Training Before the Chicago Marathon; but first, Covid-19
The Chicago Marathon was scheduled for today- Sunday, October 11, 2020. So here’s my journey leading up to it.
18 weeks before 26.2 miles
Before turning a quarter of a century old, I decided to make a list of goals; which I’ll get into later in the year. One of them, was running a half (13.1 miles) and full (26.2 miles) marathon. But because of the Covid-19 pandemic, my half marathon was cancelled, then postponed, then made virtual… by then, I gave up on writing about the journey. So here’s my journey towards my full marathon.
I was (or will be) running the Chicago Marathon with Autism Speaks.
Some resources that helped me prior to doing something completely out of anything I ever thought I would do, would probably help you too! I decided to make this year my year of adventure.
And boy have I done it. Thanks to the pandemic, I’ve learned some new talents I never knew could be as interesting and fun, like cooking. It’s made my eating habits better and I eat everything I want; in moderation of course. Diets don’t work for me. The most I’ve done is my modified diet and even then, it was only a few days of real detox because I feel guilty. I just have the biggest sweet tooth ever.
I started writing and contacting people in my social media asking who had run a marathon. If they had any tips, goals, guides… I was at an information overload but I needed it to calm myself a little. No one in my immediate family had ever done anything like this, so I was going in blind. I’m grateful for all the meetings, calls, texts, resources and everything everyone provided me.
I decided to run with a charity. Mostly because I didn’t know all of my options. I chose to even make the marathon a goal because one of my friends at North Central College wanted to run a full marathon before she turned 30. So of course, I jumped on the band wagon and aimed for it too, but before 25 years old. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Thanks Linh!
There are multiple outlets in which you can run a marathon, but I chose to run with a charity and support Autism Speaks. With it comes perks. You meet people in the same running journey, maybe even in your same pace. You feel more motivated to run for the cause rather than for yourself. I joined the facebook group and it has been a life savor because if you know me at all, I like to ask a bagillion questions to be well prepared.
A side note though: you have to fundraise a certain amount for whichever charity you choose to run for. Because I signed myself up nearly a year in advance, I started to focus on fundraising before my training. I like to give my all to one aspect before the next goal. I want to educate myself as much as possible and really dedicate the time it deserves.
“It’s been a wild ride and all worth it!” said no one ever.
The start of training
We were sent an email each week for what training that week should look like. It looked something like:
- Monday: REST
- Tuesday: # miles
- Wednesday: # miles
- Thursday: # miles
- Friday: REST
- Saturday: long run
- Sunday: cross training
Disclaimer: I’m not going to give you a run down of every day because you probably won’t read it. So I’ll just write about the days that provided more impact on me.
My FIRST DAY of training was June 8, 2020. Ask me if I ate any type of healthy food? Absolutely not. Just to give you an idea of what I ate:
- Breakfast: oatmeal
- Lunch: lettuce, tomato, chicken, cheese, black beans with apricots as “dessert”
- Snack: carrots, brie cheese with that good orange-y sauce, a chocolate cookie, handful of white cheeto puffs, two m&m cookies
- Dinner: rice, meatballs, avocado, sweet plantain chips
But at least I drank water for half my body weight. Which is what you’re supposed to drink daily.
The fact that I knew the next day I had to start my real training, gave me good riddance… if that makes sense?
DAY 2: June 9 @ 4:29PM
- Distance: 2.64 miles
- Time: 29.53 min
- Avg pace: 11’19”
- Weather: 91 degrees
- Location: Miami, FL
It was SO HOT! Major regrets. My biggest goal was to keep a solid pace but also not get into the red zone. I DID IT! It wasn’t easy because I felt like I was dying but it opened my eyes to the type of motivation I want to provide myself.
I feel very intimated about Saturday’s 8 miles. Where am I going to run? I’m not going to do 3.5 laps around my neighborhood. I’m going to feel dizzy. Where’s the new scenery?!
At least I have some fun socks to keep me going.
DAY 3: June 10 @ 7:13PM
- Distance: 5.01 miles
- Time: 01:02:13 min
- Avg pace: 12’24”
- Weather: 86 degrees
- Location: Miami, FL
I KEPT IT YELLOW THE WHOLE TIME! It felt like I’ve really been practicing, even though the pandemic took two months of unmotivated running from me. It was ROUGH. But I truly feel accomplished that I was able to stay strong the whole way through.
I feel a little excited about Saturday’s run because it’s all a MENTAL thing. My mind plays tricks on me and I have to keep myself motivated the whole time.
ALSO, I need a running playlist. ASAP.
