Vacation Workouts Round-Up

on January 4, 2010

In 6 days, I will be running my first marathon! I’m doing the Disney Marathon with Team in Training. I’m running the 26.2 miles in honor of my college friend Megan, who was diagnosed with leukemia (for the second time) this summer.

Through your generous donations to Team in Training, I was able to raise $2,994.00 – or 125% of my goal – for cancer research. It’s not too late to make a donation, if you are so inclined. 🙂

In the last 20 weeks, I have run 475.82 miles as part of my marathon training! Whew! Training for a marathon is something I never thought I would be able to do (because of my injuries), and I’m very grateful that I will be able to run Disney in Megan’s honor.

Thankfully, my London vacation coincided with my taper period, so I didn’t have to do too much running while abroad. I did, however, manage to work out 7 out of 12 days I was on vacation, which I am very proud of!

December 24: I ran 5.0 miles.
December 25: Rest.
December 26: I ran 4.1 miles.
December 27: I did 30 minutes of cross training in the gym.
December 28: Traveling!
December 29: I ran 7.0 miles.
December 30: I ran 3.0 miles.
December 31: Traveling!
January 1: I ran 3.0 miles.
January 2: Rest.
January 3: I ran 3.0 miles.
January 4: Traveling!

Even on the days I “rested,” we walked MILES all over the city. And with the exception of a few boozy nights and indulgent meals, I managed to keep my eating and drinking habits as normal as could be for a vacation. I didn’t gain a single pound, and my endurance has not slipped away!

I am very excited to run my first marathon, and although my taper period was a little more relaxing than I would prefer, I am going to trust the last 20 weeks of training and KNOW that I will have a fun, safe, and memorable marathon on Sunday!

Goals for the weekend:

Hydrate like it’s my job.
No more alcohol.
Stretch!
Run two or three more times, but only 4.0 miles or less.
Meditate on a positive race.

If you’ve run a marathon, what’s the best piece of advice you can give a newbie like myself? My #1 rule for races: Don’t eat anything weird the night before – or you could end up running the Chickpea Masala 10K! 😉

See you in America!

{ 98 comments }

Orla January 4, 2010, 4:12 am
Caitlin, you are a SUPERWOMAN. I can’t even convince myself to work out during a regular week, and you run 7 out of 12 days on vacation and don’t gain a single pound?! Fair play to you. Your dedication and motivation are commendable (and really bug me – LOL) 😀
Jess January 4, 2010, 4:40 am
I am so excited (and slightly jealous) for you, and all the girls who are racing next weekend. Even though I’m on the other side of the world I’ll be thinking of you and willing you on. You can do this, because you rock! 😀
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 4, 2010, 5:21 am
Wow, well done on not gaining a pound while you’re away, that’s such an achievement!! But you eat so balanced and healthily, it’s hardly surprising 🙂
Did you manage to get hold of any Galaxy before you headed back to the US!? I’ll gladly send you some if you didn’t, I want to spread the word of its’ deliciousness!!
Have a great week, and thankyou for the no-weird-food-the-night-before tip; I’ve got my first half marathon in a few weeks, so I love reading tips about your running on here, they’re very helpful!
Have a great day 😀
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 4, 2010, 5:22 am
Oh, and I agree with the above comments – you seriously are a superwoman with all that running! INSPIRATIONAL!! I wish you so much luck for the marathon 🙂
Deveree January 4, 2010, 5:31 am
Hi! I am new to your blog and haven’t ever commented before, but considering the post I thought now would be a good time to do so!

