138 days until the Prairie Fire Marathon

Official training begins two weeks from today

OK, I have slacked since the Oklahoma City Marathon.  Immediately after finishing it I said "I WILL NEVER RUN A MARATHON AGAIN!"  It took me about 3 days to get over that kind of thinking.  I don't think I will ever do a spring marathon again because the training does require indoor running in the winter and that is not fun.  I want redemption for my spring 26.2.  I know I can run 26.2 faster than 5:56.  The Prairie Fire Marathon in Wichita offers a flat course.  The best part about the training is that I will be once again running with a crew of people.  I plan on writing about the new people I meet in my training group.  Kathy and I will be working with beginning marathon runners.  I might not be the best person to be working with beginners (with just one 26.2) under my belt but I think others can learn from my experience. That being said I will be doing a few things different this time.

 WEIGHT LIFTING:  I am not going to lie, I hate it but know that it is a necessary component for keeping my body healthy.  I will be weight lifting three times a week Body For Life style.  For those of you that are not familiar with this method it is basically a "pyramid up" to exhaustion program.  One week you do upper body twice, lower body once and the following week you do upper body once, lower body twice.  The weight workouts take about an hour.  It also has a diet with it that uses the concept of mini meals (which is a healthy idea).  I can do mini meals on the weekends and during my vacation times, but really can not whip out a mini meal at 3:00 in front of Kindergartners.  NUTRITION: Many of us runners think that just because we run an incredible amount of miles we can eat what ever we want.  Not true.  This is especially true if you are post menopausal as I am.  This go around to help me with my nutrition and food intake I will be using My Fitness Pal I especially like how it will take into account how many extra calories that you will need to fuel a long run.  If you would like to friend me at My Fitness Pal my username is librarygirlontherun.  HEAT:  Summer running means that you must avoid the heat but you also need to embrace it.  It will be hot when we train for Prairie Fire.  It is best to avoid the heat by getting up super early and getting the bulk of your miles in before the heat of the day.  If you are going to run in the dark you should get a headlight that you can wear on your forehead.  I have one and I know that I look dorky but it works well. Some heat running is beneficial and some days in the summer the "cool" temperature might be 80 degrees.  Bottom line is that you will be running in hot temperatures.  RUN WITH A CREW:  This is probably my best advice especially when the 16-20 mile runs occur.  So much more enjoyable with runners at your side.  

RUN HAPPY