2012 SEVILLE MARATHON RECAP!

In the Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja de Sevilla where the race started.

I know I promised the FULL marathon recap earlier this week but work was no joke! I am infinitely grateful to be working full time and with full benefits, but it is taking some getting used to. 

As the saying goes "teaching isn't a 9-5 job." It really isn't. I'm used to working for myself and on my own time. So getting used to having a boss, deadlines, and a set schedule....has been challenging. 

I've only had time to eat, work, and sleep this week. Today I finally washed my hair after two weeks (look for my length check!). So....sorry to keep all those interested waiting. Let's jump right in.

As you all know from my last post, circumstances didn't permit me to run the BI-LO Marathon as I had planned. I mean it came so much down to the wire that I even know what my bib number was (1724)! But it didn't really matter to me where I ran as long as I got to run my 26.2 miles!

RUNNER'S FAIR

First off this has to be the cheapest marathon in history! I bought my ticket for the BI-LO Marathon on the first day it was possible and it cost me about $75. 

I bought my ticket for the Seville Marathon 6 days before it started and it only cost me 42€ ($56). If I had bought it before the final days of the event it would have only cost me 21€ ($28). I mean you can't even run a 5K in the States for that price!

The runner's fair was decent but not super spectacular so I didn't take any pictures. However, I bought a 5 month's subscription to Runner's World for 10€ ($13). With the subscription I got a cool t-shirt, a sports bag, and a travel case. 

I also bought one of those cool neck warmers that you can use to cover your face and head for 9€ ($12). It's cool because the material by your nose and mouth is thinner to make it easier for you to breathe. Plus the material is molded to your mouth. I used that on marathon morning because it was freezing. I love it!

RACE PACK

Again, for this race to be so cheap I got some great goodies in the race pack! I know this is my first marathon, so I really have no idea what you get in race packs. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

As you can see I was given a complete running outfit including socks! I mean those kind of shirts with the sports bra included I LOVE LOVE LOVE and quality ones can be expensive. Plus, I just recently discovered the benefits of quality running socks. So this was a great addition to my summer running gear.


FUELING

I mentioned in my marathon countdown post that I wanted to make sure to fuel properly in the days leading up to the marathon. As these days were quite hectic with packing, travelling to another country, and starting a new job...my plans were kind of thrown out the window.

Even so, I still made sure to eat a balanced diet and good things. I never eat airplane food anyway so we made sure to pack food to eat and to replenish once we got to our destination. 

The day before the marathon I had a nice plate of whole wheat pasta with veggies and some fruit for dessert. For dinner I had a salad with beans, shredded carrots, cucumber, and tomato with fruit for dessert. 

I wanted to eat something light (but satisfying) before going to bed so that I wouldn't have stomach problems in the morning. This really worked for me. Especially since I didn't eat breakfast and I still had energy to run the race.

THE DAY OF THE MARATHON

I kept my plan of not eating before the marathon. I woke up at 430am and drunk 1 liter of water. I wanted to make sure I was hydrated.... and had enough time to pee some of it out before the race started! We left the house at 6am and got to Seville at around 730am. It was a cold morning but we were all in high spirits.

Hubby taking the pic and the 2 friends that came with.

I did end up peeing once before the race but that was it. There were tons of guys peeing all during the race. It was lucky that they could do so in front of any tree. I however, would have been out of luck! 

The race started in the Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja and ended there as well.

I ate a pack of my Sports Beans half an hour before the race started (9am) with some water. During the race I ate another pack of beans at kilometer 28 (mile 17) with some water. From kilometer 32 (mile 19) on I would eat oranges, drink water and/or sports drinks at each aid station as needed.

During my long runs I wouldn't usually refuel but I felt fine during the marathon. I felt like it gave me that extra bit of energy to finish the race. I even sprinted the last few meters! 

Here's some footage of me crossing the finish line. (Just look out for the girl in pink!)

It was such an incredible event and I had such a great time. It was nothing like the half marathon in NC where no one was there to take pics of me at the finish line. These wonderful people took a TON of photos and videos.

 

I finished my very first marathon in 3 hours and 47 minutes.

I was surprised at how good I felt afterwards! Only my legs hurt. I ran this marathon super conservatively because I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish. 

There were no time goals in my mind. I just wanted to run the entire time without stopping. I accomplished that and then some! I felt like I could have kept running or even increased my pace.

I know it's crazy but I already have my time goal for next year: 3 hours and 30 minutes or better!

THE DAY AFTER THE MARATHON

I was still on my high although my legs were KILLING me! It was super painful to walk and I had to go to a job interview the same day. I was lucky enough to get the job. But that meant that on Tuesday I was on my feet for about 12 hours. Teaching is not a sedentary job! 

My wonderful husband gave me a massage the day after and actually moving around really helped. Right now (Saturday the 25th) my legs feel completely fine. I plan on running again on Tuesday.

THE FUTURE

I did no running for the entire week after the marathon. Since I feel better I want to start running again so I don't get out of the habit. Although I won't start training or planning my next race until March 17th. 

So now I'm just running for pleasure and to stay fit. I'll update the blog more on my post marathon running schedule once I get it finalized.

For now I'm just happy that I did it and had a great time. I can't wait for the next one!

Reflections: The Countdown

There are officially 10 days, 12 hours, and 24 minutes until the marathon! (...and counting...)

I am super excited.... and scared out of my mind. Plus this week (Week 2) I can't do any weight training and I only have 3 super short runs scheduled. I'm getting kind of antsy.

I feel like I have all this free time (and in free time I mean time that I usually would spend exercising) on my hands that I don't know what to do with.

That's coupled with this anxiety I can't seem to shake. So instead of driving myself NUTS I decided to do a little reflection.

There were a couple of runs I didn't get a chance to mention on the blog yet. Plus I want to let you all know about my race day routine.

Here I am at the end of Week 1. right before my run. I had to do my 8 miles on Friday because it rained all this weekend. I ran it in 1 hour 3 minutes.

My last long run

This took place on January 20th after work. I usually run on Sundays. However, it was planning on raining that weekend so I had to rework a few things.

The plan was to make this a true "mock run" for the marathon. I wanted to wake up at the same time, eat the same things, and wear the same clothes.

Since I had to go after work, the whole waking up at the same time thing didn't work out. I wanted to at least still eat the same thing though.

I've written about how I usually don't eat before a run because I get stomach problems tons of times. But I wanted to give it one more chance and see if I could do it.

• So I ate an apple and a slice of whole wheat bread with almond butter 3 hours before running
• 90 minutes before running I drank 16 oz of a sports drink
• 30 minutes before running I ate a pack of Sports Beans with some water
• Throughout the day I made sure to stay hydrated

 

Once I got off work I got dressed and and set out. This time around I ran a bit faster than my first attempt. I wanted to see if I could do it. Even though I knew this would NOT be my pace for the marathon.

Things went really great except that on the way back I did get stomach cramps and almost vomited. I didn't stop though (unlike last time) and finished in 2 hours 55 minutes.

I was really happy with this run. Again, I DO NOT plan on running this fast for the marathon. It was more of a mental challenge for me. Now I do feel like I can actually finish the race. I won't, however, eat anything before the race. 

Honestly, it doesn't seem to matter how much time I wait to run after eating. It still upsets my stomach. I didn't eat breakfast (although I got up at 7am). Instead I waited until 10am to eat my snack and then 1pm for the Sports Beans. I didn't refuel until around 430-5pm! A really big span of time. I don't recommend this. So I just have to do what works for my body and work on fueling better the next time around.

RACE DAY MORNING

As far as fueling goes, I am going to mimic what I've been doing for all of my runs since my training started. I recently incorporated the Sports Beans. But I love how my body feels and my performance level while running.

• Take 1 pack of Sports Beans 30 minutes before running with water
• Take another pack around mile 18 (or as needed)
• If I need to munch on a few more while running I will do so around miles 21-23
• At the end I will take another pack with water to refuel

 

This should work for me. I will bring extra packs with me just in case but I doubt I will need anything else. I am usually very good about refueling after running. So I will be sure to munch on a banana or whatever else is available at the finish line.

Other than that, Week 2 is coming to a close. I ran 20 minutes on Monday and will probably skip my second short run this week. My feet need a break.

I went on a 2 hour walk today, which I feel was good to get my  muscles moving. I'll probably run my last long run of 4 miles on Friday so that I have the entire weekend to relax. Then my final week, Week 3, starts!

February Goals

Googleimages

It's that time again. Honestly, 2012 is flying by already. I can't believe we're done with January so quickly. Looking back, I pretty much only accomplished the marathon parts of my January Goals.

The hotel and rental car are booked!

My race day gear is set!

I've also got my Sports Beans!

Most importantly, there are NO INJURIES TO SPEAK OF! 

That's the easy part. Now I'm working on tapering (currently on Week 1, Day 3...more on that later) and getting my mind right. Running isn't only physical, a lot of it's mental, and I feel like life is starting to get a bit hectic for me right now. So I'm trying to not lose focus.

My main goal for February is this:

1. Run my butt off at that marathon! Enough said.

There are also some important changes brewing in my life. I don't want to say anymore until I'm sure of what is going to happen. But to deal with these sudden changes my goals are simply these:

• Be strong
• Open
• Receptive
• Positive
• And above all HAPPY!

Change can be scary, and trust me, I've gone through so many changes these past four years. My past experiences have also taught me that sometimes change is for the best. It should be embraced even if scary.

It's also taught me to be grateful for what I have, now, in this moment. Because who knows what will happen tomorrow?

So wish me luck for this following month because I will need the support!

Things I'm Loving (December/January Edition)

These past few weeks leading up to my tapering (only 18 days until the marathon!) have been hectic! I haven't written a decent blog post in a couple of weeks and I apologize! I have SO MUCH to catch you all up on such as:

1. My tapering schedule
2. February goals
3. My last long run update
4. Plus tons of debate/discussion topics!

But first things first. Here is a list of some of my December/January favorite things.

