I tried Orangetheory

Here's my disclaimer: If I'm going to commit to a physical fitness pursuit, I have to be into it. I tried Pure Barre on a whim and with a lot of reluctance. I enjoyed my first class. Before the end of my first month, I saw and felt results. Two years later, I continue to see and feel improvement. I'm still into it.

Orangetheory Fitness opened here in Perrysburg I think at some point in January. They offer a first class free, so when a friend invited me to join her for the 6:15 AM class today, I was like, "Okay, yep. I'll try that."

I arrived around 5:50 AM today to do paperwork and become acquainted with the studio. The nice chick behind the desk welcomed me and we did all of that stuff together. She introduced me to my jacked instructor/coach/trainer, John, who briefed me on the equipment and what to expect for the workout. The desk chick snapped on my chest strap heart rate monitor just as the clock struck 6:15.

John started our group on the workout: various intervals on a rower and the treadmill. Per John's commands over the span of 20 minutes, we started at "base pace," progressed to "push," and were to finish at "all-out," respectively 7.5, 9, and 11 miles per hour. I determined those speeds based on my heart rate displayed on the scoreboard-like screen above all of our treadmills. Like, I actually started "base pace" at 6.8, but I was in the blue zone so I bumped it up until I hit green. Even at push pace, when most of the others were in their orange zones, I was still hanging out in the green. I wanted to see my rectangle on the screen turn orange so I cranked it up to 10 to no avail. Their treadmills max out at 12, but my legs don't turn over like that and I sure as heck didn't want to bite it on a treadmill.

On the rower, John said my form was good and he seemed pleased that I was over 200 watts. My rower and treadmill performance didn't disappoint me, but I was a tid bit frustrated that I was running significantly faster than most if not all of the others, yet I was hanging out in the green. I guess it's a win for me and my heart fitness. Right? Right.

After the cardio stuff, we moved along to strength, weights, and dynamic movements--squats, TRX, burpees, yadda yadda. I didn't check my color on the scoreboard at all during this segment. The outstanding early-2000s throwback music made me happy. The work itself was a smidge boring. Like, I'd like a little more motivation from my instructor/coach/trainer. There was one thing that I absolutely did not like. At one point with weights, I went down from 10 pounds in each hand to eight. I swapped to maintain good form. John commented about it, which I perceived to be snark, so I upped to 12s. I still had okay form, but like, WTF? Anyone can pick up too much weight and take the work out of the target muscle group. Maybe I just don't get it. But you know what? It turned me off.

The 60ish-minute workout concluded on treadmills. John gave the option for a rower, which I chose because my lower right calf was feeling tight and not right, likely because I was running 9, 10, and 11 miles per hour on the treadmill. John asked me why I was on the rower. I explained that I didn't want to risk injury. I'm not sure if he accepted my answer or was annoyed, but whatevs.

My sad OTF results.

As a group, we stretched while John read a script of upcoming themed classes and challenges for clients. And then everyone strutted to their coats and out the door they went. John kindly chatted with me for about five minutes about my workout. He explained that if I provide them with my actual heart rate zones, that I'd likely spend a lot more time in the orange. That made me a little less skeptical about Orangetheory and John did a good job of repairing any negative vibes I had about it before I walked out the door.

Then the nice desk chick struck again.

Clipboard and pen in hand, she asked how my workout was and then asked if I'd like information about their packages. My immediate response was, "No, thanks." Then I realized, Oh, shit, this is part of her job. Okay, I'll humor her. So dudette slides the clipboard in my direction and points at the various options and prices, then asks which one I'd like. "You want me to decide now? I'm not going to do that." She seemed confused. I imagine most people aren't so forward about it.

I can't imagine I'll ever pay for a package at Orangetheory. My running + Pure Barre routine excessively satisfies me mentally and physically and I will not cut out any of those workouts to infuse Orangetheory. And, in reference to my disclaimer, I wasn't into the workout. I get my cardio on the pavement, at the track, and heck, even in Pure Empower classes. And I get my strength in Pure Barre classes which, just like Orangetheory, are different every time. Nevertheless, I'm glad that I tried Orangetheory. And I bet that I'll try it at least one more time.