DAY 7: June 13 @ 6:13AM
- Distance: 8.01 miles
- Time: 1:36:18 min
- Avg pace: 12’01”
- Weather: 82 degrees
- Location: Miami, FL
Coming into this run, I felt SO intimidated. The last time I ran a long run was mid-Feb. But it’s all a mental thing, remember that!
BUT I DID A RECORD FOR MYSELF!!
I ran with a friend I hadn’t seen IN YEARS! I think we were both nervous but didn’t really talk about it. It just felt natural, I guess? I’m also a huge advocate for running buddies- which is hard to find. Grateful for you, Ashley!
New scenery was also nice. We ran around the 4-mile golf course twice, completing my 8-mile run. She definitely helped keep a solid pace range, which I never thought I could do. I’m not going to lie, my left leg cramped for almost two miles but I stuck with it. Did you know that wearing thick socks for long runs help tremendously. It offers more support for your feet.
My biggest goal in both marathons? Do not walk.
So a random little fact that also helps me- since I have long, thick hair, I have to use tight ponytails. Which in turn, I usually get headaches from wearing ponytails for too long because my hair weighs a lot. I bet you some relate. I know I’m not alone on this one! So I bought new ponytails to use on my runs. You can also run with braids, but my lil dumb excuse is that ponytails look better in pictures. In a sense, I’m still practicing with my day-of-run look!
Overall, thank you Ashley, for pushing me and my pace range. I iced my left calf when I got home. Had my mom massage my legs and really just relax all day. The pool helps with aerobics too!
I beat my 8-mile goal by like 15-20 minutes. Mission Accomplished!
DAY 27: July 4th
- Distance: 11.00 miles
- Time: 2:29:19 min
- Avg pace: 13’34”
- Weather: MUGGY degrees
- Location: Miami, FL
I have to run 11 miles and have been less motivated to do anything. I’m running on 3 hours on/off sleep and I sike myself out. Which brings in how much I haven’t eaten properly. Sounds like excuses right?
Oh and I would be running by myself.
I also signed myself up for the 5k for Autism Speaks today. I definitely went a little above and beyond for it, if you know what I mean! Gatorade should sponsor me from all the bottles I drank.
Update: I ran it in the PM! I’m so proud of myself and how I turned my mood upside down.
And I came up with a running playlist. It’s still a work in progress, but check me out!!
DAY 36: Monday, July 13, 2020 at 2:35PM
We were informed that the Chicago Marathon is going to be cancelled. I’m still waiting on more news and statements from Autism Speaks. I have too many questions, but I’ll remain patient.
I’m still aiming to run the half marathon this Saturday, July 18th. It would have been a double whammy with my marathon training, so I don’t want the run to go to waste.
DAY 41: July 18th
You don’t understand how long I’ve been waiting to finally run my half marathon. It was originally supposed to be in April, but covid-19 got a little more intense than we expected. I was a little intimidated as the date got closer but I knew I really wanted to run this.
It started pouring the night before since 10pm and pouring rain all weekend.
My condition
On Sunday, July 19th, I went to the Emergency Room. Now I definitely couldn’t run the half marathon, because my health comes first. If you’re interested in that story, I spoke a little about it. But if you’re interested in the whole story, feel free to reach out.
Covid-19 hasn’t made this journey easier but I definitely do not regret signing up for the marathons. My 25 goals before 25 years old may be a little ruined, but I’m still looking forward to everything else that lies ahead.
Who’s with me?!
You made some good points there. I did a search on the subject and found most individuals will agree with your blog.
Tonic Greens, a natural health supplement, is designed to enhance immune function.
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
What is ZenCortex? ZenCortex is a cutting-edge dietary supplement meticulously crafted to provide essential nutrients that support and enhance healthy hearing
I like this weblog so much, saved to my bookmarks. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” by Norman Cousins.
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect web site.
Hey! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the good data you’ve got right here on this post. I shall be coming again to your blog for more soon.
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its helped me. Great job.
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a bad conclusion outstanding post! .
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
hey there and thank you in your information – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did on the other hand experience some technical points the usage of this web site, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of instances prior to I may get it to load properly. I had been puzzling over if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, however slow loading instances times will very frequently have an effect on your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am including this RSS to my email and could glance out for much more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
What Is Exactly Emperor’s Vigor Tonic? Emperor’s Vigor Tonic is a clinically researched natural male health formula that contains a proprietary blend of carefully selected ingredients.
Lottery Defeater: What Is It? A software tool called Lottery Defeater was created to raise the odds of winning lottery tickets.
There is perceptibly a bundle to realize about this. I believe you made various nice points in features also.