I have completed 3 marathons and my advice would be to start the race slow! There is a ton of excitement and adrenaline at the the starting line of a marathon, which makes it really easy to cruise through the first few miles. I got this piece of advice from a man who has ran 30+ marathons and it works for me- “Take it slow in the beginning. If you feel good at mile 20, then you can start racing and passing people.” This works like a charm for me, mile 21 of my first marathon was my best mile in the race because I still had lots of “gas in the tank”. Hope that helps! Congratulations on the awesome training you’ve accomplished!
sarah (the SHU box) January 4, 2010, 5:37 am
#1 piece advice — go out slower than you think!! it’s so easy to get caught up in the adrenaline of your race that you can ‘accidentally’ run the first mile or two way faster than planned . . . and it can really bite you back at mile 20. at the start, if you feel like you’re going to slow, you’re probably right where you should be. once you’re at mile 5 or so, you can ease into what feels right!

GOOD LUCK CAITLIN! i can’t wait to read about your first marathon experience!

(ps this is ghost world sarah – i changed my name)
penny January 4, 2010, 6:24 am
Longtime reader, first time commenter.

I have done 3 marathons. I agree with the posters who say start out slow. Also, look around a lot. I don’t wear an ipod for marathons so I can see where I am, enjoy the crowds and talk to other runners. Of course, I don’t have any time goals.
Having done 2 TNT marathons, enjoy the pre-marathon festivities, put your name on your jersey and remember that any TNT coach will give you help if you need it.
I cry when I see my family and friends along the course. That surprised me a bit.
Lastly, don’t be surprised if you feel really really tired during your taper – as if walking a flight of stairs is too much. Your body is ready. On the day of, you are going to do great.
Congrats and have fun!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is January 4, 2010, 6:39 am
You are so close! I’ve never ran one, but my hubby has and has done pretty much what you have. Just stuck to what he knows and hes been fine!
Megan January 4, 2010, 6:43 am
Caitlin, I’m so excited for you! Good luck!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels January 4, 2010, 7:01 am
great job on keeping up with it in London . . . you’re so close now 🙂
Lauren January 4, 2010, 7:10 am
I am so proud to have watched you through this entire journey and I want to tell you that I will be cheering you on (in spirit) as you cross that finish line! You are an INSPIRATION and I am so proud! 🙂 Go get’em girl!!!
Niki (Running in Pink) January 4, 2010, 7:21 am
I can’t believe the marathon is next weekend already! You’re going to do great!
Tracy January 4, 2010, 7:24 am
Caitlin you have seriously inspired me to sign up for a marathon – I’ve done 2 halfs but never had the courage to do the whole. Thank you for your dedication to your blog and for spreading the positive energy!
emily January 4, 2010, 7:24 am
Good job on the vacay workouts, you are so going to rock the marathon, I’m excited just to read about it!
Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind January 4, 2010, 7:28 am
Wow, Caitlin. Didn’t gain weight, didn’t lose endurance, kept the boozing and indulgent meals under control…this is why you’re an inspiration to so many people! 🙂
Erin January 4, 2010, 7:32 am
Hey Caitlin! I’ve run 3 marathons. Get a good night’s sleep 2 days before the marathon. That is the sleep that counts, don’t stress if you are to anxious to sleep on marathon eve. Also carb load two days before too. One more thing – I carried vasaline in a baggie in my pocket last time. If it’s raining you may chafe more and need it.

