#Road2CIM Marathon Training: Week 17

I can’t believe we’ve arrived at the end of this 18-week training plan. The marathon is next weekend and only a few short (taper) runs are left this week before the rubber (literally) meets the road. I am super happy with how the training went, I was able to stick to the training plan, and most importantly, I didn’t get injured! I am as ready as one can be. Now I am just hoping for a good race day! I am nervous but excited and ready to put my training to the test.

Focus for the weeks:

Nothing new anymore this week. The key is to get consistent miles in to keep the body moving and complete one more (medium) long weekend run as we approach the taper.

Monday – 10 min meditation + 20 min Pilates

Tuesday – 4.8 mi @ 9:24 min/mi (morning temp: 52°F) + 10 min yoga

Wednesday – 30 min strength for runners + 20 min cycling

Thursday – 5.05 mi @ 9:01 min/mi (afternoon temp: 59°F) + 10 min stretch + 15 min yoga

Friday – 3.74 mi @ 9:29 min/mi ((afternoon temp: 59°F) + 30 min strength for runners +10 min yoga

Saturday – 9 mi @ 9:38 min/mi (morning temp: 57°F) + 10 min yoga

Fuel/water: One Hüma Energy Chia Gel before run and one Hüma Energy Chia Gel at miles 3 and 6.

Sunday – 4.33 @ 9:56 min/mi (afternoon temp: 50°F)

TOTAL: 26.9 mi/ 43 km
MARATHON TRAINING MILES: 555.5 miles / 894 km

Marathon Nutrition

My final thoughts on fueling for the race are that Hüma Energy Gels will be my fuel of choice. I like the flavor (mango and café mocha), I like the texture (not too gooey) and it’s the easiest way to get 50 grams of carbs/hour (if I plan for 2-3 gels/hour) if I don’t want to carry a gazillion fruit crushers (which I love but which are just too low in carbs). I am still going back and forth about if I want to run with the hydration vest or not. I used it during the 20-miler and it didn’t bother me. It is nice to have hydration available and not have to rely on the aid stations, but part of me also wants to run “as light as possible”. Any thoughts from my seasoned marathon friends?

My daily macro needs per day (calculated from this marathon nutrition guide).

Protein	105 g	4-5 servings	25g/serving
Carbs	462 g	18-19 servings	25g/serving
Fats	66 g	6-7 servings	10g/serving

I averaged g of 88 g protein, 57 g of fat, and 208 g of carbs per day, respectively.

*Ignore the percentages in the graphic, they make no sense in this context*
*and are merely based on daily calorie intake.*

How I refueled after my long run

Protein Overnight Oats with apples and cinnamon (I apologize for the mediocre picture. I assure you it was delicious and filling!)

TL;DR – summary of the week:

This is it, friends. We have one more week of taper before race day. I can’t believe it’s here! I had a little bit of the sniffles and hope they will go away by race day. I am hoping for a good race day and no rain! Wish me luck!

11 Comments

Birchie
December 6, 2024 at 3:34 pm


Squeee!!!! Congrats on week 17 of 18!!!! The hay is in the barn, and all that is left is to have a good time and run the race!!!!
1. San
  December 7, 2024 at 7:15 pm
  
  
  Thanks Birchie! I can’t believe race day is here!
SHU
December 6, 2024 at 4:08 pm


I have never carried water in any of my 5 marathons! I just drink at the aid stations while running by pinching rhe cup. Prob get in 2-3 oz or so each time and it adds up to enough!!
1. San
  December 7, 2024 at 7:15 pm
  
  
  Thanks for the advice, Sarah. I think I’ll go without the vest, but might carry a small handheld (in my belt).
Melissa
December 6, 2024 at 6:17 pm


I don’t think anyone in our running group uses a hydration vest. They rely on the aid stations. The trick is to pinch the cup, as SHU said. It does mean you need to time your gels so you’re taking them around the time of the aid stations so you get some water with them.
1. San
  December 7, 2024 at 7:14 pm
  
  
  Thanks for the advice. I think I have also decided against the vest.
Lisa’s Yarns
December 7, 2024 at 9:38 am


Good luck tomorrow!!! I will be sure to track you. I can’t wait to see how you do. I know you will have a great race, though. You trained smart and hard and are ready for the big day!!
1. San
  December 7, 2024 at 7:14 pm
  
  
  Thank you so much, Lisa! I appreciate you cheering me on :)
Anne
December 7, 2024 at 11:33 am


I hope you are resting up for TOMORROW! So excited for you!
1. San
  December 7, 2024 at 7:13 pm
  
  
  Thank you friend. So nervous but excited!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
December 8, 2024 at 2:40 am


This is so so exciting. All fingers crossed that this week goes by well and you will have an amazing race day coming up.