My first bowl of Pumpkin Yogurt of the season!

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After fruitlessly searching for Libby’s Pure Pumpkin in the stores for months, I finally stumbled upon my favorite canned treated yesterday – and promptly bought 10 cans. 🙂

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I love to put pumpkin in many of my recipes, but Pumpkin Yogurt is definitely my favorite way to eat it.

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 1 serving honey or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 pinches cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • Drizzle of honey
  • Pecans

 

Serve with some raw oatmeal or granola.  Today, I mixed in oatmeal and Kashi Go Lean crunch cereal:

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Perfection!

 

Train for a Marathon in Six Weeks

 

A slightly attention-grabbing blog post title, I know.  :)  But – I have a fun announcement!

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For the past nine weeks, I have been diligently training for the Thunder Road Marathon on December 11.  This will be my second marathon.  My first marathon was the Disney Marathon in January.

First, I cannot say how different training has been for my second marathon.  I feel stronger than ever, have zero injuries or twinges, and recover with lightening speed (knock on wood).    I thank yoga for the improvement!  I’m already at 30-mile training weeks, which didn’t happen until Week 15 of Disney Marathon training.

 

Every time I tell someone that I’m going to do Thunder Road, they moan and groan.  “Really?!” they say. “Do you know how horrible that marathon is?  It was 20 degrees with 20 MPH winds last year.  I’ll never do it again.”

 

At first, I thought all the bitchin’ and moanin’ about Thunder Road was kind of funny.  Honestly, I thought other runners were just be whiny.  But then I heard the same thing repeated by 5 people… 10 people… 15 people!?  15 people complaining about one race is NOT a fluke. 

 

I started to freak out – what if i wake up on marathon morning and it’s 15 degrees outside?  What if it’s snowing?!  What if I bank three months of training on a marathon with a terrible reputation? Am I setting myself up to fail?

 

Enter…

The Spinx Run Fest Marathon on October 30, 2010.  The brand new marathon course starts off with 13.1 miles on city streets and paved trails. The terrain is rolling with a few short steep hills.   The second 13.1 miles are on relatively flat and straight city streets, including 6 miles on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

 

SIGN ME UP.

 

Literally.  🙂

 

After comparing my current training to my training for Disney (always keep track of your training for this reason alone!), checking out professional training plans online, and consulting with seasoned marathons like Jen and Emily, I determined that I can, in fact, train to run a marathon in six weeks.  I wish I had time to do a 22 miler like I did for Disney, but that’s probably pushing it.

 

Here’s my new schedule of long runs (Really I’m training for a marathon 15 weeks, which is normal. Check out my training plan for the rest of the details): 

 

  • This week: Half Marathon Race (a slow race to be taken as a taper week)
  • 17 miles
  • 18 miles
  • 20 miles
  • 10 miles
  • Race

 

I don’t care about my marathon time AT ALL so I’m going to take Spinx with a light attitude and just try to have fun!  :)  Jen is also running Spinx so I’ll have a friend to travel to the race with.

 

My back-up plan:

 

  • If I run Spinx in six weeks, I’ll see how I feel and what the weather is like for Thunder Road.  I can either run the Marathon, drop down to the Half Marathon, or defer my entry until next year determining on how fast I recover and train.
  • If I don’t feel ready to run Spinx, I’ll drop down to the Half and continue to train for the Thunder Road Marathon.

 

I put a lot of thought and had many discussions with other marathoners before making this decision, and I really feel like my body can handle it.  And who knows – maybe I’ll end up running THREE marathons in 2010!

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Rock on!

 

Any advice for the last minute-marathoner? 🙂

{ 106 comments }

 

  • Julie @SavvyEats September 20, 2010, 8:37 am

    You are crazy, but in the best way possible! Love you, and good luck with your training!!

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. September 20, 2010, 8:37 am

    Caitlin, you never cease to impress me! Good luck, girl!!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine September 20, 2010, 8:39 am

    That sounds like a great idea!! I’d be wary of such a tough course on Thunder Road too, though I’m sure you can rock it 🙂 Good luck as you continue your training!

  • Dori September 20, 2010, 8:42 am

    This is an awesome plan! I love how you have a contingency plan for every possible scenario. I think you will be able to run the full marathon on Oct 30 and I think you will have a great experience.

