Sara Wittmeyer’s Blog

I’m in Miami for the marathon. I’m trying to do everything by the book for this race. Since it’s my first, I am relying on the advice of others (namely Hal Higdon) to guide me through the training, tapering, and last couple days before the marathon.

This morning I woke up, went for a short walk on the beach, then tried to eat a carb and protein rich meal: egg white omelet and toast. From there we took a short trip to South Beach before heading to the expo.

The ING expo was the first marathon expo I’ve attended. I was in nervous wreck before going in. Had it not been for my friend John, who is traveling with me, I’m not sure I would have gone inside. I thought I would find being around other runners exciting, but mostly I feel intimidated and out of place. Anyway, we got inside and it was a bit overwhelming. Lots of vendors and information booths. I got my number – #4352. The prices at all the vendors are much better than at running stores or sporting goods places. Plus I felt like the quality was better as was the variety. I was tempted to get some shorts with pockets for my gels, but opted to stick to what I have just because it’s what I’ve trained with. I did stock up on gels, chews, and Powerbars at a great price! John and I separated so he could wait in line to get my Publix gift bag while I browsed some of the booths. The Publix booth had a wheel you could spin for prizes – John ended up winning the grand prize! When he and I met up he was grinning for ear to ear carrying his loot- a big bag full of things including a massager, training log, noise makers, etc. After all of this, I had really calmed down a lot and was just trying to take everything in and enjoy the expo. I bought a shirt to commemorate the race and then John and I headed out. Everything I’ve read says not to spend a lot time walking around the expo. It’s tempting to stay for the guest speakers and shop at all the booths but I’m trying not to be on my feet a lot. The whole time we were at the expo, I didn’t hear anyone say they were running the full marathon. I don’t know what the numbers look like this year, but last year 80% of the runners did the half marathon.

We went to Publix before coming back to the hotel. I wanted to get the food I needed to replicate the meal I ate before my last long run. We loaded up on bagels, bananas, apples, bread, and cereal. I’ve been trying to eat even when I’m not hungry so I have enough stores when I start the race. Dinner tonight was pasta, salmon, and bread. Now, it’s off to sleep – somehow at 7:50 I feel worn out. It’s good though, because every training plan I’ve read says the most important night to get a good night’s sleep is actually two nights before the marathon.

Tomorrow I have a two mile run and will probably drive most of the course.

Oh, tapering. At the beginning of my training, I was really looking forward to this time. After logging sometimes 50 miles a week, the prospect of eventually getting to stop at just 30 looked great. But this time has proven to be one of the most difficult parts of training thus far. I assume that goes without saying, since this is the second time I have posted about it. Before I talked about wanting to run and how difficult that was since my mileage was reduced so dramatically. Now the problem I have is my body. I feel a lot achier, and I am doing less. My foot has been giving me grief, both my knees are stiff, and it feels like I’ve pulled something in my shoulder. Several articles I’ve read report that this is normal. You’ll feel some new pains as your body repairs itself during the tapering process.

My other issue is the sluggishness. I’m not sure that is even a word, but I think it best describes how I feel. I had a five mile run Wednesday and it was pathetic. I finished at a good pace, but it was the worst run I’ve had in months. Yesterday morning I did four miles. Again, my body and mind felt like I’d done about ten. For most of the day yesterday, my head swirled with images of me not making it to the finish line because I had inadequately prepared. Not a good day…

But today, is going to be better! Last night when I was trying to figure out what I should change to pump up my motivation this last week, I ran across this blurb (below) buried in a training article.

” You may find, during these 3 weeks, that your legs feel heavier than you’re used to and you generally feel sluggish. This is simply due to carbohydrate (glycogen) filling up your stores to the brim, causing a feeling of heaviness. The best analogy is perhaps comparing your body to a formula 1 car. They start the race a little slower due a large fuel load, but are able to keep going for longer.

Come race day, due to adrenaline rush and eagerness to get going, you will feel invigorated and fresh if you taper effectively. “

So now, I feel like what I am going through is normal. I’m off for a ten mile run now. I’m going to concentrate on my stride, having fun, and what it’s going to be like to cross that finish line in one week from today!