i want adventure in the great wide somewhere - running journal! (comments welcome)

[GollyGadget]

Congrats on not dying! 20 milers are not for the faint of heart.

 

[jmasgat]

WTG on the 20-miler. It's nice that you can do this on a path that supports that distance (bathrooms, food). I wish there was a beer hall on my training routes!

I know what you mean about pre-run fueling. The most I want to put on my stomach is toast. I just hope that that fuel I bring on the run will do it for me.

 

[xjillianpaige]

Congrats on not dying! 20 milers are not for the faint of heart.

Thank you! It wasn't easy but it's done!

WTG on the 20-miler. It's nice that you can do this on a path that supports that distance (bathrooms, food). I wish there was a beer hall on my training routes!

I know what you mean about pre-run fueling. The most I want to put on my stomach is toast. I just hope that that fuel I bring on the run will do it for me.

Thanks! I love this path - it's 10 miles start to finish and has really great spots along the way to stop for bathrooms. Very clean and safe.

I tend to do okay with a pb&j on an English muffin when I have English muffins in my house. I guess I better add them to the shopping list for the weekend of my next long long run.

 

[jmasgat]

Thanks! I love this path - it's 10 miles start to finish and has really great spots along the way to stop for bathrooms. Very clean and safe.

Can I ask where it is? You're in MA, right? I get out there frequently--and have a "5 year plan" to move back. So am seriously starting to consider places to live beyond my North Shore roots. Daughter has a house in Somerville, and family are scattered on the NS. Running accessibility is one of my criteria.

 

[xjillianpaige]

Can I ask where it is? You're in MA, right? I get out there frequently--and have a "5 year plan" to move back. So am seriously starting to consider places to live beyond my North Shore roots. Daughter has a house in Somerville, and family are scattered on the NS. Running accessibility is one of my criteria.

Of course! I’m north of Boston and this path is the Minuteman Bikeway in Bedford/Lexington/Arlington. Lots of places to start/finish and goes through town centers so easy to pop on and off the path. The website has a map with all the official bathroom stops and other amenities.

Further north is the Bruce Freeman Trail in the Lowell/Chelmsford area and it’s really popular with the women in my running group. It’s a bit less built up around the trail, but still has lots of parking and some bathrooms. This path is also longer (about 15 miles) versus the Minuteman’s 10.

 

[xjillianpaige]

Disney Marathon 2022 Training Journal​

It was COLD out there this morning. My alarm went off at 5:30 and I snoozed it for a while before actually getting out of bed. There was an internal debate as to whether I would bail on the run or not and "go later" (we all know that if "go later" is an option then I'm not going anywhere) but I knew I had to get out there to get it done. Also, I haven't bought a watch yet, but I'm 99% sure I'm going to go with a Forerunner 245 (no music) in the berry color. I'll go back to following a budget in 2021.

November 16: 3.00 miles • 35:38 • 11:53 avg pace
Tuesday night.

November 18: 3.00 miles • 33:22 • 11:08 avg pace
Thursday morning. Shakeout run for the Philly girls.

November 20: 7.00 miles • 1:15:59 • 10:51 avg pace
The first 5 were very cold with a small group, then when we got back to our cars, I was sweating. April took my jacket, headband, and neck warmer back to my car for me while I did my last 2 solo. Did I do my splits last time I ran a shorter distance? No? Well, let's compare now for fun. Two weeks ago I ran 6 miles, 7 today.

Splits (6 mile run || 7 miles run)
1 mile: 11:16 || 11:13
2 miles: 10:48 || 10:43
3 miles: 10:37 || 10:42
4 miles: 10:34 || 10:31
5 miles: 11:00 || 10:28
6 miles: 10:34 || 11:06
7 miles: n/a || 11:08

Plan (Disney plan || My plan)

• 11/27 - 23 miles || 23 miles (22 min.)
• 12/4 - 6 miles || 6 miles
• 12/11 - 7 miles || 7 miles
• 12/18 - 26 miles || 26 miles (24 min.)
• 12/25 - 6 miles || 6 miles
• 1/1 - 7 miles || 7 miles
• 1/9 - 26.2 miles (race)

 

[xjillianpaige]

Disney Marathon 2022 Training Journal
Feaster Five (5k) Race Recap​

I'm updating early because I skipped the Tuesday run because most of the girls were returning/recovering from Philly and I had a work thing that I was concerned would run late. Plus it was cold. Thursday was a turkey trot, so let's chat about that.

