I’ve created a monster
I must apologize — it appears this blog is turning into simply an account of my race reports. I’ve had lots of ideas for posts, but no motivation to actually write them. Mea culpa.
However, this coming week I have no excuse. You see, I really should NOT be running for the next five days (at least not far). As you can see by my updated race list/countdown timer, I’ve got one Mother of a marathon month ahead of me: five, yes, FIVE freakin’ marathons in the next four weeks. Heaven help me!
As with most of my race plans, my “monster month” started innocently enough. Last August my darling and I jumped at the chance for half-price entry into the inaugural Seattle Rock ‘n Roll Marathon to be held June 27. Early this year I decided I’d like to try a “double,” which in Maniac-speak means running two marathons in two days. The Lake Youngs Ultra/Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon looked appealing; although technically an ultra, Lake Youngs is a 9.6-mile loop run three times for a total of 28.8 miles (a “mini” ultra, if you will). I figured the Tunnel Marathon, which is an all-downhill race, wouldn’t be too terribly challenging the next day (although it was held in August last year, they moved it to June for 2009).
I then couldn’t pass up the Green River Marathon; after all, it’s free! I had run the half two years ago, but skipped it last year since it was the day before North Olympic, where I had hoped to BQ. When I mentioned my plan to another Maniac, he asked, “Why not do a double-double?” (Maniac-speak for doubles on back-to-back weekends). For some reason I decided that would be a good idea and once again signed us up for North Olympic (I had considered the San Juan Marathon, but not only is it quite hilly, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to catch the ferry in time after running Green River).
Once I committed myself my anxiety started to grow, especially with every ache and pain I felt. Will my body hold up? Will I forever destroy myself for running? Will people think I’m cool, or simply idiotic? Why do I care what people think? Is my long-standing need to be liked rearing its ugly head? Does my butt look big in these pants?
Wait — where was I?
I wish I could say I’ve been diligent with my core-building exercises in order to fully prepare myself for the rigors to come, but I have been somewhat of a slacker. Scratch that — now’s not the time for negative self talk. Yes, I could have been better with the exercises, but I’m no slacker. After all, I’ve run four marathons in the past two months and my body is holding up fine. I’ve prepared it for running when it’s tired; I ran a little over 13 miles the day before the Capital City Marathon, and went on a 10-mile run today after running 13 miles yesterday. I also ran 8 miles in Colorado Springs last weekend at elevations ranging from 6300 to 7500 feet. Finally, I’m going to do something I haven’t done in a while: taper!
My schedule calls for 12 easy miles this week (a 6-miler and two 3-milers), but I’m going to play it by ear. I really want my legs to be fresh. I will drag my butt into yoga and my Wednesday stretch class, but I doubt I’ll be doing many core exercises other than ab work and a few planks (whenever I do lunges, squats and wall-sits my quads are sore for a couple of days).
The final component is nutrition. I’m going to try to lay off the hooch for a week and will eat lots of veggies, lean protein and whole grains. (My Maniac friends who have run doubles stress the importance of eating a LOT in between marathons. Now’s not the time to restrict calories).
It’s going to be one hell of a crazy ride, but I’m looking forward to it. I WILL post more frequently in the coming month, as well as provide quick updates on Facebook. I hope you’ll stop in periodically to offer support!
May 31st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I’m sure you’ve received plenty of advice, but I still need to get mine in! I did the triple in November. Here’s what I learned:
1. What you said – eat well the week prior, drink lots of water.
2. Get plenty of sleep in the week prior.
3. When you finish #1, begin fueling for #2. Keep fueling all day.
4. ICE BATH, BABY! Really, it works, and it’s worth it.
5. You can run two more marathons on the seven blisters you got on the first one – just wash with rubbing alcohol, wash scissors with rubbing alcohol, cut a little hole, let them drain, slap on the neosporin, and you’ll be good to go the next morning. Oh, they’ll hurt a bit, but it’ll dull out after a while.
6. Enjoy the rush of being a burly woman athlete!
May 31st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Michelle — you are the BEST! I think I’ll probably jump into the bay after Green River for my ice bath. I’ll also treat myself to some Spuds Fish ‘n Chips, but will also pack something a bit healthier for the trip to Port Angeles. We’re also going to the pasta feed that night (they actually put on quite the spread).
Love the advice about taking care of the blisters! I’m already dealing with some hot spots, but just used a dremel sander on the gnarliest of my callouses (that was actually recommended by my doctor). I then slathered on some Bag Balm and will continue to do so for much of the week. Of course, I don’t want my feet to get TOO soft!
May 31st, 2009 at 5:30 pm
…And since I’m taking it easy this month, I’ll be happy to drag your butt out of the ice bath and pour you onto the couch after each race. 🙂
May 31st, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Hey, next one is Rock and Roll. We are amongst the unemployed (well, Eric is, and I will be come July 1) so our races are limited to: already paid for, extremely cheap and free. I was hoping for Green River but I have a work meeting that involves extra pay, so I’m going. I probably won’t run much in the way of races this summer – the heat wreaks havoc with my heart – learned that the hard way last summer, and again in Spokane a couple weeks ago. So, I think RnR then ease off till the Grande Ass.
June 1st, 2009 at 9:09 am
You are a crazy woman, but you can do it! Good luck!
June 1st, 2009 at 11:17 am
Wow, just reading about all these races is making my legs hurt!
Or maybe it was the 12-mile bike ride I decided to do after my half marathon yesterday. While I’m not quite at your level of insanity, I do tend to lean crazy from time to time 🙂
Good luck, I’m looking forward to all your race reports!
June 1st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
The Goofy Challenge is officially peanuts to you! Have fun and good luck!
June 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Betsy, you’ll be fine and you’ll do great – just remember to have fun and don’t skip the ICE BATH!!! DON NOT SKIP THE ICE BATH!!! 🙂
I’ll see you at Green River!
June 1st, 2009 at 4:27 pm
You are insane, which makes you all the more likable. Kick ass!!! btw – my training right now is consisting of an extra cocktail each weekend to build up to New Orleans. I think I like my training better…
June 1st, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Christine — I think I’ll start on that training regimen July 1!
June 8th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Wow, you are busy! Best of luck with all of those marathons. It sounds like folks have given you some great advice. I’m with RoadBunner, the Goofy is pretty small potatoes now, eh?
June 10th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Hey, Betsy… Race Ready skirts have shorts underneath. Mine did not ride up at all. Big thumbs up to the RR skirts.
June 10th, 2009 at 8:51 am
You’re such an enabler — I just ordered one!