I tried to take a picture with my camera but it didn't come out so well. It's nutritional yeast, and I LOVE this stuff! I put it on everything! It's also rich in B vitamins, especially B12, which you can normally only find in meat.

Here's a better photo. We buy ours from Whole Foods in the bulk section where you buy nuts etc. It is ridiculously cheap. It's supposed to be a substitute of cheese. In a previous foodie Wish List post I mentioned I wanted a food processor. One of the reasons is to make cheese sauces with this stuff. But it is absolutely delicious as a topping.

Googleimages

This is also another product rich in vitamins and minerals. I like to add it to oatmeal, smoothies, stir fries...anything really. I haven't had much time to experiment yet, but it is incredibly versatile. It is high in Omega 3's, which are great for the heart, and usually found in salmon, walnuts and sardines.

I know I've mentioned these delicious cookies before, but they are worth mentioning again! They are that good. Please get some.

These energy beans are a life-saver. I still haven't mastered the skill of fueling while running. I get incredible stomach aches if I eat or drink before running. These beans are great because they give me necessary energy and fluids lost while running. I've tried every flavor I could find. My favorite is Berry (the purple package).

This is my handy backpack that I use when I go to the gym after work. It fits everything I need. I like it better than those one shoulder bags. I've used this almost everyday for the past two months.

OK, so these aren't the exact fig bars I love. Like the greedy person that I am, I ate them all before I could take a picture! So this photo I grabbed online just to do this post. Since I haven't had time to replenish the stash. I bought them from Whole Foods. They are also located in the bulk nuts section. THEY ARE SO DELICIOUS AND VEGAN! I mean I can eat a whole bag by myself in a few days. The bars at Whole Foods are more substantial than the ones featured in this picture. They are so good.

Googleimages

The next two photos are Christmas presents from my mom. She was sick of me wearing the same gear all the time to do my runs! So she bought me these shirts from the Nike store, which are actually really cute.

I think every runner needs a cute t-shirt, headband, hat...whatever. It really is inspiring for those long runs.

One thing I failed to take a picture of, but am also loving this month, are running socks!

I don't even remember the brand but I got them from Fleet Feet. I was never, ever, concerned about socks. But I've worn them about 3 times already and my feet know the difference when I don't wear them. Seriously, be kind to your feet and wear the correct socks for your sport! I've seen cycling socks and even yoga socks!

What are some things you've been loving this month?

Long Run Updates/Week in Review

I BOUGHT NEW RUNNING SHOES!

These are the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8. Love them!

This is one of the most exciting parts of being a runner. I love when it's time to change up my running shoes! Some are "experts" and have 3 pairs that they alternate during training. I haven't quite graduated to that (and neither have my pockets!). However, I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

I went to a local store called Fleet Feet. (Thumbs up for local businesses!) They have a staff of trained professionals that actually fit you for a shoe. This was my first experience getting professionally fitted for a shoe. I don't want to give too much away since I'll write a post on that experience later. But it was AMAZING and my shoes are AMAZING! 

It was fun starting to break them in Sunday. I ran 16 miles (in a relaxing 2 hours and 14 minutes). I also ran in them today on the treadmill as I did interval training. My goal is to use them enough before the marathon so that I'm completely comfortable and don't have any unfortunate surprises.

This week is shaping up well. I did 30 minutes on the bike and some arm work on Monday, interval training and legs today. Tomorrow I will do some more weights, and on Thursday probably run in the morning before work for about 20-25 minutes. Then 2 rest days together because I will do 18 miles on Sunday.

But let's backtrack for a minute:

This past Saturday (December 31st) I ran 20 Miles. It was my last run of the year.

It was also my longest run to date. There were some snags along the way but overall I'm happy with my effort.

Unfortunately, I didn't have my Sport Beans. The two packs I ate two weeks ago were my last.

(Luckily, I stocked up when I went to Fleet Feet to get my new running shoes! So I was able to use some for my 16 mile run Sunday.)

It was unseasonably warm that day. I ran in short sleeves. I could've worn shorts but I didn't want to overdo it and then get sick later. But I could have worn them, that's how warm it was. So I had that to deal with, along with it being super windy, and the fact that I didn't have my Sport Beans.

Now, I'm not trying to make any excuses for my run. I bring this up just to set the scene a bit.

This long run was hard for me. 

My hardest run was that long run when I was sick. This long run comes in second. Honestly, I do attribute it to all of the above factors. But facts are facts, this was not one of my best runs...at all.

I had to stop at mile 19. I walked for 7 minutes. I set my goal when to start running again (a stop sign) and ran the rest of the way. If I had kept running I would've done it in 3 hours and 3 minutes. Instead I clocked 3 hours and 10 minutes.

This run was not a highlight for me. But I didn't beat myself up over it. It was my first 20 miles and I will make the next 20 even better!

I run 20 miles again on January 22nd. That'll be my last long run before I start tapering. Hopefully all goes well.