for my long runs.

Previously in this Series:
• Marathon Success Week 1