Marathon Training- week 9 complete

This has been such an amazing experience so far, with the best being this morning.  I finally had the chance to make it out to Newton for a Team run out of Heartbreak Hill Running Co.  WOW what an awesome atmosphere to be in.  I will admit, I was beyond nervous for it because while I love team atmospheres (I mean duh, growing up playing soccer), but when it comes to running, I am a solo runner.  Headphones on and tune out the world without a care in the world.



Saturday morning...surrounding yourself with energetic, positive people who share the same passion for living a healthy and happy lifestyle is exactly what I needed!!  I could have done without running heartbreak hill twice...and all of the rolling hills in between, but it was well worth it!

My coach says that we need to find a rhythm.  Week after week. In training. In our nutrition. In our habits.  Well one thing is for sure, I love this pre long run meal!  Oatmeal, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon, dash of maple syrup, mixed with banana slices and a few strawberries.  WOW it is yummy!  Sometimes I mix in a tsp on chocolate or strawberry shakeology too if I want a bit more flavor.

Layering is another piece of the rhythm and preparation that I need to get better with.  I SWEAT! Seriously wonder how one person can sweat so much (maybe it's because I CONSTANTLY drink water).  So figuring out how many layers in what degree temperature is still a mystery...only a bit more time to figure this one out!

Here is the run from this morning and seriously, I feel like I just inhaled a ton of positive energy in my life and exhaled the negative.  Of course it was even better to come home to my girlfriend ready to make me a post run shake and get ready to head to our massage!  What a Happy Weekend!

Pre-Marathon Training

The official training has not begun yet but the days leading up to meeting my team are filled with excitement!  I have been continuing to run several times a week, one long run included in that just so my body is not in complete shock once the training begins! I am continuing my weight training with the home workout program Body Beast so that I continue to strengthen my muscles to prepare for what is to come!  Healthy eating is still in full effect and wow has it really been making a difference. Not sure what happened but my mindset has completely changed since entering the race.  I see food as fuel for my workouts, not to satisfy cravings. Am I perfect?  Not by any means.  But it sure is a hell of a lot better than it has been and I can see the benefits from it and feel the benefits!

From the first day I found out I was accepted onto the American Red Cross team till my most recent run in Boston, the weather sure has made the shift into the fall season.  Some research had to be done as well as drilling some friends who have run the marathon in the past about what I need for the winter training months.  New running attire had to be purchased since in the past, I have been only a seasonal runner (spring and summer that is!)

I am trying to slowly teach my body what a new "cold" really is.  50 degrees...no problem!  40 degrees...easy!  Now as the winter season approaches us, 40 and under will have to slowly become the "this is easy and not even cold mindset!"

December 2nd is when I finally get to meet the team, get the official training schedule and get after it!!  With less than 5 months until race day, the butterflies in my stomach will probably continue through race day.

Stay tuned with how team night goes and the start of training!!

Want to donate?  Any amount helps TREMENDOUSLY to reach my goal of $7,000 for Team Red Cross!!  www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza