Yesterday I completed my fourth and final marathon of the year at the Seattle Marathon. My time was 4:19:12, which is 18 seconds slower than my fastest time. Lately, I’ve been working 65-70 hours a week while sleeping 4 hours most nights. All things considered, this was a very good race.

Earlier this year, I was riding the runner’s high from the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon. I was making such excellent progress with healing from my Complex PTSD, that an ambitious goal of running 4 1/2 marathons in six months seemed like a great idea. Of course, five minutes after signing up for all of those races, the weight of everything sank in and terror washed over me. Maybe I was in over my head. What kind of mad person does something like that?

Slowly, the fear turned into excitement. I get to run another marathon!

Seattle Marathon’s 50th anniversary

The Seattle Marathon was my last marathon. This race is known to be a tough course–it’s cold, dark, wet, and hilly. Training for it was much easier this time, however. Instead of building up the mileage, I was maintaining it through the other three races.

The marathon went quite smoothly, despite how overwhelming things have been. I glided through the course, occasionally throwing back shots of water and slurping energy gels. I don’t remember some of the course, because my mind often goes on auto-pilot, similar to driving. My favorite part was going through Gasworks Park, a public park that is reminiscent of the Victorian-inspired steampunk genre (at least, for me).

There weren’t as many memorable hills this time. I do recall a long hill slowing me down around Mile 23, but that was quickly forgotten about. The course very gently sloped downhill, and I sprinted the last .2 miles towards the finish line.

Treat yo’self

Running a marathon burns 2,500-3,000 calories, so my best friend and I went to Araya’s Place for their all-you-can-eat vegan Thai buffet.

This was followed by a Lush bath bomb. These are like an alka seltzer for your tub.

One thing at a time

The secret to doing this many marathons was to focus on one race at a time. If I had paid more attention to how many more I had left to do, then it would been overwhelming. All of that energy would have been lost from worrying about how much more there was to do. The best I could do was stay very present and focus on the race at hand. This also translates when running a marathon. Instead of seeing how many miles there were left to run, I only focused on the next mile. This made it much easier to handle.

Earlier this year, I thought that I was in over my head about running several full marathons in a short amount of time, but now… Now I finally reached the last one. Everything else was put on pause, because this goal was important to me. Something like this requires a tremendous amount of faith, which is so important when it comes to healing from C-PTSD. In the past, something like this seemed impossible. But I made it. And I totally took this last race on.

My first race-cation

This past weekend I went down to Portland to run another marathon. It’s the first race I have traveled out of state for, so I turned it into a little race-cation.

Where I stayed

I stayed at the Society Hotel in Chinatown, which wasn’t far from the starting line of the race. That hotel dates from the late 1800s, and it has an interesting history. It used to host sailors back in the day, before turning into a hospital. Then it turned into a hotel again in the hands of Japanese owners before they were sent to an internment camp around WWII. Next, it became a meeting place for Chinese-Americans, and cycled through many other communities and businesses from all walks of life. Just a few years ago, it became the beautiful hotel that’s around today. I know where I’m staying next time.

Vegan serendipity at its finest

I went to the Oregon Convention Center to pick up my race packet (my bib number and other fun marathon swag) at the Portland Marathon race expo, where I accidentally found out that VegFest (a vegan festival) was happening in the exact same building just down the hall! I had no idea that event was going on, so of course, I was going to pick up my race packet later.

The day before a big race like a marathon, carb-loading is essential for the muscles to store glycogen. This is used as fuel for the long haul. Of course, the bulk of nutrients should come from carbs for energy. VegFest had excellent food vendors to satisfy that need.

I eventually made it to the race expo. I’ve always liked those, since they’re like mini-festivals for runners. Vendors usually set up their wares and events, hoping to entice runners to try their products, or run marathons in other parts of the country.

On running a marathon on very little sleep

On Instagram, I’ve been open about my Complex PTSD, which can cause sleep problems in some people. I don’t always have sleep problems, but when I do, they seem to visit at the most inopportune nights. I can’t say that it was from race jitters this time, since I’m an experienced runner at this point. Maybe it was too warm in the room; maybe I’m sleeping in a bed that’s not actually mine. Whatever it was, I only got two hours of sleep, which would impact my performance.

It was still a beautiful course. It went through many leafy neighborhoods, trees ablaze with vibrant oranges and fiery reds. It took us though the charming Pearl District, and even ran along the scenic water at times.

