Training for this hasn’t really changed much from my last event. I run around 35 – 45 miles per week; mostly in a zone 2 heart rate, and I do muscle/weight training 3 or 4 times a week. I try to keep my body guessing, so I don’t stick to any specific schedule. Sometimes I flip flop run days and gym days, and other weeks I hammer out 3 or 4 days of back to back running followed by gym days and probably a random day off. Sometimes I even cram a half gym day and a lighter run in the same day. Consistent, but always changing.
Nutrition-wise, I focus almost entirely on protein. It most likely accounts for 60% to 70% of my daily food consumption. I get the protein through meats, oatmeal, dairy, and whey/plant supplements. Other than protein I mostly go for fruits. I eat vegetables as well, but since they are a bit harder on the stomach, I don’t eat them as much as I eat fruit, especially on run days.
Another key aspect has been sleep. I’ve made it my mission to get a full 8 or as close to it as possible almost every night. In a way, I love it, because my window of time for accomplishing things in a day is pretty much set in stone, but this also has some drawbacks. I can say, that days following good sleep, are much better and worth the effort. This is something I’m still working to improve.
We are now 3 weeks out from the Maryland Half Marathon. I’m feeling good about the event and my training. I’ve run the distance quite a few times now, and at what I consider a good pace. I added a belt to my gear to make it much easier to carry a few things including maybe an electrolyte pouch or something. I’ve never tried a pouch or anything.
The race is held to raise money for The University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC). UMGCCC specialists are with patients every step of the way. One of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, we bring together expert clinicians and leading researchers to offer innovative, advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Support me and the fight against cancer by donating here.