This morning was my final “long” run before the marathon next weekend. Wow! How did that time go by so quickly. It seriously seems like just the other day I was doing the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
The reason for the word long in quotes up there is because the run was only 8 miles, the last of the long runs on my current training schedule. (8 miles is still a respectable distance, I don’t say that to slight the efforts of anyone else!)
Upon waking this morning I had yet another “new” training breakfast, and this one may be my favorite yet. I owe this delicious idea to Alissa, getting to indulge in something I haven’t eaten in years…. Lucky Charms! Alissa and I figure that the cereal has some whole grains in it, but not so much fiber that it will be hard to digest, and the marshmallows provide that simple sugar energy that will give me a quick boost. And I got the added benefit of feeling like I was given a treat!
A group of us met up with the PF Chang’s Team in Training group, like we’ve been doing a lot lately. We’re fortunate that their coaches are okay with some former Team members crashing their runs! But since they had some announcements and business to take care of as this was their last official run before the marathon, we decided to sneak off before they were ready to leave.
We got started and our group immediately fell into the paces that were the most comfortable for them. That meant two people (Melinda and Jimmy) took off ahead of everyone else, a group of 4 people (Jim, Donna, Terri & Bailey) were together behind me and then I was my own group, all alone in the middle of the others. I did nearly 3.93 miles by myself, which made me wish I had my iPod a little, but it wasn’t bad.
However, when I saw Melinda and Jimmy coming back after they’d reached 4 miles, I did decide to cut off that last .07 needed to reach the 4 miles myself and ran back in with them!
Today’s run was a good one, I felt good the whole time, it was a relaxing outing and none of my friends were hurting too bad. I had no stomach issues, but I didn’t anticipate any since I didn’t even cross into double-digit mileage. I did try wearing my water bottles on my hydration belt sideways instead of vertical for the first time and that was annoying. Never again! (I figure I’ll review my latest hydration belt after the marathon!)
Now I’m in the final stages of my taper. Just trying to fuel up, rest up and run easy. I’m getting really excited for the race. My mom is doing the 1/2 marathon, so we will be going to Phoenix together and having a whole girls weekend.
Chick flick, massages, shopping and a race. Perfect!
Jill Will Run 
Mmmmm, Lucky Charms!
I still eat those. I always mix them half-and-half with Cheerios, though. You know you’re getting old when you have to cut your Lucky Charms with a healthy cereal, eh? 😉
I LOVE LUCKY CHARMS!
Wow! Exciting to be approaching marathon start!
I like the Lucky Charms idea. I love those anyway and an excuse to eat them is awesome. I’m totally game for that. My trainer may not be though. 🙂 Oh well…whatever works right?
Bethany: They actually had an article in a magazine I was reading recently about combining healthy cereals with kid cereals. And I thought it was such a brilliant idea, until you made me realize that getting excited about putting something junky in with shredded wheat does seem a little… aged! 😉
LVGurl: I’ll bring some to Phoenix, come have a bowl with me before the race. 😉
Joe: The week before the marathon is always kind of weird. A mix of nerves, excitement and frustration at the taper!
~moe~: Any trainer that is against Lucky Charms, is not the trainer for me! LOL!
How exciting that your mom will be in Phoenix with you! That will be great!!
I’m sure you will both have a wonderful time!! Can’t wait to see pics and hear all the stories!! I hope the weather is NICE!!
wow! taper time already. I might have to try some sugared cereal. As I sit here getting ready for my long run, the thought of forcing down some oatmeal doesn’t sound appealing. I just get nervous about the milk. I am not sure if milk contributes to my tummy issues, but it is a theory.
I’ll be excited to see how you do next week. Don’t forget to get a lot of sleep, wash your hands more than normal and use purel. You don’t want to get sick!
Sounds like a great plan. Am jealous of the girls weekend. I’m going to have to do another marathon to get that!
Penny: I know, I’m so excited to hang with my mom. The weather forecast looks great, low-70’s! I’m so ready for that warmth!
Lisa: I don’t drink regular milk, I use soy or almond milk on my cereal. So if you were concerned about milk with tummy issues, you could try one of those options.
Thanks for the handwashing/purel reminders! And the free pass to get lots of sleep!
Fit Mom: I know several women that would think a marathon is a horrible way to spend a girl’s weekend. I love connecting with other gal’s that agree the physical effort sounds like a fun plan!
Best wishes for a lot of fun and a great run in Phoenix!
Glad it sounds like you might have found a pre-run fuel for you, I was worried when you were having all of those stomach problems.And I don’t think cutting that run short is going to kill you! 🙂
safe travels and good luck in phoenix! i know how you feel about the last 8-mile “long” run. you’ve put in all the work already, you’re going to do great!