Ready, ready, ready, ready... ready to run!

The day has finally arrived... Today I begin training for the marathon.

18 weeks from now I will be crossing the finish line!

The key to finishing a race of any distance is a good training plan.  After asking nearly everyone I know who has run a marathon - friends, coworkers, WGirl members - I have decided to use Hal Higdon's training plan.  You can find the training plan here.  I chose this plan for a couple reasons.  First, I've used Hal Higdon's plans in the past while running half marathons.  I feel confident training with his plans and have developed an odd sense of loyalty towards Hal.  Second, I like that it demands only four days of running and one day of cross training.  The plan fits well with my work schedule and allows a day to do something other than running; I prefer yoga and bike rides, but I believe sunbathing and shopping counts too. 

Another "must' for running is proper footwear.  I get my shoes from Performance Running Outfitters in Shorewood.  The staff is trained to provide your feet with shoes that fit your needs.  They even do a video gait analysis to ensure the shoes feel and function optimally.  They are a bit more pricey than shoes you'd find at non-running stores, but they are worth it.  Proper fitting shoes help prevent injuries and I'm all for anything that will make running feel more effortless.  I have been running in Asics Gel-DS Trainers for years and I wouldn't dare put my feet in anything else.  My only complaint with running shoes is that fit overrules style and color.  For a girl who likes shoes, this is a problem. That is how I once ended up with a pair of yellow and grey running shoes - my two least-favorite colors. Fortunately, new versions of running shoes are released about every six months and the colors and always changing.

Although shoes are really the only requirement for running (and even that's debatable upon who you ask), I like to accessorize.  I have a GPS watch, iPod nano, X-1 earbuds, hat, and fuel belt.  The GPS watch takes the guesswork out of distance and pace.  Music is key to my motivation and entertainment while running and I like how the nano is light and clips anywhere.  The X-1 earbuds are my latest and greatest find.  I have wasted more money on earbuds that don't stay in my ears or stop working after a few months than I'd care to admit.  The X-1 earbuds stay in place and have buttons to control the music on the cord so I don't have to fumble with my nano.  The hat keeps the sun and sweat out of my eyes, protects my scalp from getting burned, and holds my hair in place.  Lastly, and most importantly, is the fuel belt.  A fuel belt is a strap that goes around the hips that holds water bottles and has pockets for packets of gel electrolytes.  Hydration and nutrition are essential to long runs and necessary if I want to finish the marathon. 

Lastly, training for this marathon would not be possible if not for the all the love and support I've received.  When I told my best friend, Heidi, that I wanted to run a marathon, she was immediately onboard.  She even recruited her boyfriend and sister to sign-up for the marathon so that there would be additional support on the course.  I could not train for or run this marathon without her.  My fiancé, Travis, is also incredibly encouraging and kind.  Trav, I apollogize in advance for any whining or crabbiness that may ensue. And to my family, friends, and Striding For a Cure participants, thanks for all the words of encouragement and for asking how the training is going.  Knowing that you care makes these next 18 weeks of training and cancer research fundraising worthwhile.