Marathon Training Blog

October 2, 2008

Running for a Cause

When it came time to train for my second marathon, I decided to race for a charity. I signed up for the AIDS Marathon Training Program and committed to running the Vancouver Marathon and raising $2,500. In return, I was enrolled in a five-month training regimen complete with supportive coaches, weekly group runs and fundraising advice (not to mention that airfare was covered and I'd always wanted to see Vancouver). To my surprise, it was raising the money—not running the race—that worried me.

A week before the fundraising deadline, I found myself $1,000 short, so I asked my teammates if they could help. A fellow runner, Rosemary, said she'd reached her fundraising goal and would be happy to ask her friends to send their donations my way. The following week I was shocked to see I had surpassed my goal thanks to an anonymous pledge of $2,000! For a minute I thought I had a wealthy secret admirer (a girl can dream!), but I soon realized that one of Rosemary's friends had made the donation. I was inspired by this stranger's generosity and it kept me going through the rain-soaked race. The fundraising certainly added pressure, but helping a worthy cause offered an extra incentive to cross the finish line.

I have a number of friends who have trained for marathons and triathlons with Team in Training, which raises funds to cure blood cancers. Many of them hadn't run more than a couple miles before committing to a race, but all of them finished with the help of their team. Whether you're an avid athlete or new to exercising, charity-based training programs can help you go the distance.

What's your favorite cause to race for?

October 1, 2008

6 Get-Up-&-Go Songs

So there I was running the same old loop and clicking through song after song on my MP3 Player. B-O-R-I-N-G. I was tired of every last tune. My ears had even become immune to the motivating powers of my no-fail standbys. It was then I realized I'd been listening to the same shuffle of tracks since I started training six months ago. No wonder I knew every lyric and drum beat in that little black music box.

So I carved out some time and loaded these six high-energy songs onto my MP3 Player to propel my run. If you've grown restless with your music, try out these tunes. Warning: Don't hit the play button until you've laced up your kicks and are headed to the track. These fast rhythms will make you want to take off like a rocket—which could be a problem if you're at work or driving.

1. All My Friends by LCD Sound System

2. The Underdog by Spoon

3. In This Home on Ice by Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah

4. No Cars Go by Arcade Fire

5. Born Feeling by Sara Tavares

6. Viva La Vida by Cold Play

September 30, 2008

18 Miles or Bust

This weekend the New York Road Runners had an 18-mile marathon tune-up race in Central Park. It was humid, rainy and there were more hills than my legs liked, but I did it! I'm so relieved to have my longest training run under my belt. It gave me the confidence I need to tackle 26.2 and I learned a few things along the way.

Prepare for the course
Although I haven't been training in Central Park, I used to run the loop regularly, so I'm familiar with the hilly course. I've done a few short hill runs and figured with all the miles I've been racking up, I could handle the inclines. The first 6-mile loop felt fine, but during round two my legs began to burn and I still had a third lap left! It's one thing to run a hill at mile 4; it's another at mile 16. I realized I need to alter my training so I'm tackling inclines toward the end my run, since that's when I'll encounter them on race day.

Don't try anything new on race days
My doctor had suggested wearing an ankle brace for support, so I heeded his advice and got one for the race. Well, it turns out the ankle brace is uncomfortable and constricting. It felt like it was hurting more than helping and I couldn't wait to get the darn thing off. I should have test-run the brace before committing to wearing it for 18 miles.

Carry your own supplies
I knew that energy gel would be provided during the race, so I didn't bring my own. What I didn't know is that it wouldn't be handed out until mile 9 and then again at 15. Unfortunately, I was already losing steam at that point, and you want to consume food before you feel fatigued since it takes at least a mile to kick in. I grabbed two gels at mile 9, which turned out to be a good move since there weren't any left by the time I got back around. Luckily, I managed to get two flavors I like, but you won't always have a choice and I've found certain types make me feel ill. You never know when and what supplies will be offered en route, so it's best to bring your own and not risk being unprepared.

How do you get ready for races?