Roughly 13 weeks to go until the NYC Marathon on November 6th.  Here’s a quick update on my training and running life!  The count down is really on now!

1. Fundraising for Team in Training
2. Training
3. Weight goals

Team in Training Fundraising.  Hey all, I’m raising money for blood cancer research and to support Leukemia & Lymphoma society.  Have you donated?  Will you donate a few bucks to support my run?  Donate here:  www.bit.ly/jennsNYC2016

I’ve also launched a t-shirt fundraiser, a portion of every t-shirt sold goes to LLS.  Check out the t-shirt campaign now until August 18th.   We have enough orders to print shirts, and you’ll receive yours about 2 weeks after the close of the fundraiser.    Here I am modeling the prototype (that I printed locally because i could not wait to get one and wear it around town).    Check out the shirts here:   www.bit.ly/awesomeTNTshirts

 
the shirt prototype!  Be the one who donates, runs, fights cancer or supports those who do!

Training.  I ran a 12 mile run this past weekend and felt pretty good!  I’ve merged several training plans from the past into a hybrid plan that works around some upcoming races, life events and still gets in two 20+ mile runs.   I hope to do a 22 mile run before the end or even a few miles more than 22.  Most/many training plans have you go up to 20 and assume that the adrenaline/excitement/fear will get you those last 6.2 miles to the finish line.  But in my experience, that last 10K feels like another half marathon!  I plan to push the last long run to 22+ miles so psychologically I know i can make it to the end.  NYC will be my 8th marathon, so I know I can complete the distance but I would love to complete it without hitting that ole familiar “wall” that I know so well!    Running a longer last “long” run will hopefully be a confidence booster more than gaining additional fitness levels.  I

I’ve also connected with Team in Training Massachusetts team and am excited to go down to MA and run with them.  Most of the team are training for Chicago or Marine Corps Marathon but we all have to do a long run, so it will be nice to meet up with the Team.  Otherwise i am on the TNT “flex” team which is made up of runners from around the country.  We meet up virtually on Facebook and phone calls until we rendezvous in NYC for race day!  I have a virtual coach and support team at my finger tips, also nice!

gif borrowed from Eric Z., TNT!

Weight goals.  “I lost weight training for my marathon” – said no one that I know, ever. Ok, maybe I know one person who ate kale and sweet potatoes 24/7 but anyway…   I’ve had several false starts to weight loss in the last year but feel I’m on the right track toward losing 25 lbs by race day.  I’ve lost 12 so far and am very psyched!  For my past marathons, I have always had a weight goal for race day, but life, training and food (and donuts) have always gotten in the way.  Running and training burns a lot of calories but it also makes you ravenous. Controlling the “post-run chow down” has always been my weak spot.   So what am i doing now that is working?    #1 I’ve been working out 2 days a week at Orange Theory Fitness.  I’ve only ever run to train for the marathon, but adding in HIIT workout/strength training has really helped with my overall fitness, stamina and strength.   Secret weapon #2: tracking calories.  While it’s not an exact science, tracking it makes me accountable to ‘see’ where I am going wrong.  When you have to log a cinnamon bun, then you get shocked back to reality and to stay on the plan.  Secret weapon #3: lower carbs, more vegetables and fruit and I’ve added in Shakeology for one meal a day.    At the beginning of July, I went Whole30 for 2 weeks, i have done it in the past but that was too low-carb.  I bonked hard on my 8 mile run so I stepped back to just eating more balanced meals, but adding back in more carbs.   Whole 30 was great for a jump start and a useful tool for future but I don’t have time to make it work with my marathon training.

See you out there,
– Jenn