Kelly the Culinarian: Training Tuesday: Marathon Action Plan

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Training Tuesday: Marathon Action Plan

Hey, sexy runner ... 
So here we are mere days away from my next marathon. It's been a long time coming - I signed up for the Circular Logic Marathon last fall in hopes of training through the winter to start Ironman training ahead of the game. I also wanted to crush my current marathon PR of 4:30.

So Saturday, it's time to put up or shut up.

I managed to con two runners from my club into joining me for running in a circle 26 times. Maureen is also running, joining us for the carpool out there Friday night. Between splitting gas four ways and staying with my sister, this might be my cheapest race ever (registration was $42).

I've trained all this time for a sub-four finish and now it's getting real. I feel great, relatively speaking, and am ready to test the waters. Here's my plan:

  • Wake up to eat two hours before the start of the race.
  • Eat two slices of toasted white bread with peanut butter and a banana.
  • Bring two different outfits to choose from depending on the weather.
  • Set up an aid table for the club along the course.
  • Bring two water bottles - one with just water, one with Perpetuem.
    Gimme that medal
  • Eat a honey packet right before the start.
  • Start the marathon at an 8:50 pace. This would put me at a 3:51 finish. I'll use virtual trainer on my Garmin to keep me on track.
  • After eight miles, fuel with a honey packet every other mile.
  • Sip water on the even miles, perpetuem on the odd.
  • Take the endurolyte pills at the halfway mark.
  • Have a Hammer shot at the 16-mile mark.
  • If I feel good at 20, I'll up the pace for the last 10K.
  • Take another caffeinated Hammer gel at 22 if needed.
  • Smile at the finish, cry, collapse, take a shower at my sister's apartment and have lunch at Three Floyds.
If you have any tips, advice, words of wisdom or cautionary tales, tell me now in the comments section. I need all the help I can get.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Good luck! You'll do awesome! You have a solid plan, have worked through nutritional issues. Keep it up and have fun out running in circles!!!

kathyo said...

I don't know why but I love that pic of you :) Best of luck on Saturday...we'll be expecting an immediate update...ok well maybe you can rest a bit first!
I'll be a little jealous if you break 4 but super happy for you. Love the medal...go get it!!

Anne said...

I'm no marathoner, but it sounds to me like you've got a really solid plan! Ending at a brewery is never a bad idea. Good luck!!!

KellytheCulinarian said...

Lol, I look like a badass runner ... in a silly hat.

RunToTheFinish said...

Enjoy seeing all your hard work come together!!! Remember it's fun, I swear that's one of the best ways to get your PR :)

Unknown said...

You have been busting butt for this and it WILL pay off! Rest up this week, keep your spirits high and you're going to do fabulously.

Amanda said...

Good luck Kelly! Looks like a great plan to me!

Kim said...

Good luck! Have a fun race! :)

CabotRD said...

From all your Cabot fans, good luck!!

CabotRD said...

From all your Cabot fans, good luck!!

Unknown said...

GREAT plan, Kelly! One foot in front of the other, and remember to smile the entire run :) Best of luck! You got it!

Zenaida Arroyo said...

Good luck! I am curious to know how the endurolyte pills work for you.