Have a great time, soak it all in and know that you rock!!!! can’t wait to read the recap 🙂
Michelle January 4, 2010, 7:34 am
Just enjoy yourself. Finishing the marathon is the best feeling of accomplishment – one that doesn’t diminish with passing time. It won’t matter what the clock says when you cross that line, just knowing you finished is victory in itself. Remember that and you’ll be golden.
Amelia January 4, 2010, 7:50 am
Great job on keeping up with your workouts while you were on vacation. That is a huge accomplishment. I’ll be running Disney this weekend too (omgomgomg) and it’s my first marathon as well. I feel like this week is just going to drag until the big day arrives! See you there! 🙂
Hillary January 4, 2010, 7:54 am
You’re going to love marathoning – take it all it! You’re not running to win, take a bathroom break if you need – slow to enjoy the sights and sounds. Also, fueling wise – start to build a carb load about 2 weeks before by adding an extra piece of fruit or some granola each day and then build up to the race.
Paige (Running Around Normal) January 4, 2010, 8:11 am
Wow Caitlin, you are such an inspiration! You really kept up your running while abroad!! I can’t believe it’s finally here for you. I’ll definitely be tuning in this weekend. Wishing you the BEST of luck:)
Britt - Runnerbelle January 4, 2010, 8:12 am
I’m currently training for my 13th marathon (with a slight set back about to occur). My advice is trust your training and enjoy! Disney is a great marathon too, enjoy the time through the parks and just keep that motivation going through the highway stretches. Folks are usually there for a good time too, so have fun with your fellow marathoners!
whitney January 4, 2010, 8:13 am
you are an inspiration! I have taken a slight break from the blogging world to enjoy my family over the holidays but I just can’t stop reading your blog. Not to mention I am running the disney marathon too and I like to see your thoughts about it. I am visiting my grandparents right now in Florida and it is not Florida weather 🙁 Are you at all nervous about the weather for the day of the race???? I did not pack nor was I thinking it would be this cold the day of the race!!!! What are your thoughts?
Lauren @ Reading and Running January 4, 2010, 8:25 am
I always get mail from team in training but I’m scared that I wouldn’t be able to raise any money! How did you raise the financial obligation besides the blog?
Lee January 4, 2010, 8:25 am
Good luck! I can’t wait to hear about it. My advice is to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the race. It can be tempting to skip water stations to increase your time, but it’s not worth it, imo.

Also, don’t stress if you don’t get a good night sleep the night before. The anticipation might keep you awake, but that is okay.
Jen January 4, 2010, 8:27 am
Trust your training and don’t try anything new this week. But, I am sure you got that down!
Good luck Caitlin! The Disney marathon last yr was my first full, too (this year I am sticking to the 1/2.) It’s a wonderful race. I promise you’ll love it!
Meredith January 4, 2010, 8:28 am
Don’t go out too fast! Let people pass you, knowing you are “saving it in the tank” for later. This way you can run negative splits and gain speed in the second half. Also, break the 26.2 miles into smaller segments so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. You will do great!
Tracy January 4, 2010, 8:38 am
Best marathon advice: Enjoy it. You’ve trained 20 weeks for this one event that will be over in hours… soak it all in. Also, don’t fret about your pace/time 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite January 4, 2010, 8:42 am
I’ve only ran one marathon before. Definitely don’t introduce new foods!

For me, I new I was physically prepared… I focused on being mentally prepared… that worked for me 🙂
RhodeyGirl January 4, 2010, 8:55 am
What whatttttt! Less that a week baby! You are gonna ROCK the marathon!

I can’t wait for the half Saturday morning!
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place January 4, 2010, 8:57 am
I’ve never ran a marathon but I was a competitive distance runner for 4 years in high school.

my advice is DON’T PSYCH YOURSELF OUT! Imagine yourself finishing the race in your goal time and always tell yourself there is nothing stopping you.

The second you think negatively about your ability to finish you are doomed.

GOOD LUCK!!!
chandra h January 4, 2010, 9:10 am
you did awesome in london! (& what a vacation!! everything looked so amazing, thank you for sharing your adventures…)

… i’ll be sending you some positive 26.2 miles energy hehe. you are totally gonna do great!
Matt January 4, 2010, 9:14 am
Congrats on a great trip!

I’ve run a marathon and right now, most of it is mental. You successfully completed the training, so just make sure you trust yourself. Trust me, after running 26.2 miles, you will feel like a God.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg January 4, 2010, 9:14 am
Aghgh! I can’t believe it’s time for your race! So exciting!