How has your Orangetheory experience been? What do you like and dislike? If you haven't tried Orangetheory, what are your strength and/or cross-training routines?

It's cold--FINALLY!

It's about midway into November in northwest Ohio. The only consistency of seasons in Ohio is that the weather patterns are eratic. I ran the Fall Classic half about this time two years ago in a tech tee. I sweated my balls off. A few weeks ago snow flakes fell onto my windshield as I drove home from school. I ran the Churchill's half two days ago in shorts.

Tomorrow morning I'll be up shortly before 5:00AM to run five miles. Here's the forecast:

Twenty-five degrees. Fifteen with the wind chill. While many of my friends are already bundling up and loathing the thought of walking from the car into work tomorrow morning, I can't wait. This might be my favorite time of the year to run. Crisp, cold air, less sweating, and the most fun running gear.

Precipitation proof hats, ear warmer headbands, mittens, vests and jackets, Yak Trax... did I mention mittens? I love mittens.

I clearly have a thing for Nike Running stuff. Seriously, Nike makes some good shit. That grey jacket there--I've had that since Winter 2011. It's crazy thin, but it keeps me warm, nay, hot even when temperatures hover at or below zero and that's with a tank or tech tee underneath. I'm only thinking about getting a new one because I want another color.

I have goals for this winter. This blast of cold air is making me want to throw myself earlier than planned into a routine more serious than those of the past two winters. Also, I hope that it snows a lot; I only got to wear my Yak Trax once or twice last year. I get excited for Yak Trax-worthy mornings.

What's your favorite season for running? Any must-have cold weather gear suggestions? How often do you replace pricier items like jackets?

What now?

I waited four days after the marathon before I went out for a run. It wasn't until Sunday that I got a solid, feel-good run done. Yesterday morning I went out for a quick five under the stars of the 5-o'clock in the morning hour. I'm going to try and drag myself out the door for another five miles this evening.

There is no plan.

There are races coming up but none for which I need any serious training. I might run the Churchill's Half on November 9th and I'm registered for the A Christmas Story House 10K on December 7th and the Santa Hustle at Cedar Point on December 15th. I'm a runner who races, but I'm not running any races to win anything. And because I'm not running with a purpose to win anything I'm not inclined to go out and do crazy things like speed work and hills. Nope, I just keep it simple.

I'm just running to run.

With respect to distance I'll probably maintain the same thirty to forty miles per week. Despite no decrease in miles, it's a lot easier mentally to run without a purpose. I go out the door, wing a route, and about an hour later I'm home and feeling satisfied. The last few runs have reminded me of how nice it is to just get out there.

It's time to run.

What now?

The first month of school was like no other in the previous 6 years I've spent teaching. I've been trying to energize lackadaisical colleagues, prepare my students, their parents, the school, and myself for the annual visit from our German guests, keeping said guests happy for two weeks, and winding down training for the Chicago Marathon. Oh, and there's that whole teaching thing. Oh, and trying my best to maintain a pleasant disposition at home.

As of yesterday, the Germans are gone. I assisted them through check-in at the airport, watched them file through security, and suddenly felt confused. What do I do with myself now?

The short-term answer was to gorge on chicken chunks and beer at Swig. As soon as I was feeling all fat and slightly tipsy, though, I was lost again.

I didn't run today. It probably would have done me some good, but I woke up with serious GI issues so I opted for rest and recovery. Somehow, I still felt high-strung and confused. I re-watched Grey's Anatomy and Siberia to calm my head to no avail. My innate knack for being a good wife usually does me good--cleaning the house gives me peace. I washed bedding and towels, vacuumed, did dishes, mowed the lawn, cleaned countertops, scooped litter boxes, and refreshed the kitty dishies. Still, I am feeling unfulfilled.

My GI issues seem to have subsided, at least for now. Will beer calm my nerves? Some farfalle and marinara? Do I need to bust out the P90X yoga routine? If I resort to that, put me into a straight jacket.

