Marathon Training Begins

So now comes the time of year that I both love and hate - marathon training season. I have decided that marathons have perfected their timing when it comes to opening up their registration. Marathon registration opens up after several months after the marathon is over, so it is just enough time for you to forget the numerous hours you spent running, the Friday summer night parties that you had to forgo, and the pain after running the marathon.

Then six months later, when you realize you have to begin training, all of a sudden you remember how time consuming it is, and during the long runs, you start to think why did I sign for this again?

With that said, this will be my fifth marathon this year, so I guess as much as I dread the start of training season, I also know I love it and have caught the marathon fever.

So my BF and I are doing the Marine Corps marathon in DC this fall. We did our first long run last Saturday. I have realized that your first long run and your last long run (which would be the marathon) will be the hardest run in the whole training season. The first run, because it has been a while since your body has adjusted to the mileage, and the last run, well for the obvious reason that it is the actual marathon.

Here are some reminders I would like to pass on about long runs in the summers.

1) Even though it seems like the weather is not that hot, (about low 80, high 70's), if you go in the middle of the afternoon, and are planning on running more than 6 miles, it is going to be HOT. So if you are planning for a long run, aim for early morning or early evening. Running in the middle of the afternoon is a BAD idea. I mean unless you love to be overheated ;)

2) Don't forget your glide. Especially in hot weather, put extra glide on, you will thank me later for this reminder.

3) Take your time, the heat really takes a lot out of you, so in the heat, it is the mileage that counts, not the amount of time it takes you to finish.

Next long run, ten miles!