Sounds like you did a great job of staying healthy during your vacation– that’s very impressive (and something I am rarely able to do). Good work!
Mrs. Muffins January 4, 2010, 9:15 am
It is so inspiring that you managed to workout while on vacation. My husband is in the military so anytime he comes home it’s like a vacation… even if its months at a time. But because it feels like a vacation I tend to let my good habits slip and I always either gain weight or start to feel yucky. This time though, I hope it will be different. We have a little girl now and he and I both want to set a healthy example for her. 🙂
Good luck on race day!!!
Aynsley - WrenLife.com January 4, 2010, 9:32 am
Do you use Live Writer? I like how you posted your pics in this post and I’d love to know what you use to do that?
Jesse January 4, 2010, 9:32 am
Advice: bring garbage bags to the starting line, multiple. You never know what you might need them for, to sit on, to wear in case it rains, to throw all your stuff in. Bring a few. And toilet paper…
Stacey January 4, 2010, 9:36 am
So exciting! I ran my first marathon in October and am already training for another – it is addicting. Best advice I received was to wear my name on the front of my shirt. I used black electrical tape and it was awesome to have complete strangers cheering me on…especially the last six miles!

I also got choked up everytime I saw my parents and husband along the course. Of course my parents had tears in their eyes which didn’t help me. The worst was coming down to the finish…try to smile…all my pics are of me trying not to cry – HIDEOUS! Hahaha…

Enjoy every minute – it is awesome! Good luck! Can’t wait for the recap…
Adam @ Turnupmyworkout.com January 4, 2010, 9:36 am
WOW – simply amazing. The New Year and the holidays completely destroyed my endurance. I maintained workouts, but it was tough for sure and I didn’t focus on pushing myself. I am working my way up to a 10K with your inspiration. Congratulations on sticking to it and good luck on your marathon.

Adam @ http://www.turnupmyworkout.com
Danielle January 4, 2010, 9:41 am
Way to go Caitlin! I think you may have mastered balanced vacations, your race is sure to pass wonderfully. Have a safe trip back home 🙂
Lizzy January 4, 2010, 9:56 am
Congrats Caitlin for making it to the final week! you are so inspirational!
rungirlrunn January 4, 2010, 9:58 am
So exciting that your first marathon is just around the corner! I’m very impressed with the number of workouts you fit in on vacation. I haven’t done a marathon but I did a half a long time ago– my advice would be to try to run it just like you do in your training, and if you have any foods that tend to ever upset your stomach, avoid them in the days leading up to the race! Good luck, you’ll do awesome!!
Heather (The Single Dish) January 4, 2010, 10:06 am
Congrats on running and not gaining during vacation! That is something to be proud of!!! My mom used to bring a scale on vacation when I was little-she just wanted to make sure she wasn’t having such a great time!
Tammy January 4, 2010, 10:16 am
My piece of advice, pace yourself…aka Don’t start too fast..as tempting as it is, with all the excitement and adrenaline, if you can hold back a little the first few miles, you will more than make up for it later! For every 10 seconds you start out too fast, you gain it at the end! That and positive self-talk, ramp it up!
Susan January 4, 2010, 10:37 am
Nice job keeping up with the workouts on vacation! My marathon advice would be to go out at your pace…don’t get caught up in the emotion and go faster just because you feel good. It’ll get you in the end. 🙂 Drink water/gatorade/whatever your drink of choice is early…and make yourself drink/eat gels/whatever you fuel of choice is later in the game. You may not feel like eating at mile 18, but you’ll appreciate it at mile 22! If you feel like you need to go to the bathroom and see an open port-a-pottie…nab it! You’ll feel so much better and the 1-2 minutes lost will be totally worth it. Soak it up and look around you! During my first two marathons, and I finished and was like, “Wait…what did I run by??” In the cities of DC and Chicago, I should have remembered much more, but I didn’t! Look around and enjoy. If you don’t have fun, you’ll never do another one! 🙂 Good luck!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner January 4, 2010, 10:47 am
Congrats, and good luck on the marathon! You’ll do great!
Tracey@tropicalhappiness January 4, 2010, 10:48 am
Working out on vacation is always a HUGE success! GREAT job! My husband and I both LOST weight on our honeymoon, even though we were over indulging at every meal, because of all of the walking!
Amanda January 4, 2010, 10:49 am
Didn’t seem right to be that close to $3,000! Even though it’s only $6, I hope it helps 🙂 You are really inspiring!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie January 4, 2010, 10:52 am
Wow! Congratulations! You did great and I know your marathon is going to be awesome too. I can’t wait to hear about it:)

