Marathon training: weeks 4-8

Monday, August 26, 2019


I run with resilient people. They come from all walks of life. What unites us is our love for the sport and our determination to run until we finish. 


In these past few weeks, we progressed from 3 to 5 miles. We are building our running base, which will help us withstand the demands of the long miles to come. 


Training for a marathon is never convenient. Regular folk like me has to balance family, career and the many other hats we wear. I’ve done this long enough to know that finding the right balance is the key to success. It is not easy but it can be done.


This is my first season of coaching. Coaching long-distance runners gives me joy I never really knew before. Seeing people work hard and reach their goals is pretty amazing. I am also blessed to be one of many coaches in our running group. We have something special and I am blessed to be part of the team. 


Part of the balancing I do has to do with nutrition. My nutrition has to make me a more effective runner. So far, so good. Another balancing is the cross-training I do. I am investing in two days of lower body strengthening. I have learned the hard way that everything I do, cross-training included, has to help me finish 26.2 miles effectively. 


While there are many obstacles in my way, I can always reach higher, try harder and get to my goal. If I get overwhelmed, I tell myself, "it's simple: run, repeat." 

I have 8 weeks down and 21 weeks to go as far as training for my 5th Houston Marathon. I know I have what it takes to reach my goal. I am determined to press on and complete my training so that I can have an amazing finish in January. Thank you for joining me on this journey friends!


More on this series:
Weeks 1-3