I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and run.

This is your brain on the long run.

It always starts the same: Am I really going to run ## miles?

The long training run is the ultimate head game of running. During a marathon, the reason for the long training run, there is a myriad of distractions. It's during those runs of 17 to 20 miles in preparation for the marathon during which I've really gotten to know myself.

Do I even know where I'm going?

The first mile is the toughest battle. I think about where my route will take me; I've even been known to spend that time figuring out my route, since I'm not big on planning my routes and prefer to just wing it. If I know where I'm going, I try to think happy thoughts about how at certain landmarks, I will only have x miles to go. But then I think about how far away I still am from Second Street and Mulberry, the bathroom at Side Cut, and that dead opossum that's been decaying on the curb for a week. Shit. This might suck.

This has nothing to do with anything.
I just need her sweater.

After a mile, I subconsciously transition from logistics to stress. What do I need to to when I get home? I can't believe I left the house without making the bed. When was the last time that I changed the Brita filter? I hope that my hair isn't too unruly after showering. How are we going to have time do watch Parks and Rec tonight?

Suddenly I've run a significant fraction of my run and I don't care about anything. Just in time for a gel! Ever wonder how the deer talk to each other? What kind of animal left that nugget of poo on the towpath? Why everyone driving past you gawks? How that rodent ended up split in half in the middle of the road and why there is a steak knife next to it? If breathing in the chemical odor surrounding that manufacturing building weekly is going to result in a genetic defect? Of course you have.

I'm too fast to acknowledge a peon like you.
Also, I'm in bad movies.

Here and there, I wish that I had a pocket of rocks to launch at cars that unnecessarily drive far to close to me. On really trying days, I might throw a couple of expletives or hand gestures at ass-wipes behind the wheel. On the other hand, some motorists are so considerate that I yell to them, "Thaaaaanks!" as if they care and can hear me. When I begin to approach another runner or walker, my brain races about how to greet. Morning! Hi! Keep it up! Oh, you look like you're not having a good day. I'm still going to say "hi." Oh, you want to stare at the ground and ignore me? It's like that, is it? And then I feel salty.

This sandwich goes to church on Sunday. I don't.

And before I know it, I've got three miles to go. A 5K? Piece of cake. I think about how fast I'll be able to get it done. Then, it happens: Fooooooooooooood. What am I gonna eat? I wonder if Joe wants to get some Chipotle. Mmmm, a Spicy Chicken Sangweech from Chick-fil-a sounds awesome. Balls! It's Sunday. I think about how many calories I will have burned at the end of the run and rejoice in the fact that it has likely been more than I usually eat in a day, which surely means that I should eat twice as much as what I'd eat on a non-long run day.

Then, there it is! The driveway. The long run is over.

I just ran ## miles. Awesome.

Santa Hustle Half

Joe and I ran the Santa Hustle half marathon at Cedar Point yesterday and it was awesome!  We talked about running this race when there was a Groupon for it back in the summer, but I was skeptical.  The Groupon didn't offer much information other than there was going to be a half marathon "at" Cedar Point; I figured "at" really meant "near."  Once the folks at Adrenaline Sports Management finally released the course map, we saw that the majority of the race would be at, nay, IN Cedar Point.  Joe and I being Joe and I, we couldn't pass up a chance to run through Cedar Point in the off-season with Gatekeeper construction underway.  Nerrrrrds.

We had a grand plan for the weekend: arrive in Sandusky early Saturday afternoon, check into our hotel (the super-classy Quality Inn at the start of the Causeway) play at Castaway Bay for a few hours and pick up our race packets, eat pizza while watching the Rockets play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, play some more at Castaway Bay, then get a good night's sleep in preparation to race on Sunday.

The only things in that plan that happened were that we checked into our hotel and watched UT.  We ate wings instead of pizza.  And we forgot to pack swimsuits.  And we didn't get to Sandusky until 4:00PM.  Oops...?

Joe and I , except not.