Focus inwardly. That’s all the advice I have. It helped me alot on my last race even though I felt pain and exhaustion. It just kept me together.
Runeatrepeat January 4, 2010, 10:57 am
My advice: Don’t go out too fast. Fuel well. And get good sleep the week before because you won’t sleep well the night before the race!
Rosey Rebecca January 4, 2010, 10:58 am
You are amazing. Yours is one of the first blogs I started reading when I was trying to lose weight and it’s helped me every step of the way. I’m not a runner but you make me want to run.

You’re going to be amazing in the marathon!
Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run January 4, 2010, 11:02 am
You’ve done everything right!! You are going to have a great race. The day before my marathon, I made sure I got up early in the morning so I was able to go to bed pretty early that night. Despite my nerves I was sufficiently tired and the 8 hours of sleep I got before the race were great. Stick with the foods you’ve been training with and take water or gatorade every 2 miles or so. And HAVE FUN…for as long as possible!! Goodluck!
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen January 4, 2010, 11:04 am
I can’t wait to hear how the race goes for you…it sounds like you’ve worked super hard and have some great motivation for running 🙂 Hope you have a great time!
skinnyrunner January 4, 2010, 11:06 am
dont start out the race too fast. pace yourself esp in the beginning when its all really exciting.
wear an outfit and shoes that are worn in, nothing new on race day. and like you said, no new foods. eat and drink what you’ve been training with.
you will do awesome!
caronae January 4, 2010, 11:24 am
Although technically I have only run an ultra marathon, we passed 26.2, so I count it as a marathon too. I would say make sure you have your fuel and hydration plan all laid out ahead of time! Are you going to get water at the aid stations or carry your own? Will you pack gels or granola bars? What will you put them in? Also, it is super important to remain calm! If you are in pain or you’re going slower than you wanted or something like that, just breather, relax, and tell yourself how much you have accomplished! You’re gonna rock it 🙂
Melissa January 4, 2010, 11:26 am
I’ve run 6 marathons and am just starting to train for another one after a decade hiatus. All the tips you’ve gotten are FANTASTIC and spot on! You will do just fine.
Congrats on sticking to your vacation goals.
Loretta January 4, 2010, 12:11 pm
You kick booty, woman! You’re positive attitude is amazing! I hope to train for a marathon this year (currently training for a halfie) and will definitely be visitng your blog for tips! GOOD LUCK!
Nicci@NiftyEats January 4, 2010, 12:11 pm
I think setting goals on a weekly basis always work best.
Kaye Lyssy January 4, 2010, 12:22 pm
Trust your training…best advice I’ve ever gotten because in this last taper week, you begin to question whether or not you’ve trained enough. Good luck!
Carolyn January 4, 2010, 12:32 pm
You are very inspiring!! I’m going to train for the Shamrock 8K!
Tay January 4, 2010, 12:38 pm
I would say definitely enjoy every moment!!! Afterwards you’ll want to relive it 🙂 And smile for the cameras!! 😉
maggie January 4, 2010, 12:44 pm
you have had very impressive recovery & worked soo hard, very inspiring!
I just ran my first full marathon on thanksgiving, the only tip i have is… Do not push yourself too hard (in terms of speed) during the marathon itself, nothing that you are not used to or a speed you did not do in training. that is how injury comes about. I did that and got minor shin splints and 2nd place in my age group. haha you win some and you lose some, right??!
OHH and be sure to stretch for a long time after the race. your body is going to be SOOO tight! Ohh and be sure to give yourself plenty of rest days after running the marathon and do not just back into running to soon, or else you may burn yourself out and not want to run long distances for a while.