Bib Pick Up​

There were 3 opportunities to get bibs prior to the race, but I got mine morning of. I met up with the president of my club and we carpooled with one other person to the start. Parking was easy, but I think that's because we were very early. I signed up literally 2 days before the race, so I didn't get a shirt, but they had some buffs so I got one of those. Clearly people were giving the volunteers a hard time, because the woman who checked me in was super apologetic that I didn't get a t-shirt. Sign up was VERY clear that the shirts were only guaranteed to the first 3,000 registered, and when I registered the counter was well over 5,000 participants, so I didn't expect a shirt. Some people just don't pay attention or think they can get whatever they want.

Race Day​

Like I said, we got there super early. The club got together for a photo, then headed into the crowd to start. This is a huge local race, usually getting around 10,000 participants and the largest Thanksgiving race in the area. I was thinking I might go for a 5k PR, but I quickly learned that this is not the race to do that. The first mile is entirely uphill and since it's such a huge local race, there's a lot of walkers and kiddos. So lots of weaving.

I started with el pres and we stayed together almost the entire race before she had to take a walk break at the very end when her hamstring began to talk to her. Almost everyone else in the club did the 5 mile. Anyway, here's a quick mile by mile.

Mile 1: 11:17
This was LITERALLY entirely uphill. A gain of 108 feet. I was gassed. You would think you were at the top and it was done, and then it wasn't done. I literally said to my friend that the hill took everything I had.

Mile 2: 10:32
This is where we begin to run downhill. Still some weaving around people, but staying steady. The 5 mile merges into us here, and the leaders were coming by as we were.

Mile 3: 9:33
Again, this was downhill, but I continued to pick up speed. As we were almost at the last turn and final uphill (the last .2 miles was a 26 foot gain) my friend tapped my back as she moved behind me to get to the side to slow down for a walk to deal with her hamstring and told me to keep going. I hauled butt that last quarter mile or so and finished with an official time of 33:08.

FINAL TIME: 33:08​

 

[xjillianpaige]

Disney Marathon 2022 Training Journal​

As I was running this weekend, I repeated the phrase. "My run was a run. It's done. I don't want to talk about it. I'm moving forward The tough runs make the good runs better and me a stronger runner." I also recently started following @yourbestrunningfriend on instagram and went to her page for some wisdom.

​

November 27: 20.00 miles • 4:48:34 • 14:25 avg pace
I don't have a good reason for why this run was so awful compared to two weeks ago. Maybe it was the weather (cold AF) or my mindset (not feeling it) or something else entirely. I have no idea. But it was brutal to get through. I wasn't going to post my splits because I just wanted to move on, but part of me also wants to remember this because I know runs like this make me a better, stronger runner. Also, this was supposed to be at least 22... but clearly that did not happen. I feel okay about my mileage, though. As long as I hit between 22 and 24 before race day I feel like I'll be okay.

Before I post those, though. My fuel was better this time. I had an English muffin with peanut butter and jelly for breakfast then did a clifblok every 4 miles (plus some chips at mile 12 when I got back to my car before going out for the last 8). I need to go buy some more bloks for my last few long runs and to bring with me to the race.

Okay, split time:

Mile 1: 13:34
Mile 2: 13:58
Mile 3: 14:09
Mile 4: 13:17
Mile 5: 13:48
Mile 6: 13:13
Mile 7: 13:55
Mile 8: 14:45
Mile 9: 13:47
Mile 10: 13:37
Mile 11: 14:01
Mile 12: 14:27
Mile 13: 14:07
Mile 14: 15:06
Mile 15: 16:29
Mile 16: 15:15
Mile 17: 14:16
Mile 18: 14:47
Mile 19: 17:06 (I think we walked this entire mile)
Mile 20: 14:51

And to end this with some fun: a mile 12 bathroom selfie (my nose was BRIGHT red)

​

Plan (Disney plan || My plan)

• 12/4 - 6 miles || 6 miles
• 12/11 - 7 miles || 7 miles
• 12/18 - 26 miles || 26 miles (22-24 ideal)
• 12/25 - 6 miles || 6 miles
• 1/1 - 7 miles || 7 miles
• 1/9 - 26.2 miles (race)

 

[StacyStrong]

Are you eating a single clifblok every 4 miles or a whole package?

 

[xjillianpaige]

Are you eating a single clifblok every 4 miles or a whole package?

Just one every 3-4 miles!

 

[StacyStrong]

Just one every 3-4 miles!

I used to do an entire package once every 45 minutes to an hour on long runs. It’s been a long time since I’ve used those and I’m no fueling expert, but I think maybe you’re still under fueling? It might explain why you weren’t feeling great?



Maybe someone like @DopeyBadger can give their input?

 

[xjillianpaige]

I used to do an entire package once every 45 minutes to an hour on long runs. It’s been a long time since I’ve used those and I’m no fueling expert, but I think maybe you’re still under fueling? It might explain why you weren’t feeling great?


View attachment 626793
Maybe someone like @DopeyBadger can give their input?

Interesting. My energy was mostly fine throughout and I didn’t have any hunger cues until mile 18. I don’t think I could eat that many bloks. I can’t even finish a whole bagel because it’s too filling.

 

[StacyStrong]

Ya. I remember it being a chore to eat them because there were so many individual blocks, but I hated the consistency of different gels. Obviously do what works for you, but figured I’d pipe in so that you can do what you need to to set yourself up for success! Have you tried any other fuel methods?

 

[xjillianpaige]

Ya. I remember it being a chore to eat them because there were so many individual blocks, but I hated the consistency of different gels. Obviously do what works for you, but figured I’d pipe in so that you can do what you need to to set yourself up for success! Have you tried any other fuel methods?

Haha! It does sound like a chore. Just chewing one can be a lot and I save it for a walk break.

I have texture issues too, so I’ve tried the occasions gu or gel without success and sports beans taste like sand to me, so those are out. I’ve always been successful with gummies of some sort, and I know I lose a lot of salt when I sweat, so I want to pick up some of the margarita ones with salt.

I want to try some of the honey stinger waffles but they’re not easy to carry.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I used to do an entire package once every 45 minutes to an hour on long runs. It’s been a long time since I’ve used those and I’m no fueling expert, but I think maybe you’re still under fueling? It might explain why you weren’t feeling great?


View attachment 626793
Maybe someone like @DopeyBadger can give their input?

I'd say fueling could be one piece to the puzzle. It could easily be a myriad of possible explanations. Too many recent races, over reliance on the long run, improper pacing on long runs, not enough fuel during the run, too long of long run, etc. And not all of these have to be applicable to @xjillianpaige experience.

With that being said, the lack of hunger doesn't necessarily rule out a glycogen depletion situation. I think you can not feel hungry and yet your muscles could still be craving fuel themselves. Looks like a single package of cliff bloks contains six pieces. They are 8 grams of carbs per blok. So you are taking in 8 grams of carbs every 3-4 miles in this recent run (or 42-56 min). That's a rate of about 9-11 grams of carbs per hour. I would say that's a pretty low number. The maximum tolerance is about 60 grams per hour for a single source carb and about 90 grams per hour for dual sourced carbs (simple and complex). The package itself recommends 48-96 grams per hour (given their recommendation of consuming 1-2 packages per hour). I personally do about 96 grams carbs per hour. My view on fueling is to find your maximum tolerance so that you are ruling out glycogen depletion as a reason for fading at the end of a marathon. You can still easily fade when fueling appropriately during a marathon, but if you fuel to your maximum, then you know that wasn't the reason for the fade.

Since you have texture issues, would you consider carrying some hydration fuel based source? Like Tailwind. You can even super concentrate it so that you physically have to carry less bulk when running. I've done as much as 1 scoop per oz of water. It does not completely dissolve, but it gets the job done. That becomes 25 grams of carbs per 1 oz liquid. So that's comparable to you eating 3 blocks (or 9-12 miles) of what you're currently doing in a single ounce of liquid. Tastes like a sweet tart. You just have to make sure you drink enough water on course to properly absorb it (1 oz water for every 2 gram carb consumed). It also has a good content of sodium/potassium. You do 5 oz of water and 5 Tailwind scoops (125 grams carbs) and you're looking at the equivalent of 42 bloks or 7 packages.

Alternatively you could carry Maurten 320. It dilutes at 17oz for 80 grams carbs. So more bulk, but less liquid to be consumed over the long haul. Maurten can not be concentrated.

 

[xjillianpaige]

I'd say fueling could be one piece to the puzzle. It could easily be a myriad of possible explanations. Too many recent races, over reliance on the long run, improper pacing on long runs, not enough fuel during the run, too long of long run, etc. And not all of these have to be applicable to @xjillianpaige experience.

With that being said, the lack of hunger doesn't necessarily rule out a glycogen depletion situation. I think you can not feel hungry and yet your muscles could still be craving fuel themselves. Looks like a single package of cliff bloks contains six pieces. They are 8 grams of carbs per blok. So you are taking in 8 grams of carbs every 3-4 miles in this recent run (or 42-56 min). That's a rate of about 9-11 grams of carbs per hour. I would say that's a pretty low number. The maximum tolerance is about 60 grams per hour for a single source carb and about 90 grams per hour for dual sourced carbs (simple and complex). The package itself recommends 48-96 grams per hour (given their recommendation of consuming 1-2 packages per hour). I personally do about 96 grams carbs per hour. My view on fueling is to find your maximum tolerance so that you are ruling out glycogen depletion as a reason for fading at the end of a marathon. You can still easily fade when fueling appropriately during a marathon, but if you fuel to your maximum, then you know that wasn't the reason for the fade.

Since you have texture issues, would you consider carrying some hydration fuel based source? Like Tailwind. You can even super concentrate it so that you physically have to carry less bulk when running. I've done as much as 1 scoop per oz of water. It does not completely dissolve, but it gets the job done. That becomes 25 grams of carbs per 1 oz liquid. So that's comparable to you eating 3 blocks (or 9-12 miles) of what you're currently doing in a single ounce of liquid. Tastes like a sweet tart. You just have to make sure you drink enough water on course to properly absorb it (1 oz water for every 2 gram carb consumed). It also has a good content of sodium/potassium. You do 5 oz of water and 5 Tailwind scoops (125 grams carbs) and you're looking at the equivalent of 42 bloks or 7 packages.

Alternatively you could carry Maurten 320. It dilutes at 17oz for 80 grams carbs. So more bulk, but less liquid to be consumed over the long haul. Maurten can not be concentrated.

Thanks for all this info! Quick clarification, when you say "over reliance on the long run" do you mean when people skip the maintenance runs during the week and hope that a weekly long run will be enough to get them to the finish line on race day?

I've been running with gatorade - maybe I could up my fuel intake to two gummies + a liquid fuel of some sort? Would that help me get to/get closer to the ideal fuel intake number? Math is not my strong suit (and when I say math I include basic addition, my mind just can't wrap itself around numbers). I'd be down for anything liquid so long as it's not gritty. I only have a single handheld water bottle right now, but I could time it on the course so that I have my bloks around the same time as water spots. I can also mess with my routes so that I pass my car more often on training runs so I don't have to carry as much.

Finally, where do you pick up fuel? I don't think I've seen it in my local grocery store. Is it carried at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's?

 

[DopeyBadger]

Quick clarification, when you say "over reliance on the long run" do you mean when people skip the maintenance runs during the week and hope that a weekly long run will be enough to get them to the finish line on race day?

Yes and no. There are some training plans that are specifically designed around an over reliance on the long run. The Galloway 3-day per week marathon plan is a classic example. As they tend to be 30-45 min mid-week twice, and then 24-26 miles max on the weekend. This style of training can get you across the finish line, but it is more unlikely to leave you fully prepared for the marathon itself. That's because the training of your body for an endurance race takes more than that singular large training load once every 2-3 weeks. Again, Galloway can work, but more often than not, it's not the best choice. Galloway's expressed goal is to get you to and across the finish line healthy. No more, no less.