I tried to force myself to run a little faster, but my body just wasn’t having it. Upon seeing the finish line, however, everything else fell away as my focus sharpened to that single focus, driving me to pick my legs up faster and faster. And I flew right through it.

Because this was a flat course, it’s probably fitting for someone who is new to marathons. Of course, running a marathon is always challenging in its own rite! That being said, I wish my time were better. I ended up finishing at 4:46:19, one of my slower times. Nonetheless, this is a race I would enjoy doing again, hopefully more rested next time.

At least I got to enjoy a vegan donut from the iconic Portland donut shop, Voodoo Donuts. The rest of the post-race food wasn’t vegan, so I kept those tickets.

Overall, this race was very well put-together. I also really liked the color scheme of deep navy blue and light silver, and the contemporary design of the brand was tightly rendered.

A perfect excuse for an eating contest

Running a marathon burns about 2,500 calories—give or take. This is on top of the 2,000 calories needed for daily bodily functions. So, about 4,500 calories are burned during race day. You can probably guess where I’m going with this.

With so many vegan eateries in Portland, it’s so easy to practically have an eating contest after running a marathon. Homegrown Smoker was calling my name, even though it was a 40-minute bus ride from my hotel. Pictured above is their Buff Burrito, which is stuffed with vegan mac & cheese, vegan BBQ meat, and salad. I ate what I could and saved the rest for later.

Last morning in Rose City

I ended up going to bed early that night and slept peacefully this time. In the morning bright and early, I met my friend Dania for the first time!

We’ve been following each other for over two years on Instagram, and we finally met up for coffee! She gave me a hat that she knitted herself, along with some vegan-themed stickers. I always thought that she was rad, and I liked her even more in person! It was the perfect ending to this race-cation.

Now I am back in Seattle. There’s one more marathon left in the year, but right now I’m still recovering from the weekend before I can focus on the next thing. I really enjoyed my time in Portland. It was exactly what I needed, and I truly missed that city.

I can’t wait to come back.

The Oatmeal hosts the Beat the Blerch marathon every year. If you’re familiar with the work of The Oatmeal and its humor, then you might have an idea of the kind of race Beat the Blerch is.

Something we all relate to in a race

The “blerch” is the kind of inner critic that many of us are familiar with. It’s the voice that lures us to eat cake instead of vegetables, to take it easy when we should put in more effort, and to give up when keep going would serve us best. The blerch is portrayed as a white blob-like figure with wings and follows you like a shadow while filling your head with negative thoughts; hence, why this race is called “Beat the Blerch.”

In the race, the aid stations have cake and Nutella sandwiches. (They are not vegan; I checked.) The white costumed blerches shout insults at runners or lure them to sit on the couches at the aid stations—all in good fun, of course. They try and convince you to have more cake, because after all, a runner needs their energy and rest. It’s that kind of race.

…Where are we going?

While the race was loads of fun, the course could have been marked better. Within the first five minutes of starting, we marathoners became confused on where the course led. We encountered a dead end, turned around and eventually found our way back.

At around Mile 15, a volunteer told me where the turnaround arrow would be, but I never saw it. I kept going straight, keeping my eyes peeled. Eventually, the trail narrowed to the point where the vegetation made it impassable. So, I turned around. Soon I passed the arrow (rendered in chalk!) where I should have turned around in the first place. The stampede of runners before me had faded it, so that is why I had missed it.

Past Mile 21, there was another fork in the trail, but it still wasn’t clear where to turn. I ran straight again for another mile before wondering where everyone was. You could imagine my vexation when I realized my mistake. Time to turn around again.

The heat wasn’t something many of us were used to either, despite how much water we drank. At Mile 24, there was an aid station. I drank my water, and the kind volunteer refilled my cup. I thanked him and told him he’s an angel.

“Yes, I know,” was his cheeky reply. I love it.

I finished the marathon at 5:02:35, one of my slowest times yet. Getting lost for three miles slowed my time by about half an hour. Instead of the standard 26.2 miles, I ran 29 miles that day. (Technically, that is an ultramarathon distance.) I have never run that far in my entire life.

The biggest prize past the finish line

But I’m still happy that I did it. What really made everything worth it in the end were the cutest kittens past the finish line. Holding a kitten while soaring on an endorphin high put me on Cloud 9.

Post-marathon self-care

I ate a ton of vegan Ethiopian food when I got home, followed by dropping a Lush bath bomb into a tub of water. When you run more than what you’re supposed to, spoiling yourself is justified.

