new york city marathon

it is exactly eighteen days until the marathon, and, aside from a giant blister on my big toe, i'm feeling great!  i've been following hal higdon's training program and i  have not missed one run during the 18 week program (hello, ocd).

[not daunting at all]

training for a marathon is an incredible experience. when i first looked at the training schedule and saw an 11 mile run at the end of only 4 weeks of training, i knew i was in trouble. but now, that distance is cake (mmm, cake). your perspective of a "long" run changes quite quickly when all you're doing is running. here are a ten things i learned while training for the marathon:

1. leave early (i'm talking 7am). nine o'clock sounds early until you realize you have to run for three and a half hours and you'll be done at 12:30. not ideal.
2. body glide anti-chafe balm is a necessity.
3. gatorade is the best thing ever!!
4. music is key. make sure your ipod is charged and that you have enough songs to last you the entire run.
5. stretching (specifically, yoga) is soooo important. i should take my own advice!
6. pasta really does work, but it's not the night before a long run that counts, it's two nights before.
7. there are vegan energy bars our there. i really like purefit. there are many others at whole foods, too.
8. always bring $5-$10 with you on a run to buy water and/or gatorade.
9. naps are necessary on long run days.
10. anyone can run a marathon.

[leave early]

i have some favorite things i discovered while training (shoes, sports bras, shorts, etc), but i'll share those things in another post.

after i have new york under my belt, i want to start looking at international marathons. what a great excuse to travel, right!? in case you're interested in running with me in auckland or frankfurt, here is a schedule of international marathons. i hope i've inspired you! xx