***obvi these are all things i did and learned from! 🙂
GOOD LUCK LADY!!! you will do awesome, i am sure of it!
Rachel January 4, 2010, 12:44 pm
That’s awesome that you got 125% of your goal! And that you were able to get in so much exercise while being on vacation. That’s so inspirational; I hope I can accomplish the same thing on my next vacay.

Good luck on the Disney Marathon. You have the support of all of your readers!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) January 4, 2010, 1:22 pm
Wow, I can’t believe it’s already practically time for your marathon.. Time flies!
Erica January 4, 2010, 1:25 pm
Congrats! I’m very impressed with your dedication! Good luck!!!
Jenna January 4, 2010, 1:31 pm
I can’t believe it’s only a week away! You must be very excited!
You have worked so hard! You got this girl 🙂
jenna
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) January 4, 2010, 1:34 pm
Congrats on reaching your goal Caitlin!!!
kristen January 4, 2010, 1:56 pm
Wow- it is so close for all of you. I took a little internet break for Christmas and can’t believe your marathon is so close! I haven’t run a marathon but I’ve been on support crew for my husband’s 4 marathons. Don’t freak out about every little ache and pain this week- they call it “taper madness” for a reason, you’ve done the work so don’t try to sneak in one last “great” workout, and have fun! Congrats on making it this far- can’t wait to hear all about Disney!
Meg C. January 4, 2010, 2:01 pm
nice job! you are soo ready for that marathon.
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion January 4, 2010, 2:07 pm
Great job getting those workouts in a sticking to your goals!!! It can be hard to stick to workout goals during vacation! You Rock, Lady!
Annamarina (Running Tails) January 4, 2010, 2:10 pm
Great job on keeping up with your workouts! I know you must be getting so excited about your race on Sunday. I remember the week leading up to my first marathon in November – lots of nerves, but mostly excitement. Hydrating a lot the week before really helped me, although don’t drink too much the morning of the race or you’ll be stopping in the long lines for the toilets! I felt so well hydrated that I didn’t need water until about the 9th mile (it wasn’t hot or humid in NYC). Also, get lots of rest this week because you won’t sleep much the night before! Can’t wait to hear all about your experience!
Penny January 4, 2010, 2:33 pm
Wow. You really are incredible. 12 day vacation and you didn’t gain a pound. And you worked out. You may be my idol. 🙂
Jenny January 4, 2010, 2:34 pm
Congrats on staying on track for the marathon, even while on vacation! Sounds like you are excited and prepared!

Hope you guys have a safe trip home 🙂
lisa January 4, 2010, 3:22 pm
These all sound like great ideas for a good week. I ran my first marathon this fall and made sure that the two days before the race I didn’t expend too much energy walking around the city, even though my parents came to town. Also, make sure to get plenty of sleep two nights before the race since you may have trouble the night before.

You’re totally prepared and will do a great job! Congratulations on your training and raising so much money. You should be so proud of yourself already without even crossing the start line!
Sagan January 4, 2010, 3:39 pm
“Hydrate like it’s my job”. I like that!

