Marathon Training Update #2

My Walk into the Future is closing in on the 2023 Palm Beaches Marathon.  I am heading down south on Saturday for my big race on Sunday.

The training this year went by smoother than last year.  I chalk this up to having a better mental and physical understanding of the training program and what is required each week.  I also view my hydration and nutrition planning as much improved from this time last year.

It is amazing how quickly you learn the things not to do to get prepared for a 26.2-mile race.  Excited and terrified at the same time.  Runners are a unique group of people with an adventurous mindset.

I didn’t have my friend Lauren training for a marathon with me this year, but she was always available to listen to me share about my progress.  Hoping we will both get into the 2024 Chicago Marathon and enjoy this process together again next year. We both signed up for the marathon lottery system and will find out today if we get in.  I will focus on the 2024 Chicago Marathon as my big race next year if I get in—fingers crossed!

The 18-week training plan has allowed me to increase my mileage safety as I built up my base miles.  I added hill and speed training this year to increase my endurance towards the full marathon distance.

Here are my total weekly miles so far this year:

• Week #10: 38 miles
• Week #11: 23 miles
• Week #12: 32 miles
• Week #13: 34 miles
• Week #14: 22 miles
• Week #15: 39 miles
• Week #16: 28 miles
• Week #17: 29 miles
• Week #18: 33 miles 

I have logged 465 total miles during this journey to include multiple 5k and half marathon races.  The process of racing brings me a level of enjoyment to my training program and is a lot more exciting (for me) than simply going out for long runs on my own.  I got spoiled a bit in Oviedo by having an active running environment with all the Orlando Track Shack events to choose from.  There are multiple running clubs in Orlando so finding a running club to get a few miles in with was an easy process there. 

This week is dedicated to carb loading, extra stretching and getting a lot of rest.  The full marathon beat me down last year so I’m adjusting my daily routine this year to conserve as much energy as possible.

Still have not decided my race strategy—will look to listen to my body and go out with a comfortable pace that I can maintain throughout the race.  I started to struggle at the 18-mile marker last year so want to extend my progress beyond this point in 2023.

My goal is to beat my time from last year and set a new PR for myself.  I’ve got a race goal time in my head but will not reveal it here just now.  I will brag later if I hit my preset goal. 😊

Wish me luck!

Irie!