Another converse example is the Galloway Dopey plan. It has more days per week, but it still focuses too much on the long run. Whereas a plan with more balance can be written that prepares you better AND carries less risk than going such maximal distances (somewhat negated by using run/walk and being M Tempo +2 min). All the while, a different plan with more balance could even have more total training load while not doing the 20+ mile training runs by putting more mid-week.

Now on the other side, there are training plans that are written such that they have less reliance on the long run. They tend to have more days per week, more mileage/time mid-week, etc. More balance overall. But as you say, the plan can start to fall a part when the user fails to complete those mid-week runs as written. While either cutting short (and adding mileage to a different day) or just removing a run all together. This too will lead to a less than desired preparation level for the marathon because of an over reliance on the long run.

So an over reliance on the long run can occur either by design (based on the training plan chosen) or by skipping/cutting runs as originally written.

In both cases, this can be one reason why you'll see a fade in a training run. Fades primarily happen in the long runs. And they tend to be a red flag that something isn't going quite right in training. If you fade more than by say 30-45 sec/mile (and not accounted for by either sudden changes in temp or elevation gain), then it's a worrying sign the body is not tolerating the training. An over reliance on the long run is not the only possible explanation of a fade, but it's one to look at when a fade occurs. If a fade occurs a single time, just a warning and fine to move on. But if you start to see a trend or string of bad runs, then it's time to considering pivoting.

I've been running with gatorade - maybe I could up my fuel intake to two gummies + a liquid fuel of some sort? Would that help me get to/get closer to the ideal fuel intake number? Math is not my strong suit (and when I say math I include basic addition, my mind just can't wrap itself around numbers). I'd be down for anything liquid so long as it's not gritty. I only have a single handheld water bottle right now, but I could time it on the course so that I have my bloks around the same time as water spots. I can also mess with my routes so that I pass my car more often on training runs so I don't have to carry as much.

So pre-made Gatorade is isotonic. That means it's prepared at 2 grams carbs per 1 oz liquid. So if you have say a 10oz handheld water bottle, then putting in 10oz of Gatorade is going to be 20 grams of carbs (2 grams per oz * 10 oz = 20 grams carbs). You're still likely to fall way short using something that doesn't tolerate concentration as much (although to be fair I have never personally tested a Gatorade powder's ability to concentrate).

I wouldn't necessarily describe Tailwind as gritty, but it's definitely not fully in solution if diluted at 1oz water per 1 scoop (super concentrated). There is still some powder consistency to it. With that being said, you have the ability to play around with the dilution of Tailwind such that you can find the right dilution concentration for you that matches your desired consistency. If you can dilute a single scoop of Tailwind in anything less than 12.5 oz of water and find it tolerable, then you'll get a higher concentration of carbs per oz than you would with pre-made Gatorade. So I suggest experimenting with it to see where your desired concentration ends up. One reason I like to recommend Tailwind is it is super cheap on a per gram carb basis.

It's important to keep in mind, that if you make a Gatorade or Tailwind solution, that you can no longer consider that for absorbing any of the bloks that you consume. Those bloks also need straight water at the same rate (2 grams per 1 oz). So a single blok (8 grams carbs) requires at least 4 oz of water to have been recently consumed in order to absorb it. If you fall short on your water consumption compared to your carb consumption, then your body will start to pull water away from your muscles in order to absorb what you've eaten in your stomach. This tends to lead to feelings of dehydration/cramping.

My suggestion - Try to find your maximal tolerated dilution of Tailwind (it'll allow you to carry more carbs to consume with the least weight). Practice drinking that and consuming your bloks on an upcoming training run that you pass your car multiple times. When you pass the car, take a very short break (under 2 min) and drink some water from a bottle you have stored in there. This will mimic your ability to drink from aid stations in a race. This extra water will enable you to absorb the bloks, and will enable you to dilute (in your stomach) the concentrated Tailwind that you're drinking.

If you can tell me how many liquid oz are in your handheld, and how many scoops of Tailwind you can tolerate in the handheld, then I can do any math for you. With a race lasting 5 hrs, I'd try and aim for at least 200 grams consumed if you can tolerate it. That's still on the low end, but that's far higher than the 45-55 grams you're currently on track for. I consumed 288 grams in my 3 hour race a few weeks back, but I live on the high end and can tolerate most any gels (which tend to be the most bang for the buck in terms of getting in-race carbs).

One other consideration depending on how strong your bladder is, is consuming something within 15 min of pre-race. I drink a 17oz Maurten 320 right before I start running. This gives me 80g carbs before I really even start my run and puts me way ahead. So if you find you can tolerate something like this right before the training run or race starts, then you're that much further ahead for in-race nutrition. Anything consumed within 15 min of starting the run can be considered in-race nutrition. But something like a breakfast PB bagel 2 hours before the race is a good idea, but doesn't help towards this in-race nutrition value.

Finally, where do you pick up fuel? I don't think I've seen it in my local grocery store. Is it carried at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's?

Local running stores are your best bet. Otherwise online.

Tailwind on (Amazon)
Maurten on (The Feed - tend to have good sales on here)

 

[FFigawi]

Finally, where do you pick up fuel? I don't think I've seen it in my local grocery store. Is it carried at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's?

If you buy directly from Tailwind, they personalize the bags with your name and a nice note of thanks & encouragement.

 

[xjillianpaige]

If you buy directly from Tailwind, they personalize the bags with your name and a nice note of thanks & encouragement.

That's really cute.

Yes and no. There are some training plans that are specifically designed around an over reliance on the long run. The Galloway 3-day per week marathon plan is a classic example. As they tend to be 30-45 min mid-week twice, and then 24-26 miles max on the weekend. This style of training can get you across the finish line, but it is more unlikely to leave you fully prepared for the marathon itself. That's because the training of your body for an endurance race takes more than that singular large training load once every 2-3 weeks. Again, Galloway can work, but more often than not, it's not the best choice. Galloway's expressed goal is to get you to and across the finish line healthy. No more, no less.

This is good to know - I'm definitely leaning toward new plans for future races, especially now that I'm not run/walking except for really long runs (more than 7 miles right now). The biggest thing for me to figure out is balance during the work week. I can do it, will just require lots of managing my schedule. (IDK how ya'll do it with kids.)

So pre-made Gatorade is isotonic. That means it's prepared at 2 grams carbs per 1 oz liquid. So if you have say a 10oz handheld water bottle, then putting in 10oz of Gatorade is going to be 20 grams of carbs (2 grams per oz * 10 oz = 20 grams carbs). You're still likely to fall way short using something that doesn't tolerate concentration as much (although to be fair I have never personally tested a Gatorade powder's ability to concentrate).

I wouldn't necessarily describe Tailwind as gritty, but it's definitely not fully in solution if diluted at 1oz water per 1 scoop (super concentrated). There is still some powder consistency to it. With that being said, you have the ability to play around with the dilution of Tailwind such that you can find the right dilution concentration for you that matches your desired consistency. If you can dilute a single scoop of Tailwind in anything less than 12.5 oz of water and find it tolerable, then you'll get a higher concentration of carbs per oz than you would with pre-made Gatorade. So I suggest experimenting with it to see where your desired concentration ends up. One reason I like to recommend Tailwind is it is super cheap on a per gram carb basis.

It's important to keep in mind, that if you make a Gatorade or Tailwind solution, that you can no longer consider that for absorbing any of the bloks that you consume. Those bloks also need straight water at the same rate (2 grams per 1 oz). So a single blok (8 grams carbs) requires at least 4 oz of water to have been recently consumed in order to absorb it. If you fall short on your water consumption compared to your carb consumption, then your body will start to pull water away from your muscles in order to absorb what you've eaten in your stomach. This tends to lead to feelings of dehydration/cramping.

My suggestion - Try to find your maximal tolerated dilution of Tailwind (it'll allow you to carry more carbs to consume with the least weight). Practice drinking that and consuming your bloks on an upcoming training run that you pass your car multiple times. When you pass the car, take a very short break (under 2 min) and drink some water from a bottle you have stored in there. This will mimic your ability to drink from aid stations in a race. This extra water will enable you to absorb the bloks, and will enable you to dilute (in your stomach) the concentrated Tailwind that you're drinking.

If you can tell me how many liquid oz are in your handheld, and how many scoops of Tailwind you can tolerate in the handheld, then I can do any math for you. With a race lasting 5 hrs, I'd try and aim for at least 200 grams consumed if you can tolerate it. That's still on the low end, but that's far higher than the 45-55 grams you're currently on track for. I consumed 288 grams in my 3 hour race a few weeks back, but I live on the high end and can tolerate most any gels (which tend to be the most bang for the buck in terms of getting in-race carbs).

One other consideration depending on how strong your bladder is, is consuming something within 15 min of pre-race. I drink a 17oz Maurten 320 right before I start running. This gives me 80g carbs before I really even start my run and puts me way ahead. So if you find you can tolerate something like this right before the training run or race starts, then you're that much further ahead for in-race nutrition. Anything consumed within 15 min of starting the run can be considered in-race nutrition. But something like a breakfast PB bagel 2 hours before the race is a good idea, but doesn't help towards this in-race nutrition value.

Thanks for all this! I'm going to hit up Marathon sports on Friday to pick up a ton of clifbloks and to see if they have tailwind. I also might hit up REI for honey stinger gummies.

I have a Nathan handheld that holds.... 12 oz. I'm going to do one more super long run on December 18 - my goal is to return to my car every 5 miles. Does the water have to be consumed immediately after the blok? Or can the water be consumed less often, as long as I'm drinking it. If it needs to be immediate, then the tailwind might not be an option as I'll carry water.

I also recently saw a Facebook thread in the rundisney group I'm part of and they talked about doing a Blok every mile... I'm considering taking that route as well to help get more bloks in me. After talking all this through with you and reading that Facebook thread, I definitely thing my fuel is an issue.

For my pre-race breakfast, my plan is to have an English muffin with PB&J or PB&banana, depending on what we have in the kitchen. Then I'll pack PB&banana sandwiches to bring to the start of the race so I can eat that right before my start group heads out. No coffee for me, I can't handle caffeine before a run (or anytime, but sometimes I choose violence).

My bladder is better than I give it credit for. I've worked with kids for years, so I've learned to hold it for hours, but sometimes the anxiety pee gets me! I also hate portapotties so I want to try to avoid bathroom stops until I'm running through a park (which looks like it'll be mile 10, 17, 23, and 25).

I also want to end this by thanking you for your time and energy that you put into reading and responding to this journal. You do so much for me (and everyone on these boards) and I'm a disaster so I am especially grateful.

 

[xjillianpaige]

Disney Marathon 2022 Training Journal​

Ok my last update was the long run from h-e-double-hockey-sticks and moving on. Also I skipped Thursday morning because I'm a fair-weather runner and it was raining and the girl I was gonna meet up with decided to sleep in and by the time others were heading out, it was too late for me to leave and make it on time.

November 30: 4.01 miles • 42:57 • 10:44 avg pace
Tuesday night with the club and I don't even know how I managed that pace. I definitely went out too fast by mistake because I got caught up chatting with Toshi who is super speedy and then Monique caught up to us and then Casey caught up to us and then Monique and Toshi went ahead and Casey and I settled in.

Also I actually just checked my splits and ignore the "went out too fast" thing because I was under 11:00 the entire time. Splits were 10:52, 10:37, 10:42 and 10:43. I am deeply confused because I was feeling slower but I was not.

December 5: 6.00 miles • 1:04:51 • 10:49 avg pace
So this was a race... I was part of a relay team (27 something miles split between 5 runners). I had the last leg, which was 4.75 miles. I did a mile to warm up, then added on .25 after the finish line.

Now, I'm missing some data because my phone and watch were being a bit wonky, but it looks like my warm up mile was 10:27, then my first actual mile was 12:21 (I hung with the back of the pack), then my second mile leading into the massive hill was 10:53, then the third mile, which was a large portion of the hill, was 11:49, and my final mile was 10:39. I gunned it during the finish.

On the left we have my post-race beer. On the right we have me pretending to get the handoff since they started us all at 11:15 regardless of if our fourth leg runner had come in.
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Our total time for the race was 4:24:32 (27 miles).

Plan (Disney plan || My plan)

• 12/11 - 7 miles || 7 miles
• 12/18 - 26 miles || 26 miles (22-24 ideal)
• 12/25 - 6 miles || 6 miles
• 1/1 - 7 miles || 7 miles
• 1/9 - 26.2 miles (race)