Since August, Stephanie and I have been training for the California International Marathon (CIM). We've run three half marathons together, and were engaged before the Run to Feed the Hungry in 2008 (remember?). We registered for CIM the following year, but both missed the opportunity to run because of injuries. This year, we joined a group of runners from Fleet Feet on J Street. The group meets twice a week; on Wednesday leaders take us through speed workouts, and on Sunday we run long stretches of the American River Parkway.
The past three weekends have marked our longest runs yet (15, 17, and 20, respectively), and as we near the December 5 run date, we're learning a lot about our bodies, about refueling, and about how to regulate a urination schedule on certain days. Thanks to countless technological developments and modern marketing, we've also found ways to ensure that, despite our busy schedule, we're able to train. I've included these, along with some other observations in case any of you out there are thinking about running more or ramping up your mileage.
Body
Chaffing lurks in the distance, unassumingly, then pounces once your regimen reaches the 7-9 mile range. In the past, I've used Vaseline on my inner-thigh, toes, waistline, below my armpits, and any other place that sting during the post-run shower (there are other places, by the way). We recently received samples of Body Glide, which seems trendy, popular, and as effective as the petroleum jelly.
Since our long runs begin on Sunday mornings at 7 this fall, I've also started using medical tape on my nipples. Someone actually came up with something called Nip Guards, but any tape or Band-aid will work.
Running schedules and body routines don't always coincide. As a result, we've been getting up around 5:30 on Sundays, having some coffee and oatmeal, and ensuring that things unfold in a typical fashion before we start training. So far, so good.
Fuel
Given the eventual need to rehydrate and refuel while running long distances, you're likely to get dizzy just deciding between the myriad options available. Relying on conventional wisdom remains a good first step. If, for instance, you know that you're not overly sweaty after running, you'll probably be able to skip the salt tablet section of the store. If you don't plan on running more than 3-5 miles, you don't need to shell out $30-$50 for a fancy belt or pack apparatus or buy huge jugs of electrolyte formula.
It's recommended, however, that when you're utilizing the carbohydrates and nutrients in your system, you should plan on replenishing in particular intervals--especially when running long distances. On today's 20-miler, I tried a few different brands of fuel to gauge my body's reaction before deciding on one to use in December. I started with a vanilla bean Gu at mile 9, then had a raspberry Clif Bar Gel at 14.5, and then the raspberry version of CIM-affiliate Hammer Gel's product at 18. I am partial to Gu, which seems to have the same concentrated consistency as the Hammer Gel. I found the Clif Bar to be the easiest to swallow, and most convenient to open.
The secret to gobbling down the fuel is water. While you may prefer using an electrolyte replacement such as Power Aid or Heed (we dilute Cytomax), the gels are designed to break down with water and provide quick recovery. And while I'm on the subject of electrolyte replacements, avoid sugars and artificial ingredients that will severely complicate your body's metabolic functions during periods of peak performance. Those days we spent chugging Gatorade between plays are over.
Equipment
Where does one keep these fueling products, you might ask? At shorter distances, I was able to use Amphipod's hand held bottle. It has a convenient pouch that fit my car keys and two Gu packets. It also ensures that water or electrolyte is nearby. Initially I found the bottle to be cumbersome; I switched hands, and even passed it off to Stephanie on a few runs during the summer just to lose it. But before long I barely even noticed it was there. In fact, on the 15- and 17-mile runs I ran with one 20-ounce bottle on each hand.
I finally broke down and bought Amphipod's hydration belt, which contains a pouch for fuel, a sleeve that might fit a gel or two, and four eight-ounce bottles. Despite the increase in weight and the decrease in liquid volume, I actually found the belt a nice accompaniment. It forced me to regulate my intake by mileage instead of just drink from my handheld when thirsty or warm. In this respect it was not only made the run easier, but positively influenced my regimen as well.
Since the training sometimes occurs in the early morning or late nights during the week, Stephanie and I are sharing two crucial pieces of equipment this fall. We're the ones running around Land Park in reflective singlets and Petzl headlamps. The singlet makes the runner extremely visible to cars; the headlamp provides a wobbly beam to follow along the park trail. The only issue I have with the headlamp is where certain shadows fall. No matter how I adjust it, I always feel like I'm wearing giant, thick-rimmed glasses.
Celebrating Accomplishments
Currently, I am eating just about anything I want. I try not to disrupt my intake much, but I have realized that I'm replacing many more carbohydrates these days. It's ironic that I'm training for an elite event, since it amounts to grinding myself into the ground, indulging, and exercising my liver.
There will still be much to celebrate come December 5th. The shuttle to Folsom Dam leaves at an ungodly hour. The race starts near 7 (hence our Sunday trainings), when we'll head down Fair Oaks Boulevard, onto 16th Street, and over to the State Capital. If you're in the neighborhood(s), come out and do some yelling. As an added incentive, my brother Chris is also running this year. He's joined a marathon relay group and intends to run the 7-mile (and longest) leg of the course. This is an impressive feat for my little big man.
That evening, Stephanie and I have made reservations at The Kitchen to celebrate the end of our training. We'll relish in the idea that we've finished our first full marathon, and toast to our upcoming date-aversary, which commemorates our December 7 date to Arco Arena.
