May 28, 2012

If you give Katie a glass of wine...

...she is going to pour another.

I had a pretty uneventful weekend, but Saturday night, I did something I swore I would never do! My kids were staying the night at my parents' house, and Jerry was at work. I was trying to catch up on blog reading. It all started so innocently, with a single glass of wine...
But then I had another glass. And a third. Before I knew it, I was doing a Google search...
Why on earth would I need a passport, you might ask? Good question. There is actually an international race in October--the Detroit Free Press Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K. I sent Jerry a text to see if his work would pay for my registration (like they've been paying for a lot of local races lately)...
Ignore the boob comment. Of course he would go
and ruin my screenshot with a comment like that!
And just like that, I did it. I swore I would never do another marathon, and just six days after my first, I was registered for my second. What the hell was I thinking?!

I was already registered to run the fifth leg of a relay at that same marathon, so I had to find someone to take my leg for me--and Stephanie said that she would like to do it. I think she is the perfect person to take my spot! I'm a little bummed about not doing the relay, because I'm sure it would be so much FUN--but this is the only fall marathon that would have worked out for me (plus, Jerry's work is paying for the registration!)

I just really want to have a GOOD marathon experience. The first one was okay, and certainly could have been worse; but now that I know what to expect, I think I can have a much better experience. The only downside is that I won't have a training partner this time, but I will live (hopefully).

So anyway, I will be running 26.2 in Detroit (and Canada!) on October 21st. I promise not to be AS annoying with the marathon talk this time around ;) Training starts on June 18th--right around the corner. I am doing a different schedule this time around. I found this training schedule in a Women's Running magazine a while ago. The training is only three days per week--but all three days are higher quality workouts. This is impossible to read while it's this small, but I think if you click on it, it will be bigger (not that it's interesting to anyone but me!)
E=Easy run
PU=Pick Up (30 seconds of fast running)
T=Tempo (a "comfortably fast" pace)
ER=Easy Recovery
MP=Marathon Pace

I am actually going to make it a point to do cross training this time around. I am going to do strength training as well (using my new kettlebell) starting tomorrow. For cross training, I will probably either ride my bike or walk at a high incline on the dreadmill.

My goal going into this marathon is to finish under 5 hours. Last time, I was just doing it to finish, regardless of time. But I don't like that my pace was all over the place during training and the race itself. I'd like to stick to the training schedule and follow the recommended pace for each run, based on my current half-marathon time. According to the McMillan calculator, I should be able to run a full marathon in 4:20:00 ish. I'm not even going to aim for that!! I will be more than happy with anything under 5:00:00.

The best part about this race is that the average temp is between 44 and 57 degrees--PERFECT for running! I will be training through the summer though, which isn't going to be pleasant. I will probably have to do quite a few treadmill runs, because my kids will be home from school. And I know I shouldn't plan to fail, but IF I have bad knee problems like last time, or if the heat is just too difficult to train in, I can always switch to the half-marathon as a back-up plan.

I have to go to the Secretary of State tomorrow to apply for an enhanced driver's license (it's cheaper than a passport). I know so many of you said that I would do another marathon, and I swore up and down that I wouldn't. So go ahead and say you told me so! ;)

49 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 28, 2012

    So, did you send him a picture of your boobs too?! Lol!

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  2. Oh gosh! A boob pic, too? We might be married to brothers!

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  3. Go Katie! I am so proud of you for deciding to do it again! I know you can do it!

    LOL @ Boop Pic request!

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  4. It didn't take long to change your mind! lol You are a crazy woman...but that is AWESOME!!! I don't know if I'll ever want to run a marathon, but I'm pretty sure I'd like to one day do a Ragnar Relay! Its awesome to see you meet AND exceed the goals that you set for yourself! Great job!!! : )

    I've recently started the Couch 2 5k training program and am blogging about it on my blog Eating Away Ernie (willbeskinnyernie@blogspot.com)...any advice you can give me to help me with my workouts or what foods are best to eat for training I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks. : )

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  5. After my first half marathon, I vowed I'd never do another. I walked most of it on a stress fracture due to poor preparation. But here I am in training! So I say good for you! :D

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  6. Also, as I go back and forth between Japan and Seattle so much, let me know if you have any passport questions! I feel like I've dealt with every possible problem in the book! :)

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  7. Yay!!!! I'm doing it too! You're the first person I know doing that full I think. Everybody I know is doing Grand Rapids instead this year. You're hilarious. "NEVER AGAIN". I can't believe you converted THAT fast!

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  8. Well, the first one couldn't have been too bad. Even childbirth takes longer to get over than you your 1st marathon... and I've heard the two compared numerous times. :) I'm excited for you and I hope this one gives you that high you were looking for upon completion!!

    And that husband of yours... cracks me up.

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  9. This makes me smile SO BIG!!! Excited for you Katie :) I think it's great that you're going to go for it again and work for the experience you were hoping for!!!

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  10. yeah, I think the world is more interested if he ever got that picture :)

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  11. I have a friend who says you should try any new experience at least twice - once to experience it and then once to decide if it is for you or not. :)

    I loved Jessica's photos and think a guest post by her would be terrific.

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  12. Way to go Katie!! You are so inspiring and a little crazy but apparently 6 days and a little wine can change a lot of things ;)

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  13. AnonymousMay 28, 2012

    Yay Katie! So excited for you! I know you will not regret it!

    Molli (sparkpeople)

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  14. Katie, you are a serious inspiration! We started at the same weight...and I want to get down to 150. My son is home from college for the summer and we are going to start serious running training next week. My first half marathon is at the outer banks of NC in November. I love reading your blog!

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  15. VERY exciting! :) My beloved and I are looking at a half in September in Montreal, not international in the same sense as yours, but still so fun!

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  16. That is awesome, Katie! I am really happy for you. I have to laugh b/c just before reading this I signed up for my first 20K. I ran my first 10K on Sat and said I would NEVER run that far again... 12 weeks from now I will be finished with the 20K.

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  17. This is hysterical. I LOVE that you've signed up for this. I truly want your next experience to be completely different! You gotta be able to compare at least two! Good luck, and I can't wait to follow your training.

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  18. I said I wouldn't do another, either, but I want to sign up for another for your same reasons: it wasn't what I expected, but I know I can do better next time now that I know. And it was hot and crappy in Cleveland and I want a good marathon experience, too. Good luck!

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  19. Woo Hoo. I'm excited for you Katie. And OMG...I laughed out loud at your husband's boobs text. Hilarious. Have a great week!!!!

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  20. Congrats Katie! Oh and also...lol what a scandal international travel and boob pictures..oh dear :-P

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  21. One of the many reasons drinking is dangerous.. ha ha, I'm excited for you!! I just want to know, did you send the pic of your boobs? I love that men universally have a one track mind! (Sheesh, you'd think 30 days of sex would be enough, lol!!)

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  22. AnonymousMay 29, 2012

    Ah drinkers confidence. Oh well, whatever it takes. Good for you getting going again. Wish wine worked like that on me.

    I love that hubs needed a boob pic. Date night must be going well. ; ))

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  23. AnonymousMay 29, 2012

    Who called it? Ahemmmmm lol I did....lol love draftlover

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  24. What's the matter? 30 days too much for Jerry and he needs a little encouragement with some sexting?!? LOL I'm sure you NEVER do that! Could you imagine if that ever made it out there? I know, Jerry just keeps asking and asking figuring eventually you'll get SO tired of it that you'll finally say yes, like when your kid knows "no" isn't the final verdict!

    SO happy you're having another go at a marathon. I have to figure out when to start training for my half. Any suggestions for me?

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  25. Congrats. You will love the Detroit Marathon. It's a great race. One of my favorites. I'm going the opposite though. I'll have run 2 marathons the last two seasons. I'm going back to only one per season. Good luck with the training. I'll be interested in following it.

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  26. Wonderful!! I'm not surprised...I don't know how many people I have heard say that they won't do another marathon after their first, and just like you, they are signed up for another before you know it! If you are interested in another international marathon for your third (LOL) Niagara Falls is unique in that it starts in one country (Buffalo, NY) and finishes in another (Niagara Falls, ON...right at the brink of the falls).

    I have been reading your blog for about a month and you have really inspired me. In fact, I am considering signing up for a half on the same day in Toronto. I have done 3 10ks and last year walked a 10 mile (The Chocolate Race!!) but done nothing since Sept. I've been wanting to get back at it...hubby has run 15 marathons, so is supportive...but the usual, afraid of failure, hate the heat (we do have a decent treadmill), worry about health issues...I am about 260 lbs, type 2 diabetes. We recently found out that my dad has Lou Gehrig's disease and ALS Society is one of the registered charites at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon so it is something I thought I could do to honour him. I already have a training plan worked out, just haven't told Jim yet, because then I will HAVE to do it.

