Sara Wittmeyer’s Blog

Thanks Dr. T! Standing on Miami Beach shortly after the race with my medal and sign...and compression socks.

More later…but just a quick note to say the marathon is over! I’m still in this weird state of euphoria, tiredness, and complete disbelief that I made it! I got off to a rough start because the pacer just didn’t work out (more on that later) …but once I found my groove there was really no stopping me. I hit a good pace about five miles in and then just dug in until the finish.

I remembered to look around and enjoy it. I waved at the kids out watching, I thanked everyone who clapped for me or yelled my name, I patted other runners on the back and clapped for them if they were struggling. I also took time to breathe in the salty air as we crossed over the beautiful Biscayne Bay several times. It was an amazing race. I am so thankful to have gotten to do it. I’ll have a lot more to add tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone!

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.

I’m really finished with my training, and I’m about to go nuts.  I’ve been warned over and over again to obey the taper and to resist the urge to squeeze in just one more long run. It is a daily struggle not to go for a long run.  I recently did an interview for KBIA and a marathoner told me something that makes so much sense now… he said, when you start training it’s awful and you dread it, and you don’t want to run. Then at the end when you’re forced to taper all you want to do is run.  So true!  I remember when I first started, I looked at the end of the week and my long run was eight miles. I resented Hal Higdon! I thought to myself, if I felt like doing eight I would, otherwise maybe I’d do five or six. In the end Hal always wins, and I’m proud to report Hal is winning now in my battle to resist long runs.

I did my last 20 miler (actually 21 miles) two weeks ago, and it was awesome! I felt so good.  At mile 18 I ate about three energy chews and that really helped me float through the rest of my miles.  At the end, I was in a complete state of euphoria;  it made me realize I have no idea what crossing the finish line in Miami is going to be like!

Saturday I did my last double digit run – 13 miles. I forgot to apply my chafing powder, and yikes – I am still paying for it. I recommend Body Glide if you are looking for a good product.  I prefer the stick kind to the cream.  The problem is with all the chafing products I’ve tried, they only work for a couple hours.  After that, you need to reapply if possible.

Today is a cross training day.  I’ll likely try the pool for a bit because I’m very nervous about hurting, stressing, or pulling anything this late in the game. Only eight more (baby) runs until the big day!

My marathon has consumed me. With such a short time to go all the details are swirling through my head. Of course, the biggest concern is if I will be able to finish under my goal time. I have no doubt I will finish, but since I have never done a race before I don’t know if I’ve trained hard enough, long enough, or under the right conditions. I don’t want to hit the wall and be forced to walk.

Today I did a lot of reading about Hal Higdon’s plan in an attempt to ease my worries. What I found were really mixed reviews. A number of runners praised Higdon for the high number of pace runs followed by long runs. Others called Higdon’s plan simplistic, saying it was basically the same thing each week except with a few additional miles. My biggest concern with Higdon since the beginning has been what seems like a relatively few number of miles. I’m probably only averaging about eight miles more a week than I was when I wasn’t training. I have increased my daily mileage on a number of occasions because I just felt like I had a lot more in me. Because of the increased pressure I’m feeling now as the marathon looms around the corner, I’ve decided to step up my mileage for the next week and a half. According to Higdon, my week is supposed to go like this: Monday: Cross Train, Tuesday: 5 miles, Wednesday: 8 miles, Thursday: 5 miles, Friday: REST, Saturday: 8 mile PR, Sunday: 20 miles. Instead, I plan to do 18 tomorrow, 8 Wednesday, 8 Thursday, rest Friday, 8 Saturday, and 21 Sunday.

I realize this may be overdoing it, but since this is all new to me I feel like I’m just going to experiment a bit to see what works.

One other thought: “New Year’s Resolutioners.” I’m genuinely pleased to see so many new faces at the gym. Since January first, the local rec center in town where I train has been busting at the seams. It’s inspiring to see people of all sizes, shapes, and athletic ability pledging to become healthy in the new year.

The one drawback is I’ve had to rearrange my running schedule to accommodate the large crowds. I have problems running on the indoor track because of the pin in my foot. When I turn corners and when I have to stop suddenly (for example if there is a walker in front of me who I can’t quickly pass) the pin sends a sharp pain through my foot, up my ankle and into my leg. It’s enough to sometimes make me lose my balance. In addition, the pain lingers for awhile, making it nearly impossible to get in a long run after this happens. For this reason, I try to do most of my runs on the treadmill. Because of the crowds though, I’ve had trouble getting access to equipment. Since I anchor in the mornings my work day is supposed to end by three. My goal until training is over is to be out of work by three and at the gym by 3:30. I am hoping this way I can get in my runs before the large crowds arrive around 6.

….And to all of you who made fitness a part of your New Year’s resolution, KUDOS to you and best of luck!