StrongerByTheMiles

This is one of my favorites (and was my breakfast today)!

Thank you! I will definitely check out these resources!!!!!

Good advice! I'm treating the first as a PR attempt and the second as a training run. I'm running the second w/ a friend that may not be able to run my PR pace so we will enjoy the second together. Neither of us are going with big intentions. I am just fulled prepared for that to be my worst time yet my most FUN marathon…

I have added to my 2013 calendar: May 5 - Pittsburgh Full June 22 - Rachel Carson Challenge (35.1 mile ultra trail run/hike challenge) August 4 - Pittsburgh Rock and Roll Half October 27 - Niagara Falls Full HAPPY 2013!!!!

Speedwork and hills can definitely put more strain on your body! Speed work is not necessary, but if you do not do speedwork then do not plan on taking your marathon at a pace faster than your training runs or you could really be hurting afterwards. If you just want to finish and don't have a time goal, don't stress over…

Pittsburgh Full in May Not sure what will be next?!

I trained very aggressively for my first 5K, 1/2 Marathon AND full marathon last year! I had been running for just under a year when I ran my first full - and I did NOT have a real athletic background or anything - not at all! You can absolutely do it with some determination and looks of sweat! You need to take a very…

Thank you for your input! I bought a Gaiter. I think it will help alot and I loved that it is easy to fold down once I warm up. I also got some new thermal running pants - woohoo!! Next I may buy Yak Traxx. I never used to be a morning person and running changed that. Who knows - maybe next running will make me enjoy…

After a few races, I have learned a little more about my feelings on the music issue. If it's a short race.....music is not necessary. In a longer race, it all depends on the size of the race field and the crowd. I ran a half marathon that only had about 200 participants and the crowd was only in one spot. I took my music…

I say you can do it! I did my first full in June - I have only really been running since about October/November of last year. I am doing my first whole in October, so 4 months after my half. I am very deep into my training schedule and I am dealing well with the training runs, so I feel very confident! I only have 2 long…

Coronalime: thanks! I may go prepared w/ a Luna bar and oatmeal both, so that I am prepared either way. I am staying in a hotel quite close to the race, so I would assume that they would be accomodating w/ breakfast - if not then they are missing out on a major money opportunity! Haha. It doesn't have a continental…

Height: 5'00" Weight: 98 BMR: 1068 **That is low! That is a little depressing!

Wow! That is an impressive list! I will be running Columbus. It is my first, but I hope to run many more in the future! I also have a few other shorter races coming up, just to keep me in "race mode" before the big day!

I am doing the Columbus Marathon on October 21, 2012! Woohoo!

I am debating the immodium! I have read about that. I thought about the instant oatmeal - that is where the coffee maker comes in use. I am not sure though if they make it in original or just the sweetened varieties? I guess I could try the sweetened varieties. If I didn't use maple syrup or almonds, it may end up being…

These are good tips! I like that a few of you suggested cookies/ice cream extra. I have been trying to stay away from unhealthy foods for carb loading, but that makes it very hard to get a high carb ratio for the day! Also, I really love sweets so I should embrace those times when they may actually help me a little - in…

Not Afraid by Eminem rules! Lose Yourself is good, but Not Afraid motivates me more!

I have struggled with this. Honestly, I don't know that I ever really got it under wraps until less than a year ago. I had to start setting specific goals and specific times that I wanted to look good! I would think of that upcoming event, picture myself looking good then focus on how detrimental the treats would be to…

I loved reading your story! I am now in training mode for my first full (October 21st) so I will be spending alot of time on message boards in this group! I love reading about other people's experiences. It helps so much to prepare yourself mentally and to remember that you are not alone. I know the miles will be tough,…

Some may be repeats but here goes (I snack all day at work!): Carrot sticks or sliced bell peppers w/ brown mustard or hummus dip apples cantaloupe or melon chunks my own trail mix of fiber one cereal, dark chocolate chips and almonds kale chips (if you have time to throw them in the oven in the am or cook the night before…

Usually if that happens, I do my best to add by ingredient. Fajitas should be easy to tell what is in them. I would add a certain amount of cooking oil (or maybe butter, depending?) as well. I tend to eat alot of catered lunches/dinner with my job and this is normally what I do.

I think we all have rough patches! The heat is definitely an obstacle. I never thought I would wish for cold weather....until I became a runner! If I really feel blah, I usually decide to do 1 walk day instead of my run. I keep my distance goal the same. 9 out of 10 times, I get so bored with walking that I want to run…

Thanks everyone! I love to write about my experiences. It is great to relive them. :) i think I should start a blog so that I can share my running adventures w/ other runners and not my poor husband who listens intently but doesn't really relate. I love reading about everyone else's experiences and knowing that we all…

Update: I finished my first half marathon- so happy! I decided to take my music and scope out the scene. There was no entertainment and VERY little crowd noise. I decided to use music. It looked like the race would feel alot like my training runs, so I wanted to create a scenario that I was comfortable with. I was really…

I appreciate all of the feedback! It reallys is giving me alot to think about. I still have not decided what to do. If it were a larger race, I would not be concerned. I'm just afraid that parts will be very quiet. I think I will take my music and see what it looks like. I can leave my stuff w/ my husband before the start…

sarahisarunner:feel free to follow on this thread and hopefully we will both get answers! I will let you know what I decide and how it goes.MMK 137: Thanks. I may do 1 earbud in/1 out or something. I have ran with friends a couple of times and not used music and I'm fine. I also did my 5K without and was fine. However 3.1…

I am right there with you too! I am (kind of unofficially??) decided to run my first full in October! My first half is this weekend. I'm a little scared but I have a big of a "now or never" attitude. I just feel that I should do it while my momentum is going and I'm pumped for the opportunity! It is scary, but that is what…

Good luck! Feel free to add me! I feel like I have learned alot (this site as helped!) in my training and I am still learning more every day!

I am a little late responding, but I really appreciate all of the input! It gave me alot to think about. think that the important thing for me to realize is that everyone is different and nobody can tell me when I will be ready. I need to listen to my body. My half is the weekend (aaahh!!!!) so I am thinking about this…