Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Getting Ready

So far, so good. I've put in 15.9 miles this week. I just got off the phone with Barb - we are meeting in the morning for a five miler, and then I'll walk at the track tomorrow night. Or, maybe just sit around and harass runners. That will put me at the start line on Saturday with about 21 miles, which is only one tiny mile off my plan. Pretty good.

And...I'm down 3.5 pounds in a month. A nice slow loss, lots of healthy eating (except for that little bread pudding lapse). I have focused on two things this month: healthy choices and portion control. I'm getting a minimum of two cups of vegetables a day, and three fruits. In an effort to get plenty of protein, I'm supplementing with nutrition bars. Of course, that is in addition to the soy milk, and soy protein sources I eat at lunch and dinner. Plus, lots of almonds. And, as always, I'm trying to drink more. I feel good eating this way - I haven't felt any extra fatigue, so I'm confident I'm eating enough.

I decided to carry two bottles of chocolate soy milk in the marathon this weekend, and then drink water at the aid stations. I've been using the soy milk as my primary fuel source (instead of gels) since Orcas. It works well for me - goes down easy and ensures I'm getting fluid. Usually I take one bottle of water and one of soy, then refill as needed via drop bag or race support. This is a point-to-point course through a river canyon with only one point of access for spectators in the middle somewhere. Sonya will be there supporting us all, but I'm not sure she'll be at the midpoint - I think she'll just be at the end, so I need to carry what I need for the whole race.

Speaking of Sonya, she is making her comeback - she did not have to have surgery. She had a cyst form behind her knee, probably from irritation where the IT inserts into the knee. She's had to wait patiently for it to drain. Lately she's finally been able to run again for 40 minutes at a time.

And in other good news, a big welcome to Steve, Marathon Maniac #510! Don't be lulled into thinking he is a newbie though - he has 10 lifetime marathons and 16 ultras under his belt - starting way back in 1975. We met Steve when he joined the Y group - he was making his comeback from extensive knee surgery. Since then (one year ago) he has run nine ultras and three marathons. I think he found his running home when joined the Y Run Club and met Rob and Eric!

MM#402, signing off from the Pacific Northwest, where the sun makes a brief appearance, the winter legs are startlingly white and the Maniacs abound!

21 comments:

Wes said...

Nice job on the weight! Sweet. I like to diet that way too. Be healthy and watch your portions. It's the last one that is the hardest. I'm thinking about doing both the Rocket City AND Disney. Does that make me a Maniac Wannabe :-) Remember to keep the lid on! It would be a shame to lose any of that great soy milk!!

JustRun said...

Woo! Good job on the 3.5 loss! It can be a struggle but you're smart about how you're approaching it (this doesn't surprise me). :)
I never thought of using soy milk during a marathon- hmmmm, might have to try that on a long run one day.
Good luck this weekend if we don't hear from you before then!

Thomas said...

That weight is coming down nicely! Just don't reward yourself with a big slice of chocolate cake.

Do you really need to eat nutrition bars for protein if you're using soya milk and other soya products anyway?

Emily said...

Good luck on the run this weekend. I know you will do great.

Olga said...

Welcome to Steve! I was wondering when he'd gte cracked into it with you guys around:)
Best of funnest time this weekend!

runliarun said...

Have a good race, happy maniac!

tryathlete said...

Good luck on Saturday. Look after those toes.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Startlingly white (and a bit hairy)! I'm trying to pop over tot he track and walk. I'll have to bring the kiddos as Paul has an away game today. Have fun this weekend if I don't see you tonight. remember to stop and walk at the end IF you need to, especially if you start doing that breathing thing! :) No peer pressure to keep it going! :) HAVE FUN!
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Nice job on the lifestyle changes - I always struggle to get enough protein in my diet. Good luck this weekend.

Sarah said...

Congrats on the weight loss! I can't believe the maniacs are over 500. There certainly has been a surge in the past 6 months. The more the merrier! : )

Beanie said...

good luck! can't wait to hear about your big race!

Legs and Wings said...

Have fun rattling 'round the canyon this weekend! Sounds awesome! Take care out there.

Ryan said...

Great post below and I adore the MM sign offs. Twinkle, twinkle little marathon maniacs star how I wonder where you are….it’s so fun competing for more MM stars..good luck!

Mmmm bread pudding my favorite dessert! Hey have a great race this weekend..sure looks like a fun and challenging course….enjoy the adventure.

Steve sounds like a real maniac = ) Tell him welcome to the club from MM#433

Happy marathon

Dori said...

We have "startingly white legs" here, too. I couldn't believe how white everyone was when I first moved here from So. California. The first warm days are the worst!

Congratulations on losing weight the smart way--eating healthily instead of crash dieting. Thanks for saying I inspired you. Good luck with your marathon this weekend.

Donald said...

Nice job with the weight loss ... but chocolate soy milk during a run? I don't think my stomach could handle that. Ugh.

Anne said...

I 'soy' do hope you have a great time at Yakima this weekend. That one's on my must-do list and I'll decide if I should move it up after reading your report.

Janice said...

Thanks for the tip on changing the display on my Garmin. I did that and it helped. I need to just run. I can look at the stats after.

Anonymous said...

I'm cracking up about the white legs! How (sadly) true it is! :)

Glad you're eating so healthy and losing weight. Nice work!

As for soy milk during a race. . . that sounds scary to me. I'm not sure how my stomach would deal with that. But, we all have to do what works for us.

Taunya said...

I hear you about those white winter legs...I got a pair myself!

Great job on the weight loss. I love to hear how others do it.

I would never think to drink soy milk during a race, but it makes sense if your tummy can handle it.

wendy said...

good job on your 3.5 michelle!
I can't wait to hear all about the race!

Lisa B said...

Hope the marathon went well. You should be partying by now! Can't wait to hear about the MM reunion. Wish I could've been there.

Love the choc soy milk idea. That's the kind of stuff I just love to refuel with after a long run.

Lisa B, MM#15 (<- can u believe it!)