GOOD LUCK on your marathon, that’s super exciting.
Meghan@traveleatlove January 4, 2010, 3:54 pm
PACE YOURSELF PACE YOURSELF PACE YOURSELF! Its easy to get caught up in the pack and to run your first mile in 7 minutes, trust me. Even with the best training starting out beyond your ability makes the rest of the marathon really not fun. Everyone’s pace will even out, and you will be passing a lot of people in the later miles if you stick to what you know. I had an awful marathon in Bermuda because of my early need for speed!
And, trust your training. All those miles are money in the bank to draw from on Sunday.
Beth @ Getting By, Dreaming Big January 4, 2010, 4:37 pm
Best advice: Have a plan for hydration and calories! I didn’t have one for my first marathon just kind of drinking and having gu’s as I felt I needed them and it didn’t go well. My 2nd, 3rd and 4th marathon I stopped at my first water stop at Mile 4 and had a gu & water, mile 6 gatorade, mile 8 gu and water, mile 10 gatorade, etc. I was having a gu pack every 4 miles or 40-45+ minutes and drinking small amounts of the water and gatorade at the other stops. Now, that plan may not work for you, but think about what you’re going to do during the race! Also, as a lot of other people have said, PACE YOURSELF! My first marathon, knowing to pace myself, I went out too fast in all the excitement, it really does make a difference. Lastly, HAVE FUN! Enjoy every minute, it’s an amazing experience & accomplishment! GOOD LUCK!!!
Allison K January 4, 2010, 5:31 pm
I don’t have any advice. I’m just starting to train for my first half marathon! You have been such an inspiration to me!
Natalie January 4, 2010, 5:42 pm
Allow for plenty of time so you’re not feeling rushed in the morning!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) January 4, 2010, 5:59 pm
You’re going to rock the Disney marathon! 😀 You’ve been so dedicated in your training, and I can not WAIT to hear all about the marathon.

Safe travels back home!! 😀
Leo @ cupcakes in Paris January 4, 2010, 6:16 pm
Wow, your dedication is so impressive!!!
GOOD LUCK!
Kelly January 4, 2010, 6:37 pm
My best advice is to ENJOY IT! When I ran my marathon I knew I was ready (and so do you) so enjoy the experience…every single step for the entire 26.2 miles is an experience you will NEVER forget! I can honestly say my first marathon will be one that I will cherish forever! I am so proud of you!!
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) January 4, 2010, 6:40 pm
Make sure you have gels with you! My marathon promised to have gels at mile 10, 15, and 20 but there was nothing to be found till the 20 mile mark. I hadn’t ran a marathon before so I didn’t think to pack my own. I ran 20 miles on 250 calories–it was HELL. Also, even if they so no ipods, you can get away with it.

I cannot believe 12 days of vacation have come and gone. Crazy.
Lex @ sweettoothlex January 4, 2010, 6:58 pm
Girl, you are seriously an inspiration! There are not a heck of a lot of people who would be so dedicated to their workouts/runs while on vacation – especially an ANNIVERSARY vacation at that!

You are seriously going to rock it and I cannot wait to read about it! I’ve never run a marathon before… I’ve only walked-run 2 5Ks. I’m going my first 10k this year (on my birthday, wowza!) which is a HUGE thing for a non-runner like me! I use your blog ALL of the time to check out your tips, playlists, experiences etc.

There is a woman who lives in my little city of Halifax, NS CANADA who is heading down this weekend to run in that same marathon.

All the power to you!!
Emily Eats and Exercises January 4, 2010, 7:31 pm
Great job on vacation – I will definitely think about you during my next trip – super inspirational!
I have no marathon advice – I’m just training for my first half! I can’t wait to read the recap.
Nicole January 4, 2010, 7:56 pm
I’m glad you got home safely!! I enjoyed going to London with you!!
You kicked ass with your workouts. I can’t wait to read about the marathon (it’s already been 20 weeks? Wow that flew)
Sara C January 4, 2010, 7:57 pm
Great job keeping up your fitness on vacation! Can’t say I’ve done the same myself 😉

I haven’t run a marathon yet (though I’m in training for my first). However, there is one piece of advice that has gotten me through every tough race: Once you cross the starting line, it’s no longer a marathon (or a 10k, or a half, etc)! Think of it as a 4 mile warmup, and there will only be 22.2 miles left. You’ve already done a 22miler, so you’ve got it in the bag! I can’t wait to read your recap!
Cynthia (It All Changes) January 4, 2010, 8:01 pm
You should be so proud of yourself for maintaining your workouts even on vacation.

