So let’s be honest here…Running is hard. And I’ve been making it a lot harder on myself because I’ve been neglecting a few keys areas.
#1 – My run nutrition sucks. I feel sick on most long runs and that’s because I have yet (after 8 marathons and 28 or so half marathons) to dial in my nutrition. I think I always revert back to my track days when I didn’t eat much because I was so afraid to throw up after a race (TMI – I have a huge aversion to throwing up and I would rather not eat than get sick – I’ve been like this since I was a kid).
#2 – My mental strength, not so good. I try, but then when it gets hard, I have a really hard time powering through so normally my brain works against my body.
#3 – I just run and while this is fine and dandy, I’m not going to get a PR if I don’t do speedwork & have a bit more focus as far as my training goes.
So what I am I going to do about this?
#1 – I’ve decided to run more shorter distance races for a few months after the LA Marathon on Feb 14. I’m going to focus on the half marathon and will get a new PR. I’ve run 28 or so halfs and I’ve only run under 2 hours twice. My current PR is 1:57:26 and I’m going to work towards a 1:55. Which considering where I’m at right now is going to definitely take some work to hit those 8:46 miles. I’ve got the San Diego Half in mid March which I plan to use as a goal race.
I will train to PR in the marathon. Sean & I just signed up for the Vancouver USA Marathon on June 19. It’s a flat & fast course and perfect for a PR. And it’s not until June so it gives me plenty of time to train and really work towards a PR.
#2 – Start believing in myself more. I have it in me, but I let my mind defeat me every time. I am getting a new Momentum Jewelry Motivate Wrap with my mantra – I Can & I Will. And I’m going to get a few books to read on how to work on this.
#3 – Focus on my run nutrition. I’ve been saying this for a while, but it’s obviously a huge problem for me and something I really need to dial in. I shouldn’t feel sick on every run. And since eating seems to be an issue for me, outside of oranges and jolly ranchers I rarely eat anything on a long run. I don’t like Gu, I prefer more natural or real food type products but even though I take them with me, I rarely eat them.
I will be trying the CarboPro Hydra C5 as well as TailWind. Each of these products has 100 calories per serving so hopefully if I like the flavor, I’ll be able to drink my calories and stop feeling sick every long run. Sean also tried this awesome tasting Core Proven Nutrition drink mix at Tahoe 200 last year and it can be mixed with either of these other products which might be an option.
I love running and I want to keep doing it, injury free of course, for a very long time but I would like to feel like I’m accomplishing something. I’m hoping that focusing on these three areas will help me to succeed in achieving my goals this year.
Do you have a favorite way to get in your speed training?
I’d love to hear what you do to get past the mental aspect of running.
And what are your favorite ways to fuel on a long run?