  • maria @ Chasing the Now September 20, 2010, 8:43 am

    I’m surprised by your choice, but definitely support you. It’s all about listening to your body and knowing what will work for you.

    Also, just because it works for YOU it’s important readers remember it won’t necessarily work for them. I think we get too caught up in “Oh, well this person can do this, so I can do it too!”

    Best of luck! Can’t wait to see what happens!

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 20, 2010, 8:49 am

      Maria, that’s a good point.
      Caitlin, you are very fit and capable of 2 marathons in such a short span of time. Not a lot of people could do what you are doing.

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 8:50 am

      truth! obviously i am listening to my body in making this decision and others should too.

  • Sarah September 20, 2010, 8:45 am

    I love Greenville…Reedy River Park is the best part! Excited for you. (PS- While you’re there, my favorite place to grab lunch or dinner in downtown is Chicora Alley. Gotta check it out!)

    • Tracy September 20, 2010, 4:16 pm

      Sarah- I agree Greenville is awesome!!! That’s why I live here!! Oh . . . . and yes Chicora Alley is great and so is Barley’s (if you’re looking for pizza)!

      Caitlyn- I’m doing the Spinx, too!!! Well, the 5k, but I’ll look for you! Good luck!

  • emily September 20, 2010, 8:45 am

    That is super exciting! And it sounds like you put a lot of thought into your decision, go you!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 20, 2010, 8:48 am

    Woohoo!! Looks like a great plan, I’m sure you can do it! 🙂

  • Jen September 20, 2010, 8:53 am

    🙂 You’ll be ready for Spinx!

  • megan September 20, 2010, 9:04 am

    I have absolutely zero marathon advice, but I still wanted to say good luck and I can’t wait to read about it!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 20, 2010, 9:07 am

    There is no way I would do that, but if you think you can do it, go for it! I think you have a good plan in place, by dropping to the 1/2 if necessary.

    Just don’t push it too much these 5 weeks, you don’t want to end up injured. I think past commenters have good points about how you are in great shape and have been running for a while, and that non runners should not suddenly train for a marathon in 6 weeks — that sounds like a challenge on the Biggest Loser.

  • Kelly September 20, 2010, 9:09 am

    If you’ve been training for 9 weeks and have 6 weeks to go that’s 15 weeks of training. I would consider 16 weeks pretty typical so really it’s not that last minute. I think you will do great. Like you said, and I’ve been saying from day one of training for my second marathon, the second time around is SO different than the first time. You are stronger and this time you already know you can do it. 🙂

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit September 20, 2010, 9:10 am

    You’re brave- go for it!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) September 20, 2010, 9:12 am

    um no advice from me since I’m a beginner!! But just wanted to let you know I did my first 5k this past weekend during my visit to Charlotte!!!!

  • Tina September 20, 2010, 9:13 am

    I say your game plan sounds perfect. No pressure and can adjust as needed. You’re a smart cookie so you got this. 😉

    And I’m jealous of your pumpkin. Libby’s has still been elusive in these parts.

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans September 20, 2010, 9:14 am

    You’re a beast! I did just read an article on the Runner’s World website about training for a marathon in 8 weeks that could be worth checking out

  • caronae September 20, 2010, 9:15 am

    This is very exciting! Although just to clarify, you’re really training for it in nine weeks plus six weeks (15 weeks), not just six. 🙂

    I can’t wait to hear more about it — it sounds like you really thought through your training and timing and made a great decision!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 20, 2010, 9:21 am

    Ok, now I have to go and buy a pumpkin today to roast it since I don’t have canned pumpkin in my stores yet!

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com September 20, 2010, 9:22 am

    Yea! I’m doing this marathon too with my sister in law! We need to have a pre-race blogger dinner in Greenville! 🙂 And since the race is halloween weekend, we’re thinking costumes might be necessary. Hehe!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg September 20, 2010, 9:28 am

    Sounds like a good plan!!

    Lol, I stocked up on pumpkin yesterday too. We haven’t had it in our stores, and I finally found some, so I bought 12 cans!! I think the store clerk thought I was crazy.

