Erin's Training Updates

Heyyyy! Erin here. This is a personal update and reflection for the blog, as I am only three weeks away from running my first half-marathon. It seems like just yesterday I registered for the race!

So far, I have worked up to running 11 miles (12 to come soon). While it was recommended that I taper off and run a few less miles the week prior to race day, I don't plan on doing that. Why? 1) Because I know that mentally if I run the half-marathon distance prior to race day (13.1 miles), I will mentally go into the race in a better headspace. That's because I like to tell myself "I've done this before," which boosts my confidence. Reason 2) is because I have slowly worked up my max distance for several runs now and I can run a half before the half without great risk of injury.

In the event that ends up being a foolish strategy, I will let you know!

As I get closer, I have learned that I need more carbs and sodium than usual. Which makes sense - I am running more and it is summertime, so it's getting hot on my runs. Once I reached the 10 mile mark I also realized I need to eat 2 breakfasts in the morning before my runs if I do not want to bring snacks with me, which is my preference for the time being. My appetite has increased substantially, though my weight is the same.

Strength training has taken a bit more of a backseat with (truthfully) only lifting 2ish times per week. The goal was 4 or 5 originally, so I have not met this goal for myself. There are several reasons for this, the primary one being that when I was increasing my distance past 7 miles recovery became really difficult. I wasn't sleeping well and eventually chose sleep over additional training. Recovery has become easier now that I improved my sleep and nutrition, so I have started getting more lifts and yoga sessions in.

One thing I have been thinking about a lot is how the human body does such an amazing job adapting to the demands we place on it. Your body is capable of more than you think! Such a blessing from God to be able to move in ways that feel good. During the New Year, I ran a 10k and did not understand how I would be able to run a half-marathon. Now I am close to running a half-marathon distance and amazed at how that has happened! I am also wondering how the heck I'll be able to run a marathon, but I am sure I will be just as amazed when that day comes too.

Thanks for reading! Blessings to you all!

-Erin