While the race could have had better signage, this is one I’ll do again in the future. It could have gone more smoothly, but that itself could be symbolic on how I handled my own “blerches” in my head. For now, I can rest on the fact that I ran 29 miles in one day.

Being a goth marathon runner is A-OK

When I was a teenager, I used to secretly make fun of marathon runners (and always felt guilty about it afterwards). It should go without saying to never make fun of an entire group of people because first, it’s not nice; and second, you never know if you might become one. And here I am, just having completed my fourth marathon.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series always puts on fun races, and this was my third race with them. It usually starts and ends at the Seattle Center. The course changes every year, and there are bands playing every few miles or so. There are aid stations every couple of miles and tons of support from spectators along the way.

What’s it like running a marathon?

Folks have asked what is it like to do one of these marathons. While each race is different, it always feels the same from Mile 16 through the finish line. Usually I’m feeling great until then, but this year’s course was a tough one. (If this was your first marathon, I am sorry!) As we can see at Mile 11, that was quite a challenge.

• Starting line: Everyone is gathered at the starting line, happy to take on a 26.2 miler! (Or if they’re running a half-marathon, a 13.1-mile race.)
• Miles 1–10: This first part of the race is smooth sailing. If you’re not feeling fresh by the 10th mile, then you are in trouble. Mile 10 is also where the course goes up Queen Anne via 3rd Ave W, a hill that lasts for nearly 2 miles.
• Mile 11: The long, slow climb up the hill that never ends. It slows my pace down considerably, and I wonder if a new PR is even possible. My hamstrings feel slightly knotted as I huff up the hill without stopping, questioning my own sanity of why I do these races.
• Mile 12: The big reward for running up that long hill was the breathtaking (literally and figuratively!) panoramic city view at Kerry Park, where many iconic Seattle skyline photos are taken.
• Mile 13: This is where the course splits. Half-marathoners veer to the right towards the finish line. The marathoners go to the left to finish the rest of the course.
• Miles 14–15: The hill from Mile 11 is slowly starting to become a distant memory as I continue to focus on the rest of the course. The sun is out, and I’m soaring.
• Miles 16–19: This is where my mood descends, one mile at a time. We run around Green Lake, which is a beautiful area, but it’s at these miles where many folks lose steam.
• Mile 20: The second wave of hills begin, and while they are shorter, they’re steeper. My friends have come out to cheer me on, and it means a lot. I descend too fast down a steep hill, and my quads (the front thigh muscles) seize up with painful charlie horses that halt me dead in my tracks. I stop at a medical station, begging for ibuprofen. They don’t have it, because it’s bad for the kidneys. They give Bengay instead.
• Mile 21: There’s something about running past 20 miles that makes you retreat to the darkest corners of your psyche. Never mind the pain you’re pushing through. At this point, it’s hard to focus on much else outside the body. Everything hurts. My legs are very angry. They keep painfully spasming, and I actually have to stop for a couple of minutes to massage and stretch them out. I have never stopped during a race before. All of these hills must have slowed down my time by at least 10 minutes.
• Miles 22-25: Physically, I’m on auto-pilot. Emotionally, I feel very raw. I begin hallucinating shifting pastel colors while feeling every emotion there is. Every time at this point, I wonder why these races seemed like a good idea.
• Mile 26: My quads seize up again when I’m so close to the finish line. I resolve to be kind to myself and calmly massage my legs until they feel better. I sprint like a race horse and finish strong.
• Finish line: My mind sputters as the endorphin highs soar like a kite. A kind volunteer puts a finisher’s medal over my head.
• Post-race: Pictures are taken, and people enjoy a Pearl Jam tribute band called “Washed in Black” playing on the main stage. I slowly walk the mile back to my best friend’s house. I take a shower to clean up, and then we go to lunch to celebrate. He drops me off at home, where I soak in a bath with a Lush bath bomb dunked in, and then take an epic 5-hour nap. Later on, another friend treats me to a victory banana split from Cookie Counter. I’ve never had a banana split before, and it’s such a decadent treat to have after today’s race.

My finishing time is 4:18:54, my best time yet! This was a difficult course, so I’m surprised that I beat my old personal record even with all of those steep hills. I’m so, so happy with the result.

Euphoria is the biggest prize

This is also the first race where I did all of the workouts in the training program, and the first where I never got a single injury.

Running a marathon isn’t just a physical endeavor. It’s also a psychological one. You can be afraid all you want. You might encounter both internal and external resistance. Do it anyway. Something wonderful and interesting is waiting for you on the other side.

Another marathon is less than two months away. Right now, I’m appreciating a race well done.

The marathon is only five weeks away, and I’ve finished the first week of peak training, which entailed running 40 miles this week. Yesterday I did the first of the two 20-mile long runs.

Normally, I stay in Seattle, but I’ve never explored the East Side much on foot. Starting in the Central District, I ran through the I-90 bike tunnel and onto the bridge into Mercer Island. I ran along the I-90 trail into Bellevue. I continued up Bellevue until coming across the 520 bridge; it was my first time on that bridge as a pedestrian. That took me back to Seattle into the Montlake neighborhood. Then I ran up the never-ending hill on 23rd Ave. That challenging hill isn’t so steep as it is long. I finally reached the crest of the hill in Capitol Hill, and ran the home stretch back to the Central District.

There was a bath bomb waiting for me when I finished. It’s like a big alka seltzer for the bath. I soaked in the tub, rubbing off the salt left behind from evaporated sweat. When running that much, the body does weird things like losing a lot of salt and electrolytes, and it must be replaced.

Speaking of electrolytes, I’ve been carrying those Clif shots that taste a lot like strawberry pudding. It’s a good rule of thumb to take one before a long run. Then have another one at Mile 10; the last one is consumed at Mile 14. It’s a good fix when your body has burned through its glycogen stores.

Peak training can feel exhausting, so remember to be extra kind to yourself during this time, especially if it’s your first marathon. You will also be eating a lot extra. Seriously, I’m always thinking about food now. The average person consumes 2,000 calories a day for normal functioning. Running 20 miles burns another 2,000 calories, give or take. On those long run days, your calorie consumption might be around 4,000 calories. I don’t count calories; I just eat until my body feels fulfilled and happy.

Folks ask about weight loss, and marathon training is about gaining endurance, not losing weight. Weight loss might happen as a byproduct of training, but the primary focus should be replacing the calories that have been lost. On the contrary, it’s also possible to gain weight, since you’re eating more and consuming a little more salt, which retains water.

At this point, it might be a challenge to pay attention to other things outside the body. I try not to overcommit outside of work, since rest is so important, especially now. I’m also usually exhausted anyway to do much outside work, art, and marathon commitments. Everything else could wait for just another couple of weeks.

The first week of peak training was a total of 40 miles. This week is a “fall back” week, where the mileage is a little less, so that the body has a chance to rest. The week after is another 40 miles. Then the mileage tapers down to a trickle before the actual race. Until then, the peak is that one last hump to go over. Everything else is down hill from there.

In it for the long runs

Marathon training has now reached the double digits. Today’s long run was 11 miles. A good rule of thumb is to increase total weekly mileage by no more than 10%. The long runs are about half the total weekly mileage. For example, I ran 22 miles this week. Eleven of those miles were this week’s long run.

The long runs are the most important part of training, because they help build endurance. It’s okay to skip a workout every once in a blue moon, but always do the long runs. If you don’t do those workouts, it’s hard to catch up the following week. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but the risk of injury increases the more you try to catch up.

For example, next weekend calls for a 12-mile long run. Skipping that would mean a big jump the next time the mileage increases after that, which is 14 miles. Going from 11 to 14 miles is quite a stretch, and pushing that much would probably result in an injury.

More mileage means better sustenance

With marathon training, carbs are the key to fuel endurance sports. Today I had vegan yogurt topped with chocolate chunks (85% cocao content), pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut. It’s enough to get me through. Even toast with peanut butter is another easy go-to.

Upon returning, a veggie stir-fry with tofu on a bed of brown rice is the perfect food to replenish those tired muscles. A long nap can follow if you need it. Today I didn’t take a nap after the long run.

I also usually consume an energy gel during the run, but I didn’t feel the need for one this time. Those are good to have once the long runs exceed 10 miles. Today, I was fine without having one. I did bring water with me, since the City hasn’t turned the fountains back on yet.

Today I ran to Bellevue from the Central District and back. The sky is so clear and blue, and I’m still high from the combination of endorphins and sunshine. A feeling like that is the best high in the world, and it makes me so happy when others tap into theirs. Whoever said that running is a drug wasn’t far from the truth.

Twelve miles next week. I got this.

Recently I signed up for a fourth marathon. I ran my first marathon in 2008, and it wasn’t until 2016 that I ran my second. My third was run last November, and now training has started for the fourth. It’s no secret that I love running. I never thought I’d be the kind of person who runs multiple marathons, but that’s where we’re at now. It’s one of those things I live for: running in a meditative state and watching the world go by, followed by the most exquisite endorphin high that no drug can ever measure up to. It’s really the best.

Running a half-marathon is easy; I think that most people can do it. Those 13.1 miles are a friendly distance. Running a full marathon, however, requires more time and commitment, but it can be done.

Tell me all of your running secrets!

If you want to know my secrets to successfully finishing a marathon, you may be pleased to find that there is no secret! It’s hard work, a lot of self-care, plenty of rest, and good sleep. Plus moral support helps, as does a can-do attitude.

(As a full disclaimer, I will say that this is not intended to be medical advice. Always see a doctor before starting any training program. Here, I’m sharing what worked for me.)

Training programs

The training program I use is formulated by Hal Higdon, a running legend who has done more than 100 marathons! The website shows 18-week training programs for all levels, from novice to advanced. Usually the novice is good for many; advanced levels are more for Olympics training and the like. You’ll need to be able to run six miles before starting training under the Novice program. Also, you don’t need to pay to use the programs. I just write the mileages in my calendar and go from there. Or just print out the tables and write dates on them.

For my first marathon, I ran with a team, which supplied a 6-month training program and moral support. Running with a team will help you get through the finish line. For my second race, I searched for the program that looked the most familiar to the first. Hal Higdon’s programs are foolproof, and I keep going back to them. For the third marathon, I upped it a notch by choosing the first Intermediate level. Perhaps that is my limit, because a knee injury resulted, which dampened my performance.

The knee pain still creeps up like a whisper saying, “hey, I’m still here.” So, this time I will lean more towards the Marathon 3 training program, where there’s more cross-training and rest. But it’s far from easy. Running three 20-mile runs at peak training sure is a lot. I got this.

But where do you get your protein?

Diet is something I get questioned on a lot. The vegan diet is beautiful, nutritious, and delicious, and it utilizes every calorie to help you cross the finish line. I have always run marathons on a vegan diet and can speak from experience how strong it makes me feel.

Runners rely more on carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, and bread, as a source of fuel. The protein part is good for rebuilding muscles after strength training, but runners don’t always do that. A lot of bread and pasta already have lots of protein in them; a single serving of noodles contains as much as 7-9 grams. It’s a good source.

The meat and dairy industries do a great job of selling marketing hype that we don’t get enough protein and calcium, and that the only way to get those needs met is to consume more. If you really pay attention to how much you eat, chances are that you are getting enough, especially on a vegan diet. All those fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats supply enough vitamins, minerals, and of course, protein to fuel your performance.

As for how much to eat, I don’t count calories. I just keep eating until my body feels like it has had enough. In general, I eat more than most people, since that metabolism is constantly humming. I will stress that you do not want to diet during this time, because your body needs extra calories in order to gain more endurance. During peak training, I consume least 4,000 calories during the day of long runs. Your needs might be different. Listen to your body.

Starting on longer runs (at least 10 miles), I consume Clif energy gels midway through the run. (Followed by water, of course.) Any kind of vegan energy gel will work in order to replace what has been burned through. Some have caffeine for an extra kick. This time, I might even bring easy snacks for extra calories, especially during the longer runs. I didn’t always do that before.

During the longer runs, you may notice a flaky white substance on your skin. That is salt that has been sweated out, so it must be replaced in order to maintain your system’s electrolytes. I tend to eat food where I can taste the salt. That’s the advice given to me during training for the first marathon. It seems to work.

As always, drink lots of water. A fuel belt is around my waist during the longer runs. I know where all the water fountains are along the routes, so that I can refill as necessary.

Run until your feet bleed (maybe)

Shoes are a subjective subject. What I did was go to my old coach’s running store to see what kind of shoes might work best for me. Coach made me run on the treadmill for a few minutes while he analyzed my form and listened to my concerns about frequent shin splints. Now I use Brooks Ravenna shoes with Spenco inserts and haven’t had the shin splints since! The models have evolved some over the years, but it’s been reliable and my go-to. If you need better shoes, try getting your running form and measurements analyzed by a running professional. A good pair of shoes makes all the difference.

I don’t have experience with managing blisters. My toenails are usually intact, so they don’t fall off.

Cotton is rotten

When you sign up for enough races, you’ll accumulate technical shirts as race swag. Those shirts are designed to help with ventilation and cooling your body, especially when it gets warmer out. Wearing cotton holds onto moisture, which gets stuck in the fabric. It feels gross, plus it’s not breathable. Wear running clothes that have breathable fabric technology. They’re a little more expensive, but it will make the experience all the more pleasant.