  • Nicole September 20, 2010, 9:38 am

    I live in Greenville and Im doing the 5K! Let me know if you do a blog meet up, I would love to meet you! By the way…I also love Pumpkin and plan to stock up tonight! 🙂

    • Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 20, 2010, 10:38 am

      I live in Spartanburg!

      • Nicole September 20, 2010, 10:50 am

        I live in Greer right now but I’m moving to Spartanburg! What part of town do you live in?

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:32 pm

      yay i will definitely do a meet up – email me1

  • Liz @ LBBakes September 20, 2010, 9:43 am

    My mom ran her first marathon on less than two months notice, and my dad once ran 3 in 8 weeks (trying to qualify for Boston). You can do it! 🙂

  • Heather September 20, 2010, 9:50 am

    I knew that’s what you were going to announce, lol! good luck!!!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul September 20, 2010, 9:57 am

    When I first read this post title, I was ready to commit you, but 15 weeks sounds appropriate. It’s always good to be flexible in your training, and it definitely sounds like your body is feeling good. Good luck!

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) September 20, 2010, 10:00 am

    I can’t wait to buy canned pumpkin!!! I definitely think that it is a great idea to do the first marathon then re-evaluate! Keep up the strong marathon training!

  • Laurie September 20, 2010, 10:01 am

    Where did you find Libby’s pumpkin?? I’ve been looking all over for it!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:32 pm

      local grocery store – harris teeter

  • skinnyrunner September 20, 2010, 10:05 am

    i say go for it! listen to your body of course, blah blah, but do it! go big.

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:32 pm

      i love this comment.

  • Sara September 20, 2010, 10:06 am

    Caitlin, I’ve been reading your blog for a few months but haven’t commented before. Great that your training is going so well you’re ready to step things up. I live in Columbia and am playing with the idea of running the Spinx Half. I’m coming back from some IT Band issues after running my first marathon in March so I’m trying not to overdo it. I’m running the Governor’s Cup 1/2 in Columbia on 11/13. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a nearby half for training. Good luck, sounds like you have things under control!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:32 pm

      do it!

  • Heather September 20, 2010, 10:18 am

    I am a hard core runner myself. I am running the Twin Cities Marathon October 3rd!(shooting for a time of 2:45) My only advice is…I think running 20 miles 2 weeks out from a marathon is a little too much. How about increasing the 18 mile run to 20. Running your last “long” run should be 3 weeks out. You need these 3 weeks to recover from your long runs. This gives you time to replace your glycogen stores. Two weeks out run 12. One week out run 8-10. Its sounds like you are strong and ready!

    • Tracy September 20, 2010, 11:07 am

      The taper approach for a sub-3:00 marathoner can be quite different than a 5:00 marathoner. Personally, I dislike a 3 week taper (my times fall at around 4:00). Though, must say, I wouldn’t even consider training for a marathon unless I had a 30mpw *base* for multiple months.

      Caitlin, I’m surprised that the naysayers caused you to look for another marathon (though I’m not disputing your choice!)… wasn’t Disney unexpectedly cold?

      • Heather September 20, 2010, 1:54 pm

        I am not really talking about the over-all tapering…just for the long runs leading up to the marathon. As far as the difference between the sub-3 and sub 5 hours for training and tapering,yes it can be a different approach. But it’s really similar with the mileage of the long runs leading up to the race.

        • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:31 pm

          Disney sucked and I never want to run another 20 degree marathon!

          i don’t think i work well with long tapers. i tapered for three weeks for disney and it blew, big time. i guess i’ll see how it goes. i appreciate the feedback!

  • Corey @ The Runner's Cookie September 20, 2010, 10:19 am

    I like the plan! It gives you options based on how ready you’re feeling. I would suggest swapping the 18 miler with the 20 miler – generally 20 is better 3 weeks before a marathon, but you totally know your body best and what’s best for you! Every runner is different. And yay for no injuries!!

  • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:37 am

    Also, I agree with others that it is great you are giving yourself so many options. I know nothing about running, but I think you can do it!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 20, 2010, 10:38 am

    How exciting! If anyone can do it, you can!

  • the veg meg September 20, 2010, 10:38 am

    WOW! you go! the hubs and I are doing the spinx 5k as our first ever road race…we aren’t runners (yet) but we’re in training now and i’m so excited!

