From Twelve In Twelve

This is from a blog I follow called Twelve In Twelve. I really like the 'ten pounds lost makes you eight minutes faster' idea. Probably makes it a whole hell of a lot easier as well. 

I am training for a Half Marathon. I intend to do a full, in time, but I felt like shooting for that first would be overwhelming.


Besides, it would be great to be 1 out of a 1000 for a positive reason, you know?

Things I’ve Learned From People Who Have Finished Marathons

October 12, 2011 – 5:34 am

• It doesn’t matter the time. Simply finishing a marathon is a feat in of itself. Nobody will scoff at 26.2 miles.
• On the same hand, you can’t “fake” a marathon the same way you can with a 5k or even 10k. If you don’t train for a marathon, you might not finish a marathon.
• Most marathoners use motivational movies and books to get inspired.
• 1/1,000 of 1% of the population has finished a marathon.
• Research marathon training plans, and pick the one that’s right for you. And then modify it. It’s okay to make your own.
• LOG THE MILES.
• Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
• Don’t always eat crap. You can eat crap, but not very often.
• It is possible to train for a marathon as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. But training for a marathon does not = a healthy, active lifestyle.
• If you carb-load the night before a race, you might shit like crazy.
• Commit to run, and then do it. No excuses.
• Post reminders or motivating quotes by your running clothes. Remember the goal.
• Every run, imagine what it will feel like crossing the finish line.
• Fat = fuel. You will never be totally “empty” on a run as long as you have fat on your body to burn.
• New Equipment – try it, and use what works. Don’t fall into the stigma of “having” to wear a water belt/Garmin/HRM/Gel pouch. Use what works.
• Don’t get in the habit of walking (unless you are walk/run training). Run if you can.
• Training for a marathon is about physical preparedness and mental discipline.
• Don’t wear cotton, especially if you have chafing problems.
• Do wear a shirt with your name on it – it makes it much more fun for spectators to yell your name.
• Get in the habit of running. Do your homework. Run, run, run.
• On the day of the race, don’t be nervous. Just be focused.
• On the day of a race, you won’t be as nervous if you have logged your miles.
• To run a 5 hour marathon, is a 11:27 pace.
• Training for a year may run out between 4 and 5 pairs of shoes.
• It’s possible to run an entire marathon without having to stop and pee once. Yes, I know someone who did it. (She’s amazing.)
• Start practicing with fuel (energy replacement chews, gels, etc.) before you NEED it.
• Having an injury is one of the worst experiences – especially in the middle of marathon training. Do what you can to be injury-free.
• It’s okay if you have a chattery mind on a run. It’s okay to think about/talk about everything on your mind. The silence will come.
• If your schedule includes a run on Thursday, rest on Friday, and “long run” on Saturday – ultimately, your Thursday run will be awful. You will be fatigued and exhausted. Those runs count the most.
• It might be a good idea to run 2 20-mile runs before the marathon. In case one of them is bad.
• Oh yeah – you WILL have bad runs. It happens to everybody.
• Don’t do anything to your feet before a race. 1-2 weeks before, don’t clip your toenails, and especially no pedicures. If they take those calluses off, you’re in BIG trouble!
• Core work is important – your core muscles are what hold you upright for 26.2 miles.
• For every 10 pounds you lose, it takes off 8 minutes of your finishing time.
• Eat what works. Don’t change your race-day food.
• The night before the race will NOT be the best sleep of your life.
• If you are running with a partner and they want to run faster, THEY WILL. No apologies on the race course.
• Do your best. Log the miles.
• Anybody can run. But not anybody can run a marathon. It takes a lot of work, but is really, really, REALLY worth it.