Other things to remember

Sleep

Sleep is very important when training. When you’re training, you will need enough rest, because it gives your body a chance to catch up. After every long run, you may want a nap. And you should take it! Running isn’t just a physical endeavor; it’s also a psychological one. When you get enough sleep, it’s not only your body that is repairing itself. Your mind also needs to process what you’re putting it through. With enough sleep, you will perform better. It’s a no-brainer, so remember to be good to yourself.

Stretching

This is something that I struggle with. It just doesn’t occurs to me to stretch, but that has been changing lately. Sometimes I’ll take stretching breaks when I’m working. These are stretches I’ve done during cross-country practice in high school and even during marathon training with the team. They seem to work.

Redirecting your focus

I used to think that meditation is for new-age types; it just seemed so out there. The saying, “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” applies here as well. Focusing on the breath instead of free-falling in thought has helped me stay centered along the course. When mental energy is redirected into the body, it is more sustained. What I’ve learned is that anxiety is energy that is often wasted or lost; I’ve been learning that channeling it back into the body does help me go stronger longer.

And most importantly…

Finally, a strong attitude on crossing the finish line is a must. You need clear reasons on why you want to finish a marathon. Saying, “why not?” isn’t enough. The journey will give plenty of reasons on why not. As I mentioned before, running a marathon isn’t just physical; it’s more psychological. There will be times where you wonder why you signed up in the first place. Maybe some loved ones may try to talk you out of it, out of concern. So, this is something you must be sure that you want. But remember to be kind to yourself. Then find your support network to get you through the whole experience. Maybe you can train on your own, but you don’t have to. Just find reasons why you want to finish, and the rest will follow. And once you’ve joined the 26.2 club, you’re in it for life.

Injuries aside, I was never the strongest or the fastest; usually I was always the last picked in gym. But somehow, I have a knack for endurance sports. I may be slow, but my pace is consistent… Like the Tortoise.

For the past four months, I have been training for a marathon. But it wasn’t clear if I would actually finish it this time, since I’ve had a few depressive episodes. Somehow, I kept at it, doing most of my long runs and other workouts in between. I just went through peak marathon training, where long runs reach up to 20 miles.

Those weeks entailed running 40 miles a week. At one point, I had a cold, so I took the whole week off. I don’t recommend running with a cold.

This will be my third marathon. My first marathon was in 2008. I trained with a team, which definitely helped me get through the finish line. My exact thoughts were, “oh, thank god that’s over–I’m never doing that again.”

I didn’t run another until 8 years later. In 2015, I was just beginning therapy, and it was a difficult time. My friend suggested running a second marathon. I scoffed at the idea, expressing how terrible it sounded. He shrugged and said, “Well, it would help you combat resistance in the mind, which is what you need right now.”

I dismissed the idea, but it kept recurring. So, on a whim six months later, I signed up for another race. I researched training programs until I found one that looked the most familiar from the first time. Hal Higdon’s training programs are foolproof. It got me through my second full marathon.

I recently swapped out a pair of shoes. When I was 20, I visited my old coach’s running store, where he observed my running form and gave recommendations on an optimal pair of shoes to reduce my chances of getting shin splints. Now I swear by the Brooks Ravenna shoes and have been running with those ever since. I put in Spenco inserts, in order to add additional support to my arches.

During my long runs, I consume Clif Shots, followed by water. It gives a little bit of extra fuel to keep me going. These particular ones taste like strawberry pudding!

However, an injury has come up recently, three weeks before the actual marathon. Around mile 14 of one of the 20-mile long runs, it started to creep up, slowing my pace down to an agonizing 12-minute mile. By the time I reached my house, my left leg was practically paralyzed. I tend to override my body’s requests for rest, but this is the kind of pain that stops you dead in your tracks; the kind that forces you to muster up the last bit of strength you have, in order to hop on one foot up the stairs to the front door. I made it back safely, but it raises concern how I will complete the race if the pain keeps up.

I’ve had injuries before, but never this close to the event. Fortunately, now that I’ve gotten past peak training, it’s tapering. That means running less so that my body has a chance to heal. I bought a knee brace, and the compression seems to help some. I told myself that it’s okay if my time isn’t very good–the most important thing is that I finish this race.

As far as food goes, it has gotten to the point where I’m consuming 4,000 calories a day and still losing a little bit of weight. I don’t recommend weight loss when marathon training, but sometimes it’s inevitable.

The race is in a week. Training may have felt a little less strong this time, but what really matters the most is finishing. I got this.