  • Julia @ Brit Bride September 20, 2010, 10:38 am

    I am sure you will rock it!

    I am currently looking for guest post submissions over on my blog – inspirational real weddings or how people shaped up for their wedding – would you (or any one else who is reading?) be interested? Check out my call for submissions in my latest post.

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

  • Natalia - a side of simple September 20, 2010, 10:57 am

    Great plan! Your “go get it” perspective is so inspiring. Keep it up Caitlin!!

  • Chelsea September 20, 2010, 11:02 am

    GOOD LUCK!
    You will do so great! Just keep your eye on the prize 🙂

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence September 20, 2010, 11:06 am

    You can do it!

  • Sassy Molassy September 20, 2010, 11:11 am

    Sounds like you’ll be just fine with the higher mileage you’ve been already doing. And, a bad race day experience (and freezing temps) can ruin the race even if it is the one you were training for.

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) September 20, 2010, 11:20 am

    Wish I had some advice, but I pretty much know nothing about racing… but some how I know that you will do just fine! You get your mind set to something and you always make it happen… And .. you know we’re all here rooting for you 😉

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks September 20, 2010, 11:22 am

    My Safeway only has the Libby Pumpkin Pie Mix…not the 100% Pure Pumpkin. Sadness.

    Good luck with your training….two marathons coming up and 2 in 2010? Sounds exciting! 😀

  • Kelly September 20, 2010, 11:23 am

    Haha you are insane, but I love it! Are you gonna wear a costume for your Halloweeny marathon?

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:30 pm

      didnt even think of that!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa September 20, 2010, 11:27 am

    This is so exciting! Good luck!

  • Lindsey September 20, 2010, 11:35 am

    That’s awesome that you’re running this marathon; I’m actually running it, too! Please let me know if you’re planning on doing a blogger/reader meet up before or after the race :)Also, you’re breakfast looks so good; I can’t wait to get some pumpkin soon!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:29 pm

      yay awesome! there are only 500 of us signed up. will you email me and maybe we can meet up?

  • Camille September 20, 2010, 11:38 am

    Yikes! That sounds like an intense marathon!
    The biggest thing for me before marathons is to know when you need to rest. I have a tendency to get injured during training so something I just need to hang up my running shoes for a week and relax. It doesn’t hurt the overall training!

  • Kaci September 20, 2010, 11:41 am

    MMMMmmmm my store so far is out of pumpkin and I’m so sad. Send me a can! =) HA!

    Good luck with all your training you will so rock it! Believe!

  • sarah September 20, 2010, 11:42 am

    I think the marathon course can make a HUGE difference, so you’ve made a smart decision 🙂 Might want to try running the 20 a bit more than 2 weeks before the race (like 16 days before), so you have plenty of recovery time.

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) September 20, 2010, 11:47 am

    I think I’m a bit jealous of your spontaneity! I am such a planner that this has me practically hyperventilating and it has nothing to do with me. 🙂 (kidding)

    I know what you mean about worrying that you’ll throw away months of training on a race with bad weather. Especially since it’s late in the season so you’ll have less opportunities to pick up another race afterwards. Part of my ‘back-up plan’ involves a later race in a warmer state. I’d hate to have to wait until May to race again when I worked so hard all Summer!

    I think you know what you can do and what will make you happy. I also think you won’t push yourself until you are broken because you know being injured is not worth it. That would be my biggest concern.

    I’m running my second marathon in less than a week and am SUPER excited about it! I have felt much stronger and confident this time around. Now I just need to relax and hope the weather holds up for me!

  • JL Goes Vegan September 20, 2010, 11:52 am

    I admire you! I have run two marathons. Within six months of each other. And I haven’t run another one since! LOL But love, love, love half-marathons! I’m no doubt you can do it and do it well!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) September 20, 2010, 11:57 am

    girl you are CRAZY and i love that about you! pretty soon y’alls car is going to be wallpapered with 26.2 stickers 🙂

  • Amber K September 20, 2010, 12:07 pm

    Agh! Insanity! Lol, I am not suprised by this. You have this amazing ability to jump into things headfirst with confidence. I’m sure you will rock it!

