The Disney World Marathon is January 10th – that’s only 11 weeks away! I usually countdown to races by how many long runs I have left to train. Here is my long run plan for the rest of training:
10/24 – 17 miles
10/31 – 19 miles
11/8 – 16 miles (in SFO with Meghann & co.)
11/14 – 18 miles
11/21 – 20 miles
11/28 – 15 miles (scale back because fam is in town & won’t have much time)
12/6 – 16.2 mile race – Columbia Metric Marathon
12/12 – 18-20 miles*
12/19 – 20-21 miles*
12/26 – Taper = 13 miles
1/2 – Taper = 8 miles
*I am going to let my body and psyche decide my last two long runs. Getting that high up in mileage is really hard and I don’t want to burn myself out or get discouraged if I don’t make it that far.
This training is subject to change based on my body, weather, unexpected events, etc. Just looking at the long runs ahead of me ties my stomach in knots! I am already nervous!!
Today’s Marathon Training: I was supposed to do a tempo run this morning, but felt really stiff and slow. I did 6.3 miles and just tried to keep a good pace. I also took 2 walk breaks – that rarely happens on mid-week runs. Hmmm, I think I just need to warm up better before taking off, which may not be possible given the colder weather.
I had visions of pumpkin oats towards the end of my run – I never crave oatmeal, so that was weird! I usually crave cereal, smoothies, PB toast, but not oatmeal. I usually eat oatmeal because I know it will fill me up like nothing else. I made a BIG bowl of pumpkin oats and topped it with cranberries, brown sugar, flakes and cashews.
I may have went a little crazy with the toppings this morning 🙂 They were piled high! 
If you have a chance please vote for me for the Good Mood Blogger contest. I have been in such a good mood since coming home from CA, I think I just needed to recharge my batteries 🙂 I will work hard to be the best, most positive and helpful Good Mood Blogger eva!
Also, the other food blog girls who are doing it are listed here. We are trying to show a united front and get all of us on the top 20. Thanks!
Lindsey
Meghann
Sarah
Ashley
Amanda
And me: Monica!
The more long runs you can get in the better! This time around I found that my 2 20 milers and 4 others over 16 gave me a lot of confidence come race day. And remember – those long runs don’t have to be speedy! It’s about time on our feet.
Best of luck on the training!
Looking at your running countdown list-a-ma-jigg makes me feel exhausted! You are fabulous!
Karyn – I was going to buy the bib from someone else, but they never got back to me. It worked out for the best since I’m not ready!
Looks like you have some intense runs ahead, good luck!
Dude, where does the time go??? October is almost over, and your marathon will be here before you know it. Time flies.
I could never fathom running such long distances, I have such respect for you!!
great lr plan. i think it’s also smart to have a cutback lr the week your fam is here just so your body can recoup. i am still so jealous that youre doing disney! did you give away your mcm number? i notice that youre not doing it this weekend
Well…thanks to the contest and Meghann’s blog,I found yours! Yay! Good luck to you both!
You are a machine, girly! I admire your planning abilities 🙂
Wow. That looks like a tough schedule, but you’re going to ROCK IT!
Eeee so jealous about your marathon! 🙂 Looks like a good plan!
Congrats on making into the top 20!! You rock lady.
And don’t worry about the oat toppings – I go crazy on them too.
looks like a good long run plan 🙂 it can be so hit or miss. how are you handling the weather? is it starting to get cooler where you are now? you didn’t used to deal with winter, right? disney is going to be so much fun– can’t wait for you to do this!
I have yet to try making pumpkin oats. Might be in order for tomorrow.