My biggest strategy is to make sure you use the bathroom before hand. I’ve never run that far but I know that I need to use the bathroom even before short races.
Anna @ annarunsmadison January 4, 2010, 8:13 pm
Congrats on your training! You’re almost there 🙂 The best advice I can give you (I’ve ran two full marathons and 6 half marathons) is ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF YOUR RACE! It goes SO fast, so soak up every moment. I remember feeling so honored and special, to have people I didn’t even know cheering for me and yelling my name. Its truly an amazing feeling, one like I’ve never experienced before I started racing, so don’t forget to enjoy your run and all you’ve worked for. You will do great. Best of Luck at Disney 🙂
Keri January 4, 2010, 8:21 pm
Hello! I am a new follower…I recently ran my first marathon this past November and the best advice I can give you, which you probably already know, is SMILE and enjoy it. I literally forgot I was running a race for the first 7 miles. I remember thinking I better relax a bit so I don’t burn out because I was just SOOOO excited. I never was able to stop smiling (not a bad thing) and I finished wanting to do the whole thing again because it was that much fun! Good luck! Can’t wait to hear about it 🙂
Kristin (whimsyville) January 4, 2010, 8:47 pm
Sleep well, eat well and be positive.

Good luck!!!
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 4, 2010, 10:00 pm
Dang girl, you rocked on vacation! I can’t wait to hear how your marathon goes, I know it is going to be great. I have not done one yet but I’m working up to my second half marathon now. Have a safe trip home and “see” you soon!
Jen January 4, 2010, 10:07 pm
I’ve run two marathons, both with TNT and I loved every minute of them (even afterwards when I couldn’t walk for a few days!)

Definitely wear your name on your shirt, but if you’re an emotional person, be prepared to tear up a lot! By the end of both races, every time someone yelled my name and cheered for me I teared up.

Carry your fuel with you and eat early on. In my last marathon I stopped wanting to eat by about mile 15, so it was a good thing I had eaten some gels at the beginning.

Carry a camera with you in your fuel belt if you can! I took pictures along the whole race the second time and I love looking back at them now!

Good luck to you!!! You’ll do great!!
Courtney January 5, 2010, 1:00 am
Go girl go!! :]
Alena January 5, 2010, 8:37 am
I agree!! Eat what you know.. Also it’s better to keep your last light meal about 14hrs before the race.. Gels, magic gels best thruout they kick in when you need them most! Best place to stay is All Star Disney resorts since the last bus leaves there at 3:55 to take you to holding area. From everywhere else is 3am. Take old sweats that you want to throw away to wear at holding area, two hrs waiting in cold not good. Hat and throw away gloves, we loose most heat thru extremities, this will work wonders in the cold. Be an onion , peel away layers as you get going . This is my favorite marathon (3 full and 4half) I return to do them because they are fun, enjoy it!!
Amanda January 5, 2010, 10:31 am
Is it weird that I’m getting excited and nervous for you?! LOL
Veronica January 5, 2010, 11:08 am
Best wishes for your marathon!!
Carolina John January 5, 2010, 12:29 pm
have a safe trip home!

i would load up on tofu and pasta 2 nights before the marathon. you start carb loading then. also be sure you get a good night’s sleep then, the night before the race could have your nerves keeping you up all night. Carb load and sleep. that’s my suggestion.

after the marathon be sure you get 3 (three) full bottles of water. you have to re-hydrate more than you think in the hour after you finish!!! that is what put me in the hospital after my marathon in june.
Katie January 7, 2010, 11:15 am
I know this is late but…

I ran my first marathon 2 months ago and if I could give some advice it would be to:

1. Take your ipod! I didn’t take mine and I REALLY could have used it after about mile 17 as a distraction. I ran alone and I needed something to drown out the voices in my head 🙂

2. Try not to have any goal time in mind (I know this is a hard one!) I had a time in my head and when I didn’t meet it, I finished crying and disappointed instead of proud of what I had just accomplished. Having never run a marathon before I had NO idea how my body would handle it and I shouldn’t have put any expectations on myself.

You’ll do great! Good luck!

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