  • Lauren September 20, 2010, 12:21 pm

    Girl you are crazy!!!! But I probably would have done the same thing. 🙂

  • Teacherwoman September 20, 2010, 12:33 pm

    Did you know that there is a shortage of canned pumpkin? Or at least there is here in ND. The last couple times I was at the grocery store (and target) I looked but was not able to find any!

  • beth September 20, 2010, 12:37 pm

    I, like you, have had my fair share of injuries! I signed up for the Portland marathon (which is in 3 weeks) and after about 3 months off I have only been able to run about 12 miles per week to avoid pain in my knee returning. Do you think I could handle the half marathon distance given I only have three weeks to get myself up to that point? Or do I just suck up the 100$ loss and hope for a better running season next year?!?

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:28 pm

      can you defer?

      • Bethany September 21, 2010, 1:56 pm

        Nope, they don’t allow it 🙁 I think I will have to just call it a loss and save my energy for next year. I don’t think it is worth the pain and heartache of even attending!

  • lenniejane September 20, 2010, 12:38 pm

    The only advice I have (as a non-marathoner…yet) is to always remember this ambition and excitement that you have right now. It will get you through even the toughest of training runs/the marathon itself!

  • Lisa September 20, 2010, 12:42 pm

    Do you cook the pumpkin or eat it straight out of the can cold?

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:28 pm

      straight from the can – its ready to eat!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 20, 2010, 12:47 pm

    You can totally do it!!!

  • Runeatrepeat September 20, 2010, 12:51 pm

    Actually, Runner’s World has a good article about training for a last minute race. Basically, the advice is what to run but also don’t necessarily run to PR. Just do your best and listen to your body 🙂

    Here is the link:

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-13612-0,00.html

    Good luck!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:28 pm

      oh thank you!

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous September 20, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Ohmygoodness! GOOD FOR YOU! I’ve been telling myself for the longest time that I need to do a half marathon before I turn 30 in a couple months, but I haven’t signed up for a race. This is definitely motivation…I’m gonna see what races are coming up in November. I know I could do it, I just need to get over my race fear! ahhh!

  • Michelle September 20, 2010, 1:07 pm

    You go girl! You are such an inspiration!

  • Emily @ The Front Burner Blog September 20, 2010, 1:36 pm

    As a Thunder Road veteran, I am sure you included me in your wimpy runners group, but I assure you I think you’ve made a good choice. 🙂 Thunder Road is really fun, and I thought the course was great, but DAMN it was cold…

    🙂

  • emily styles September 20, 2010, 1:45 pm

    you are totally in shape for it so go for it…..just remember to be extra careful in listening to your body even before your taper….this is the most crucial time in your training. im sure youll do great!

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well September 20, 2010, 2:28 pm

    You’re crazy and I love it! I’m so glad you’re listening to your body. If your body says – let’s do this then go for it! You make me want to sign up for a half (even though I haven’t run a lick in two months)!

  • julia September 20, 2010, 2:37 pm

    lots of dates with the foam roller. Compression socks. Salonpas patches. Those seriously saved my legs. Go get em tiger!

  • whitney September 20, 2010, 3:16 pm

    go get em!

    running is so much better when you listen to your body and take time as needed.

    I still can’t find pumpkin your making me a little jealous

  • Claire C September 20, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I don’t know why,but my body has a total aversion to running.I don’t know why…I can’t bring myself to do it.I think it’s some type of phobia.hehe…I admire people like you who do it and enjoy it.someday maybe I will be able to…
    On a fun note,I was in Publix yesterday and saw a girl with Libby’s in her cart.I hauled ass( I guess I can run.hehe…) and scooped up the remainin 5:-)

  • Jaime Runs September 20, 2010, 4:35 pm

    Yay pumpkin. Going on my shopping list right now. Maybe I’ll like pumpkin yogurt?

    Good luck training – that should be a fun time. At least the weather will be nice. I bet you can run in 20 degree weather – layers, layers, layers.

  • Carissa September 20, 2010, 4:55 pm

    You know, you’ve already done your first marathon, so you know what kind of mental games to play and that you CAN do a marathon. So it sounds like you’re “game on” and that you’re gonna do it. Good Luck!

