Either way you look at it, it’s quite a feat. A feat I have decided to undertake. Not anytime soon but in the near future. I plan to document my journey. I wish I had done that with my half. I hope you will follow along with me! (You don’t have to do the running, just the reading. I’ll make it easy on you!)

I have decided on the Vegas Rock n Roll Marathon in November 2015. There are several reasons for this.

  • I will get two medals (Desert Double Down)
  • I will have plenty of time to work on my speed (gotta finish in 5 hour course limit)
  • I will be 35. I want to be like I was 35 and I finished!
  • I’ve heard the course is flat/fast/easy.
  • It’s at night.
  • It’s on the strip.

I decided this yesterday. And last night I started looking at a few things. Things I want to research include:

  • Training Plans for hitting 5 hours or less (I’d prefer 4:30 or so)
  • Nutrition during training
  • Nutrition in days before
  • Nutrition day of
  • Recovery/Sleep (warm-up, cool downs)
  • Breathing
  • Reverse taper (for after)
  • How to find all the time
  • Cross training (yoga, weights, ??)

When I first started my half training I wasn’t eating enough and skipped a few runs. I think this impacted my training and I’d like to avoid that in future. I want to eat enough but not gain weight. I’d prefer to maintain. I think fueling is just as important as the running.

I know I can run faster but my breathing is what is holding me back. Stupid asthma/allergies. I want to look at and try different techniques to become better at breathing while running faster.

I am interested in the reverse taper idea because I always struggle to get back into running after. And I hate walking if I am not walking to somewhere. (I can run for 13.1 miles for no reason but I can’t walk around the block without getting bored. Weird, I know.)

I am always interested to hear about others experience. Please share your marathon tips!

And buckle up, this will be a bumpy ride!


Jenna

Jenna Volden has a degree in business and has spent the last 10 plus years working for others. She believes it is time to start her own photography and writing business. She enjoys running, coffee and helping others achieve their goals. Gluten-free foods are a lifestyle, not a choice, for her due to celiac disease. She is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona.