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So running has went pretty south since Canada, and I do not mean just literally. Once I returned to Mississippi I was determined to get back on track. Therefore, I sandwiched my first true week of marathon training between two (2) 16 mile treadmill runs. Things did not go well towards the end.

Sunday's run ended up with my legs screaming for me to stop from 12 miles on....I struggled for a little while then  finally slowed down just so I would get the miles in. Sadly, my last two were slower than 8 minute pace. Once I finally forced myself to quit, I just stood there with shaking my head, one hand on the rail trying to keep myself from toppling over.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME?

It was like this unsolvable puzzle that had created 24/7 worry and anxiety. YES I have a marathon in about 10 weeks time and my legs are SHOT. I have a tempo tomorrow and I don't even know if I can run 1 mile at 6min pace, let alone 8 of them.

My heavy achy legs have been bothering me for weeks! Maybe months now. Desperate for a quick solution, I asked Houston to seek out some advice for me.

"Can you ask coach what is wrong with me, or someone? Please?"
Houston- "I don't need to ask. I know what is wrong with you."

Then we got into this short , but informative, discussion about my diet (or lack of) and how I really should be more conscious of what I am consuming and if I am eating enough. I got off the phone still not completely convinced at all. I am healthy, I am not too thin and I am never hungry. That is surely not it.

Then I had a moment of clarity. The next morning, I was halfway through my second bag of vending machine pretzels while downing my 4th cup of coffee when I realized, its not the amount, its WHAT. Barely anything I shove down my throat during the day is really thought out or planned. I basically eat what is available WHEN it is available. If that is a bag of Doritos and a diet coke...well, that is lunch my friends!

You can judge all you want. In a society that is so preoccupied with food and meals, I eat to live, nothing more. However, if I am going to continue to run 80-90 miles a week while taking care of my family and working 45 hours, I've got to pay more attention to my nutrition and make sure that I am making good choices and fueling my day.

Its funny, when I finally made this "discovery" it was like "how have I been able to do this for so long??!!" In day one, things are going well. Catch me on day 21 and we will see if I have made real progress! I am banking on it.

I hope everyone has a great week! Advice on this topic is appreciated, if you have any!
-M

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• Running

View Original Post at mfranks.blogspot.com

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