by LT MarathonGirl | Jul 1, 2018 | Marathon Training, Running, Uncategorized
Hydrate
Nutrate
Poop
Run
In the summer, planning out your run the day before is just as crucial as logging those miles. I am a Weather Channel app addict. Extreme amazement at how often they get it wrong. It still helps to have some sort of expectation as to the elements. The next two weeks are gonna be scorchers here in Chicagoland. With training runs of 16, 17 and 2 10 milers during the extreme heat I’ve gotta plan on getting up as early as possible to get some relief from the blistering heat and have a strategy for hydration.
If you are planning a long run, walk, or hike here are some tips to stay hydrated.
- Hydrate before you go. This takes some planning so you don’t have to “go” when you go, but if you start hydrated it’s easier to maintain hydration.
- Choose a course that provides water. Many public parks have drinking fountains throughout. I am lucky enough to live near one that even has fountains for my furry running companion. Gotta keep pups hydrated too.
- Carry a water bottle. Not the most convenient because it gets tiresome carrying the bottle around. It’s funny how heavy a water bottle can begin to feel when you start to get fatigued.
- Drive ahead and leave bottles on your path. Not the safest most secure method, but if you are very familiar with your territory this plan can work for you.
- Wear a water bottle belt. The sloshing around may be uncomfortable, but it is handier than carrying that bottle around. I found that strapping the belt around my hips was much more comfortable than around my waste. It also doesn’t put as much pressure on your bladder if you take in too much liquid.
- Wear a hydration pack. A new favorite of mine. My husband was careful to select one for me that couldn’t get over-packed and become too heavy, the Camelbak Rogue is a game changer. Comfortable and able to store GU, keys and a cell phone it allows you to take frequent small sips and stay refreshed.

Happy running. Stay safe and hydrated.
by LT MarathonGirl | Feb 21, 2018 | Book Review, Business, Self Development
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my all time favorites! I listened to it on Audible during my commutes. Sometimes I would sit in my car in my driveway and just keep listening. I found the history, geography and world culture lessons given through the lens of someone sharing their life story absolutely fascinating.
In January 2008, I saw the movie The Bucket List and crazy as it sounds, as a non-runner put “run a marathon” on my list. I’ve been running in a different brand ever since, but now that I have read this story I am going to the running store to pick up some Nike’s immediately.
Thank you Phil Knight for your contributions and thank you for sharing your story.
View all my reviews
by LT MarathonGirl | Apr 12, 2015 | Running
It’s race week. It’s time to rest the legs and prepare for Saturday’s race. If you feel like you haven’t gotten in enough training runs or if your legs feel great – stay off of them. You can’t cram for a race like you crammed for a test in school.
From Stephen Covey:
“Can you imagine “cramming” on the farm? Can you imagine forgetting to plant in the spring, flaking out all summer, and hitting it hard in the fall–ripping the soil up, throwing in the seeds, watering, cultivating–and expecting to get a bountiful harvest overnight?Cramming doesn’t work in a natural system. That’s the fundamental difference between a social and natural system. A social system is based on values; a natural system is based on principles. In the short term, cramming may appear to work in a social system. You can go for the “quick fixes” and techniques with apparent success. But in the long run they just don’t work.”
Monday – off
Tuesday – 2 miles
Wednesday – 2 miles
Thursday – off
Friday – off
Saturday – Race Day
by LT MarathonGirl | Apr 5, 2015 | Uncategorized
Happy Easter
How far do you have to run to burn off your Easter candy?
1 peep 1/3 mile
1 marshmallow egg 1 mile
1 Reese’s egg 1 3/4 miles
1 Cadbury cream egg 1 1/2 miles
1 dark chocolate coconut egg 1 1/4 miles
(my favorite are the coconut eggs!)
This week: (days 54-60)
Monday – off
Tuesday – 2 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – off
Friday – 4 miles
Saturday – 2 miles
Sunday – 8 miles (don’t worry if you walk most of this. Try to run as much as you can)
A peek ahead to next week: (days 61-65)
Monday – off
Tuesday – 2 miles
Wednesday – 2miles
Thursday – off
Friday – off
Saturday – Race Day
by LT MarathonGirl | Mar 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
Today is an 8 mile run day. Why cut back on the miles? To prepare you for next Sunday’s 13 miler. It’s the trial run. Some say you don’t need to get in a 13 mile run before running a half. If you want to swap that day out for 10 miles, go ahead. Most full marathon training schedules only go to a 20 miler, but I feel that if you are feeling good then go for it – and time it. It will give you that much more satisfaction for completing your 1/2 marathon in a couple of weeks AND for setting a new personal best on that day. The adrenaline, crowd energy, and co-runners will push you faster than you run in your training runs. Guaranteed!
This week: (days 47-53)
Monday – off
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 5 miles
Thursday – off
Friday – 4 miles
Saturday – 2 miles
Sunday – 13 miles (don’t worry if you walk most of this. Try to run as much as you can)
A peek ahead to next week: (days 54-60)
Monday – off
Tuesday – 2 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – off
Friday – 4 miles
Saturday – 2 miles
Sunday – 8 miles (don’t worry if you walk most of this. Try to run as much as you can)