Starting marathon training and random updates

I haven't posted in months, I tend to get really busy so my blog gets abandoned.  Anyways, I have been working on my base miles since January.  I've read between 3-6 months is a good range to prepare yourself before marathon training.  Since this is my first full, I thought better to start earlier than try to cram it all in last minute.  I did strength training with weights and went back to my low-carb diet.  I've dropped about 20 lbs since March and it definitely helps running when you weigh less.  In the winter to be on the safe side I use the treadmill.  Michigan had a weird winter this year, we had snow in APRIL... I have proof.  This photo was from the Meteor 10K, I even got a new PR despite the snow and cold weather.

I'm finally running outside regularly, I hate the heat, but I know I have to get my body used to it again.  At least in the fall it should be cooler.  In summer heat, hydration is key! I have a water belt, but I'm thinking I might try a hydration pack for my long runs.  I finished my first week of marathon training, only 17 more weeks to go.  This summer will have some challenges: I have work training in Alabama for a week (there is a fitness center so I should be able to get my runs in) and a couple weekend trips that I'll have to squeeze my runs in too.

One of my side jobs is being an usher at Comerica Park, I got in about 27 games in before my marathon training started.  I'm treating the marathon training as a job and making sure to get my runs in and my rest days truly as rest days.  I will be working a few games the rest of the season, but my priorities are my main job and this training plan.  My main job is Tuesday-Saturday and my long runs are Sundays so it works out nicely.  I'm starting to get used to waking up early on my days off, but if I have a night run here and there, no biggie.

Last year I didn't do any races during my half marathon training and this year will be similar.  I tend to get nervous sometimes and eat different when I have a race, so this way hopefully I can stay consistent the next few months.

However, this season will be the last year the Red Wings play at the Joe Louis Arena.  I saw a few friends post about the Hockeytown 5K which is part of the Farewell to the Joe.  For my training plan that day, it lists 8 miles so I will just break up the miles into 2 runs; I rarely do it, but since this is a once in a lifetime race, that's how I'm justifying it.  My mom was nice enough to sponsor me, she told me I would kick myself if I don't do the race and I know she's right.  I'm a diehard Red Wings fan and it combines hockey and running, what more could a girl ask for.  The start line is at the Joe Louis Arena and you run along the riverfront and once you make it back into the building your name is on the big screen so spectators can see it.  My parents and fiance plan to sit in the stands to cheer me on.  The finisher medal, bib, and shirt look awesome, I can't wait for the race!!! I'll post a link to the 5K, it is sold out.

Hockeytown 5K   

Hopefully I will post more regularly about my marathon training and everything that happens at the Marine Marathon in October!  Thanks for reading this post and hope everyone's runs are going well too!