On Sunday morning we got up shortly before 7:30 and leisurely got ourselves ready to go.  On our way out the door we each had a Clif bar--Joe has made this our pre-race "thing" I think.  He is good about fueling and always eats before any kind of long run, so he bought a box of Clif bars and just kind of made me feel like I needed to eat one for breakfast.  I know it's the right thing to do, so I don't fight it, but it is so hard for me to eat anything in the morning.  We strolled across the street in our Santa beards, Joe also wearing his hat.  My head is too big for the Santa hat, plus I figured I would fidget with it too much throughout the race, so I left that in our hotel room.

The start and finish were in the Castaway Bay parking lot, which in the morning was lined with giant inflatables of Santa, a nondescript snowman, and Rudolph.  In the middle of the hullabaloo was a small pen that held two reindeer and their keeper.  I really, really didn't like that because the reindeer looked so sad and I could only imagine that they were overwhelmed and/or annoyed by all of the stupid humans flashing cameras at them.  I'm not a hippie, but it made me really uncomfortable seeing them.  I hope they have returned to a content home.

I'm going on and on way too much about details insignificant to the race, so I'll just cut to the chase now.

At 9:00AM Joe and I started the race together, but we didn't have plans set in stone to stay together for the duration.  Not even a tenth of a mile into the race, Joe rolled his ankle running over a pothole in Sandusky's well-kept Cleveland Road.  I checked to make sure that he was okay, he said he was and that he'd run it off, and so I just kept on moving.  I feel like a bad wife, but I didn't see him again until the finish.  I had mentioned the night before that I wanted to go for 1:50, since my other two halves were 1:53.  I went out faster than I needed, which would have been 8:20ish, and wasn't so good at voluntarily pulling myself back.  The Causeway, which was the first 2ish miles, wasn't as bad on the way out as I had anticipated--not even the peak in the middle of it.  And then at the end of it, I could finally see Gatekeeper!

Mile 1: 8:09
2: 8:06
3: 8:13
4: 8:05
5: 8:11

That third mile was only so much slower than the second and fourth because of a little CF at a water station that caused me to come to a complete stop.  I was glad it happened because it made it seem like I had slowed a bit, but I knew that it wasn't really indicative of my moving pace.  I felt way too comfortable at the pace at which I was running, so I just went with it.  A Clif Shot was in my near future at the 45-minute mark, so I figured that I'd get a little kick of energy after that.

Mile 6: 8:25

I thought about taking the Clif Shot, but it was too early.  I passed the banner for mile 7 and looked down at my Garmin to see that I was only at about 6.7.  Dammit.  Did they measure this course wrong?  Oh well.

Mile 7: 8:25

This is where I tried to open the Clif Shot, but my sweaty fingers couldn't tear the package enough.  Not even my teeth could tear open that little bastard.  Oh well, there was no water station anyway.  And my Garmin was still three-tenths of a mile off of what the banners claimed.  Maybe it would make up for itself somewhere, somehow.

Mile 8: 8:43

All right, there has to be a water station soon, but this son of a bitch still isn't open.  Maybe if I suck really hard on the little bit that I've torn, I can get something out?  Nope, nada.  Should I veer off and grab a stick to stab this God-forsaken pouch until it bursts all over my hands?  I can just lick it all off of my fingers and palms.

I battled with the Clif Shot using my fingers and teeth as weapons and finally, right around 8.5, it was open enough to suck out the chocolate goodness.  I don't even like chocolate, but I was really happy to eat it.

Mile 9: 8:53
10: 8:34

This is the mile at which things got annoying.  Mile 9 on Perimeter Road had been rough, the wind straight at my face off of the bay.  Miles 10-12 sucked hard, straight up.  The wind was ridonkulous and the runners near me were definitely slowing down, a couple even walking.  I kept on telling myself that walking would be pointless because there would still be wind.  I was a little concerned about making it up the peak of the Causway, but I convinced myself that the bridge I run near our house is worse.  Once I was on my way back down, I was feeling good.

Mile 11: 8:41
12: 8:51

I was feeling butterflies at this point because I knew that I was going to PR.  At this point, my Garmin still didn't match the mileage that ASM posted, but I didn't care because I did the math and even if the course were correctly measured, I would still PR.

Mile 12.89: 7:15

Garmin & "official" time: 1:48:29--that's a 5-minute PR.

I'm not sure if the course was not measured accurately or if it's a GPS problem.  I am leaning toward the latter, not only because it benefits me, but because of our experience at the 5K we ran at Cedar Point in June.  The same thing happened at the 5K, which my Garmin and Joe's Endomondo showed to be about two-tenths of a mile short.  A local high school coach measured the 5K course, while ASM measured the Santa Hustle half.  Maybe there's an anomaly in the park.

Joe finished with just a little discomfort from his early ankle-roll.  We got our medals, jaunted over to our hotel to change into dry clothes (did I mentioned that it was 50 degrees and sunny in December in Sandusky and that I was wearing a running skirt?), returned to Castaway Bay for the post-race party, and had a couple of Bud Lights.  I was feeling awesome.  I enjoyed the entire experience; the route was a lot of fun, since I got to run next to Gatekeeper AND Magnum, the gear is funny, the medals look good hanging on the mantle with our stockings, and I like beer.  I hope that next year the volunteers on the course are a little more enthusiastic ("Yay, good job"), that ASM uses CP's PA system to play Christmas music in the park, and that I PR again.  That was a great race to round out a great year of running!

The other benefits

Fact: Running is really, really good for you.  In the year since I started running, I have felt better physically and mentally than in a very long time.  I had been pretty sure of the improvements, but they weren't totally confirmed until I was in my post-marathon slump.  I was barely running 20 miles per week and as a result was tired, eating a lot of junk, and even a little bit on-edge.  I even felt guilty and resentful because I wasn't running enough.  Now that I've got a goal (the Columbus Marathon), I'm disciplined and feeling great again.

The obvious benefits are pretty objective.  Compared to non-runners, runners have:

• Higher levels of good cholesterol
• Increased lung function
• Boosted immune system
• Lower risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis
• Less stress
• Improved mood

Source

That list could probably go on a lot longer, but you get the gist I think.  How about the title of this blog post, though?  What do I mean by "the other benefits"?

After I woke up this morning, I pet the cats and watched the news for a few minutes, made the bed, put on my running gear, took the Browns to the Super Bowl, drank some water, then ran four miles (cut me some slack--at 5:30 it was already 77 degrees with 78% humidity).  I came home and cleaned the garage, watered our flowers, did my best Paul Bunyan impression on some tree roots, and staked some landscape border into the ground.  Inside, I changed the AC filter, did a little laundry, and washed the dishes.  I went upstairs and showered.  When I got out of the shower, the bathroom clock (which runs something like 5 minutes fast--I sync it with the bedroom clock, but somehow it always ends up way ahead) read 7:53.

It wasn't even 8:00AM and I had already completed what I know most people won't get done in an entire day.  What the heck does running have to do with it?  I'd insert a flow chart, but we haven't yet got Microsoft Office installed onto our new lappy, so you've just got to read:

I woke up at 4:45 to run at 5:30, which means that I probably got a solid one to two-hour head start on your average, non-running/exercising Joe-Shmoe.  Aerobic activity gets lots of energy going inside of you AND it makes your endorphins crazy-happy.  Right at the end of a work-out, even if you work the crap out of yourself (perhaps literally), you are likely going to want to be super productive.  On the daily, I take advantage of all of that energy and as a result, I always get tons of stuff done before the neighbors are even awake.  In the summertime, that means that I have the entire day to listen to Covino & Rich and NPR, take naps, loiter at the running shop, read about roller coasters online, and shop for cat toys.  During the school year, it means that I get to work and bounce off of the walls all day long.  Ahem, with a little help from a nonfat latte once I start to crash.  The point is that it's because I get up and run that I get as much stuff done every day as I do.

How does exercising affect your productivity?  And to backtrack, how do you feel when you don't get in that workout as compared to when you do?