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  27. Congrats! It is sooooo exciting!

    I love how you take that screen shot and not even mention that hubs asks for a boob pic almost immediately following, "Can you sign me up for the full." ;-) made me chuckle.

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  28. Ha!! YOU'VE BEEN BITTEN by the endurance bug :)

    the big question is...when is your first triathlon???

    Congrats!!

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  29. Wow. Color me shocked! :)

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  30. Don't send the photo!!! It might get into the net somehow...

    Ha, love the fact you are a powerhouse of inspiration. I cannot imagine running that far!

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  31. Well! It doesn't sound like you regret your wine-induced commitment, though. I'm sure this will be a better experience for you though.

    I meant to ask, how did your hydration belt work out for you during the marathon? Sorry if you already said, I just don't remember seeing it in your race report.

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  32. Woo hoo....I knew you would do another 26.2!!!!! You are truly an inspiration! I love the boobs comment because that is exactly what my husband does. Men!!

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  33. You are crazy, woman! But you are also very inspiring--even though I have slipped up BAD on my weight loss journey, I've started looking in to the Couch to 5k thing (even though I am not, and have never been, a runner!) It's just something I think I want to try.
    And I seriously think we might be married to the same person... ;)

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  34. I am so happy for you--you know you love running...you just proved it! Well with a little wine to fortify you! LOVED the boob comment--it would be something my hubby would do except he doesn't text.

    Soon as I saw you had signed up for another marathon I thought, "I hope the temps are cooler this time." Then at the end you say 44-57--that's good running weather! I know 40's would probably suit you better, so we'll hope for the lower end. It's so much better than the last marathon.

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  35. I'm doing the Freep too! I'll be with you in spirit, girl, during the long runs! :) And I'm glad you signed up -- its sort of like childbirth. You SWEAR you're never going to do that again because it hurt so bad...and then you send a pic of your boobs and end up preggers ;) LOL

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  36. Hallious! Do yourself a favor and start looking for your marathon outfit June 18th also. We all love you, probably moreso when you drink!

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  37. Hallious! Do yourself a favor and start looking for your marathon outfit June 18th also. We all love you, probably moreso when you drink!

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  38. I love that you made this decision over wine. You are so inspiring! Best of luck in your training. Cheers~

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  39. Yeah Katie!!! That's so exciting. I'll be doing the half-marathon (because so far I'm only half crazy :) and it will be my first. Woohoo!! Here's to running.

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  40. Way to go. I also made a crazy decision like that back in January and I will be running my 1st (and only) 1/2 Marathon this Sunday. Sometimes those crazy decisions are a blessing!

    On a side note did you wear your water belt when you ran the marathon? It looked to me like maybe you did in the pictures. I keep going back and forth about wearing it or not for the 1/2 marathon. I've really only run 5K's and I don't drink anything during those because I get to much of an upset stomach and to me gatorade is just gross. Anyway just wondering if you wore it and would you wear it again if you did?

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  41. Ok Hilarious! First cheers! I make my best decisions over wine also :). Secondly, congratulations on setting out on your second marathon, you are such an inspiration! And lastly, I think our husbands must be kin some how, I thought I was the only one in the world that got texts like that from my DH, I almost spit my water all over the effen Ipad when I saw that...hilarious!

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  42. How exciting! I am still laughing at your husband's text message ;)

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  43. AnonymousMay 29, 2012

    When I did my half in April, I swore that was the biggest goal I could handle, and that there was NO way I would ever do 26.2. But you inspired me to sign up for a marathon training program!!
    I knew you would do another....you are so goal-oriented!! Good luck; we'll be training at the same time. I look forward to hearing about yours. Deb from TN

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  44. I heard marathons were addictive. Hmm. Sounds like your hooked!

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  45. I'm so glad you decided to give it another go! I love hearing about your training, it inspires me to keep up on mine! My first half marathon was April 2011 and it did not go as planned at all, and I vowed that was a one and done. Then in January 2012, I found myself signing up for the same one again. But I think the experience really does help and I totally rocked it this year (and have run a 3rd, and tomorrow a 4th...and have already paid for #'s 5 & 6 that are coming up in fall/spring). I think you'll do fantastic!! I've toyed with signing up for my first full for this fall, but I want to give myself one more year of running...so my husband and I have agreed to make Chicago 2013 our first full!

    Can't wait to follow you through marathon #2 training and race!

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  46. I'm doing Detroit too! Hope to see you there! :-)

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