Over the past 10 weeks, I have run 146 cumulative miles and have done CrossFit about once a week. By the end of week 12, I will have run approximately 187 miles total as part of my training.
Plus the 13.1 miles of the actual race! Bringing it to 200 miles from March 12 to June 3. That's a disgusting amount of running (Imagine full marathon training! No thanks!)
The most difficult part over the last few months has been making the time for these runs. The normal schedule is 3x short-runs (conditioning) ranging between 3-5 miles, 1x cross-training (non running activity, for me it was CrossFit), 2x rest days (when possible I tried to do "active recovery" like walking), and of course....1x long-run (this is the number that goes up every week).
This week's long run will be 11 miles over the weekend.
Last week I experienced "runner's toe" after my 10 mile long-run. Basically your toes feel bruised and broken from trauma. Likely my foot was swelling and crowding the toe box of the shoe. That particular course was also very hilly which meant my toes were jamming into the front even more. Hoping to remedy the problem by switching to some softer, lighter shoes for my short-runs this week and investing in some better socks.
Leading to my next point. Running is NOT free. It actually gets quite expensive once you get into long distance or competitive running.
- Running shoes
- Two pairs: lighter (short-runs) and more "heavy duty" (long runs)
- Apparel
- Through trial and error...for me it was all about finding a highly supportive sports bra that actually fits and high-waisted athletic tights
- Gummies
- To replenish as you burn on longer runs and for race day
- Flip-belt
- To hold all your shit and be hands-free
- Blue-tooth headphones
- To be distraction free, wire-free, especially when you're running for hours...and to jam to my sick playlists
- Foam roller
- For working out sore muscles, to help with recovery
- Therapy Sessions
- For maintenance and unexpected injuries
- Special cushioned socks
- TBD if these will help me or not
- Sunglasses
- Still need to find a sporty pair that wrap around slightly!
- Race day fee / Lodging / Travel / Food
The best part about the training journey has been the running buddies I've picked up along the way. Sometimes human, sometimes not (dogs!). My husband joined me for a few runs (yay Rob!), coworkers, and friends Angela and Cuan in London. Running in Italy for two weeks was also cool because sometimes I was running past memories of my life, as well as discovering new allies, historical sites, and beautiful nature I wasn't expecting.
LASTLY - shameless plug. I really really really want to make my fundraising goal. People have been extremely generous so far, but unfortunately I hit a block a few weeks ago. And haven't had any new donations since. I'm going to match 20% of whatever I raise. If I reach my goal of $2,000...that means I add another $400 to that amount.
Please take a look! And thanks for reading.
https://www.gofundme.com/JackieBosco