The last month of training

I've been absent from blogging for over a month!  For those who are curious: I fell off of my training plan during the NCAA tournament back in March.  I hadn't planned on needing to adjust my life because, as an Ohio Bobcat, I'm not used to seeing my alma mater's team go deep into the postseason.  They made it to the Sweet Sixteen, so Joe and I couldn't pass up the chance to see them in St. Louis.  While there, I should have done a 12-mile run.  Instead, I did about 7.5 of hills--whodathunk a big city close to the plains would be so rolling?

Everything gets blurry after that.  I had already done all of the long runs, including a 20-miler that was 7.1 "warm-up" miles followed by a half-marathon, which was a PR by about 30 seconds.  I was really proud of that, especially given the unseasonably warm temperatures on race day.  But after the NCAA tournament,  I came down with a nasty cold, cut short my second 20-miler, slacked on mileage in general, and became kinda lethargic.  I may have trained too hard too early, putting in a number of consecutive 45+ mile-weeks.  Whatever I did wrong, I never let it get me down.  I spent the past two weeks incredibly excited to finally run the Glass City Marathon--my first full marathon.  Once I have some race photos, I'll share my entire story of the day before up through crossing that finish line.

Until then, here's a brief summary: It was freaking awesome.

Marathon training--10.5 weeks out

After a lot of strong encouragement, I am going to try to follow a structured marathon training plan.  I think last week was "Krista, you're worrying us"-week.  I came down with what I thought was a sinus infection on Sunday (1/29).  I had planned to do 8 miles with Becky Monday at 6:00PM, but just before 5:00PM I was struck with the worst pain I've experienced in my life.  It got exciting here, as I had Joe call 9-1-1 after about 30 minutes of hell.  EMTs came.  All of my vitals were really normal (plus, they mentioned that I "definitely" am a runner based off of my heart rate, which made me feel awesome mentally).  I opted to not go to the hospital, the pain subsided temporarily after about an hour, and then it came back twice later that evening.  Haven't felt it since then, but I'm pretty sure it was a kidney stone.

After all of that pain, Tuesday had me feeling like I had the crap kicked out of me, so took a second rest day.  On Wednesday evening I was feeling good and wanted to make up for what I missed, so after work I did almost 11.5 miles.  Thursday was my first real attempt at speed work.  I did the usual Friday and Saturday morning runs, with Saturday cut shorter than my planned 16 miles.  I had been in desperate need of new shoes and on Friday I started feeling some ankle and shin pain in my left leg, so I stopped at 8 miles on Saturday and went over to Dave's for a new pair (same that I was wearing before).  Sunday was shot thanks to wine, Patron, and Mexican food the night before.  Bad idea jeans.  Here are the numbers for 1/30 through 2/5:

Monday: Nada
Tuesday: Zilch
Wednesday: 11.45 miles @ 8:22
Thursday: 3 @ 7:40
Friday: 4.33 @ 9:18
Saturday: 8 @ 9:07
Sunday: Nada
Total: 26.78

I felt kind of defeated with 3 "rest" days in a week, but there was no way I would have made it out Monday and Tuesday I needed to take care of myself.  On Sunday, I paid for it and was actually hungover until Monday evening.

This week has been better.

Monday: 7.05 @ 8:43
Tuesday: 6.02 @ 8:47
Wednesday: 5.71 @ 9:01...not so bueno
Tonight: 3.03 @ 7:34
Projected for
Tomorrow: 5-6
Saturday: 15
Sunday: 8
Goal total: 40ish+

I'm heading out now to do three miles, hoping to do something like the 23:00 three-miler I did last Thursday evening.  I should hit over 40 miles in a week for the first time.  Joe is kicking butt at training for the half.  AND he's way better at pull-ups than I will ever be.

January: 136+ miles

In the first four weeks of 2012 I have run over 136 miles.  I should be above 140, but a nasty cold decided to stop by for a visit.  My plan was to run 14 miles yesterday, but I only did 9.8.  This morning I did a strong 7+ in Rossford with Joe, Alex, Tammy, Susan, and Kerri.  Despite all of the ooze coming out of my nose and throat, I could have gone longer.   Not that it's a goal through this running, but I have lost two pounds since the beginning of the month.  It could just be dehydration from the illness, so maybe it's only been one pound if not less.