  • Di September 20, 2010, 6:16 pm

    Funny you should post about yoga helping your running cos I feel completely the same and have a post coming up this week about that very topic!
    I was doing yoga 2-3 times a week along with running and progressing in mileage nicely each week. Then August I had to cut down on yoga and guess what, my stamina just disappeared! I was still running, but lots of bad runs, lots of failed mileage and heavy legs!
    Back into yoga last week, and ran a 1/2 marathon at the weekend. I definitely think yoga helps my running!
    Yay yoga!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:27 pm

      yay yoga! i agree.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 20, 2010, 6:20 pm

    You’re in such great shape that I know you’ll be able to rock this! Good luck! 🙂

  • Gail @ Shrinking Sisters September 20, 2010, 8:52 pm

    I’m definitely not at the point where I can think about a marathon (gotta actually RUN a 5k first), I am all about your pumpkin yogurt. That looks fab! I still have canned pumpkin in the pantry from last Thanksgiving (it lasts for years!) so I’m making it for tomorrow’s breakfast.

  • Jeni Wood September 20, 2010, 9:20 pm

    I’m doing the Spinx half marathon! Maybe I’ll see you there! I live in Greenville and i love the swamp rabbit trail! Good luck on the training!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:27 pm

      I should do a meet up!

  • Amykinz September 20, 2010, 9:28 pm

    Caitlin, how do you track your trainings? What would you recommend?

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:26 pm

      I just track it on Excel

  • Jessie September 20, 2010, 9:48 pm

    Where I live (NH) pumpkin is only in grocery stores during its seasonal time (around thanksgiving). Is there somewhere it is sold year-round?? I’ve looked everywhere!

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:26 pm

      I know its usually on Amazon.com!

  • Natalie September 20, 2010, 10:05 pm

    I think your plan sounds really good! I like that you’re setting yourself up for a successful race. One of the half-marathons that I ran was in the snow and it was dreadful!

  • Sharon Koch September 21, 2010, 1:40 am

    I found your website via my husband and I have to say, I love it!! This pumpkin yogurt recipe looks totally amazing!! All the best with your marathon training… I look forward to reading more!! Love finding inspiring blogs by people who choose to be active and love the whole Healthy Tipping Point idea… great!!

  • Lindsay September 21, 2010, 9:28 am

    really, I wouldn’t be bothered by people complaining about last year’s race. NC winter weather is just as likely to be 50 degrees and sunny…just because it was cold and windy that day last year does not in any way say it will be this year. Train smart and good luck in October!

  • beth September 21, 2010, 9:34 am

    people are crazy! I ran Thunder Road last year and it was awesome. I will take cold over hot in a marathon any day. I ran Thunder Road six weeks after running the Marine Corps Marathon and was none the worse for the wear. I am planning to do it again this year with Ridge to Bridge and Thunder Road. I kept my long runs to a minimum in between. Hal Higdon has a plan you can use as a guideline for running marathons a few weeks apart: http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/multiple/Multiplemara.htm

    • Caitlin September 21, 2010, 9:37 pm

      this gives me hope!

  • kristin September 21, 2010, 9:37 am

    lady you are crazy and i love it! GOOD LUCK!

  • Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker September 21, 2010, 9:35 pm

    I agree with Heather and Corey that I think running 20 miles 2 weeks out from a marathon is a little too much. I have my first marathon on October 3rd . . . and I’m already in the taper. The week in your plan that you’re doing 20, I did 12 . . . basically, it just gives your body more time to recover, feel fresh before the race. And if you’re speeding up your training to make an earlier marathon, you’re going to need that refresh feeling more and more.

    But if you don’t want a “long” taper . . . I’d at least suggest putting in some kind of step-back week between all those weekends of long runs. Half Marathon, 17, 18, 20, 10, marathon . . . it just seems like you may risk getting injured to me. I’d suggest something more like Half Marathon, 18, 20, 12, 8

    Be safe!

  • Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker September 21, 2010, 9:35 pm

    Oh, and my “first” marathon, I don’t mean my first-ever. Just first of the season.

  • swarovski May 6, 2011, 5:49 pm

    Greatest website I’ve ever noticed !

  • Paul January 9, 2014, 2:07 pm

    I’m planning to have a go at a marathon in 6 weeks. Interested to know how you got on and whether you finished this injury free.

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