What is Sugar Defender 24? Jeffrey Mitchell made the Sugar Defender 24. It is a product (Sugar Defender Diabetes) that helps your blood sugar health.
I love foregathering useful information , this post has got me even more info! .
I want to show appreciation to the writer just for rescuing me from this matter. Right after browsing throughout the the net and meeting things which were not powerful, I believed my life was over. Being alive without the answers to the issues you’ve resolved as a result of your guideline is a crucial case, and ones which could have in a wrong way affected my career if I hadn’t discovered your website. That natural talent and kindness in maneuvering all things was precious. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a thing like this. It’s possible to at this moment look ahead to my future. Thanks very much for this expert and effective help. I won’t be reluctant to refer your site to any person who needs and wants tips about this situation.
I will right away snatch your rss as I can’t to find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me know so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
on. Any suggestions?
Great V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some fantastic details , I likewise believe this s a very excellent website.
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
I regard something genuinely special in this web site.
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue with your website in web explorer, might test this?K IE nonetheless is the market leader and a good component of people will pass over your wonderful writing due to this problem.
Understanding NanoDefense Pro: What is it? NanoDefense Pro is a specialized formula designed to improve nail and foot health naturally.
I like this web blog so much, saved to fav. “I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn’t true.” by Dorothy Parker.
I know this web site offers quality dependent posts and additional material, is there any other site which presents such information in quality?
This really answered my downside, thanks!
Excellent web site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your sweat!
I¦ve recently started a website, the information you provide on this web site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Some truly fantastic articles on this site, regards for contribution. “I finally know what distinguishes man from other beasts financial worries. – Journals” by Jules Renard.
I really like your writing style, excellent info, thank you for posting :D. “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.” by Johathan Edwards.
I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. But imagine if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its field. Superb blog!
What i don’t understood is in reality how you are no longer actually a lot more well-favored than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably with regards to this subject, produced me personally imagine it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs great. Always maintain it up!
Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb blog!
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website truly stands out : D.
I gotta favorite this website it seems invaluable very beneficial
I will immediately grab your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
As soon as I observed this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
You are my breathing in, I have few web logs and rarely run out from to brand.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
I love your writing style really enjoying this site.
Thanks for another fantastic post. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a bad determination great post! .
This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
wonderful post.Never knew this, regards for letting me know.
Very interesting details you have mentioned, appreciate it for posting. “The unspoken word never does harm.” by Kossuth.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
I precisely needed to thank you so much all over again. I do not know the things I might have implemented without those solutions discussed by you directly on that theme. It seemed to be an absolute intimidating issue in my view, but encountering a skilled way you dealt with the issue took me to leap for contentment. Extremely happy for this work and have high hopes you really know what a powerful job you are always getting into teaching some other people through your website. I’m certain you have never come across all of us.
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
Outstanding post, I conceive website owners should acquire a lot from this web site its rattling user friendly.
I like the efforts you have put in this, thankyou for all the great content.
Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article!
It’s the little changes that produce the greatest changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
I believe you have remarked some very interesting details , regards for the post.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is excellent, let alone the content!
I just could not go away your web site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info a person supply in your guests? Is gonna be again ceaselessly to inspect new posts.
Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!
This post is in fact a good one it assists new web visitors, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
Hi there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
I wanted to send you the very little remark to thank you very much yet again regarding the marvelous techniques you have discussed in this article. It has been really wonderfully generous of you to grant publicly all that a few people could have supplied for an e book to help with making some cash for their own end, most notably considering the fact that you might have tried it if you desired. These inspiring ideas additionally worked to become easy way to be aware that other people have similar eagerness much like my own to know the truth a lot more in respect of this issue. I am certain there are many more pleasurable periods in the future for individuals who scan your blog post.
Hello.This post was extremely interesting, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this issue last Tuesday.
I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and exposure! Keep up the great works guys I’ve you guys to my personal blogroll.
This article provides clear idea in favor of the new users of blogging, that actually how to do blogging.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Exceptional work!
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for! “I live in company with a body, a silent companion, exacting and eternal.” by Eugene Delacroix.
Hello there I am so thrilled I found your site, I really found you by error, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your website is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What an ideal web site.
Excellent post. I definitely appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
In fact when someone doesn’t know after that its up to other visitors that
they will assist, so here it occurs.
Very nice info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thank you 🙂
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Good post. I study something tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It is going to all the time be stimulating to learn content from different writers and observe somewhat one thing from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content material on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you
amend your site, how could i subscribe for a weblog website?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I have been a
little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent idea
You actually make it appear really easy along with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be really one thing that I feel I might by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely large for me. I’m taking a look forward on your next submit, I will try to get the hold of it!