I am definitely due for some new kicks soon.  My current pair has seen about 300 miles.  They aren't wearing too bad at all and my feel still feel good.  I have noticed a few blisters lately, which I hadn't had for a long while.  Also, I'm really getting used to having 10 toenails, so I need to be proactive to keep them.

I'm thinking about changing my 14 miles for this Saturday to 16.  I can do it, as long as I can twist some arms to continue with me after mile 8.  If I'm going to run that long, I need to experiment with refueling during a run.  I like to have as little on my person as possible while running (big reason I switched from Endomondo on my phone to a Garmin in order to track my runs), but it might be time to start carrying a small water bottle.  Tammy offered up her fuel-belt-thingy.

As far as actual energy, I tried Gu once and did not like it.  If it's normal for gels to be chalky, then I think I need to just stay away from them.  I had Clif Shot Bloks and they weren't so bad insofar as texture and flavor, but I only tried them before a couple of 8-mile runs, so I really couldn't tell if they worked for me since I didn't pop them during the runs.  Sport beans seem not so bad--I'm pretty sure they are really just plain old Jelly Belly jelly beans, and I do like jelly beans.  Tammy suggested that I carry a bottle of water mixed with honey, since honey is straight up sugar.  It sounded gross when she suggested it, but that was the first day that I was feeling really sick, so nothing sounded good to me.  Any suggestions for refueling during longer runs?  What does and does not work for you?

Marathon--13 weeks out

Today marks exactly 13 weeks until I run my first marathon.

My first run was either on Tuesday, July 5th or Wednesday, July 6th.  I ran about seven-tenths of a mile over the duration of 3 Katy Perry songs.  I repeated that three days per week for 2 weeks in the hot and humid summer air.  I was proud of myself.

On the hot and sticky evening of August 3rd, I ran a 5K.  Right around 2 miles, a few women near me started to walk.  I thought I wanted, nay, needed to walk, too, but I didn't.  Then just before the 3-mile mark, my phone cued up a OneRepublic song.  BUZZ KILL!  I unsuccessfully fought with my phone to get some Tool going, then gave up on the music and pulled out the headphones.  I finished, my face as red as a beat but smiling, in 28:05 at a pace of 9:04.

It was a relaxing evening in September.  I had drank a half of a bottle of wine, which lowered my inhibitions, and I decided to register for a half marathon on November 20th.  On race day, I let my brain get the best of me.  I needed a potty break at 4 miles.  After mile 8, I took a few breaks to walk up to and through water stops.  Right before mile 13, I got a kick-ass high five and ended up crossing the finish line in 1:53.  Even with all of my wussing out, I finished with an 8:41 pace.

And now it's January and I'm all kinds of pumped up for the Glass City Marathon.  I feel good saying I've come a long way since July.  Since January 1st, I've run over 102 miles.  I ran 12.18 miles yesterday morning, just hours after Snowmageddon ended.  My long runs are getting longer and I'm rarely sore after a run anymore.  Yesterday was an exception; running in deep snow definitely forces your body to use a lot more muscles to stabilize you with every time your foot strikes the ground.  Beyond making my long runs longer, though, I really don't know what I'm doing.  I just hope that making my long runs longer and longer will get me to where I need to be in 13 weeks.  I've Googled marathon training schedules, but I'd be lying if I said I'm following any of it.

So, I'm looking for advice.  I know I need to get in some speed work.  But as far as distance, I try to make things as simple as possible and therefore have a pretty basic plan of extending my long runs by two miles every two weeks.  That has me maxing out at 22 miles at two weeks and one day before race day.  Excluding the long runs, I am trying to get 25-30 miles each week.  For what it's worth, I do have an ambitious goal in mind.  Can you tell me if my plan is a good one?  Looking for thoughts and advice from veterans, so please share!