Boston Bound-Much Has Happened, Now What?

By Leonela Connolly, Run Coach

It’s been a while since my last post about my Boston Marathon Bound journey. Much has happened, not all great! The not so great included a back injury, a car accident and a spectacularly horrible long run. But, I’m focusing ONLY on the great stuff this week. Here’s the list….

Two great long runs, after the big fail! I had a great 20 mile run and a great 22 mile run. They were tough, but I felt strong and well hydrated and well fed. I am so glad to have those under my belt. They helped my legs AND my head!

Awesome strength training, directed by a great and very experienced personal trainer, Jason Bailey! This was a big change for me during this training cycle. My strength training started in January and ended last week. I started with two days a week for 2 months and then one day a week for the last month. It consisted of leg and upper body strengthening (TRX, bosu balance, squats, lunges, etc…), resistance band work and core work (lots of TRX). It was challenging. It was consistent, focused and very effective. I judge the effectiveness of my strength training by how I now feel running the hills of Umstead versus how I felt running those same hills 4 months ago. Now, I finish those long uphills at a consistent and strong pace. That will definitely help during the hills at Newton, right?!

Nutrition matters! I already knew that!! But, I made some changes for this training cycle with both my diet and what I take during the long runs. My diet now consists of more healthy fats and fewer calories from carbs. The purpose of this change was to get my body to use more fat for energy, thus needing fewer carbs (less crap to carry). I also changed my nutrition during the long runs based on the results of my VO2 test and sweat test. It took a few tries (thus, the spectacularly horrible long run early on), but I think I’ve got it right now with regard to carbs, electrolytes and fluids. Nutrition is such an individual challenge and it takes some experimenting! I had some help from Chris our own famous and much admired Head Coach and Sports Nutritionist and our all-around great-guy Michael (MS Nutrition intern at TEAM). Now, as they would tell me, I just need to remember to take in enough fluids, especially if it’s hot!

Mental preparedness! I met with Brian Wade our Sports Psychologist. We talked about techniques to get through long and challenging runs. The best part of our session was focusing on techniques that are personalized for me (my mantras!), based on my experiences, based on what’s important to me and what works for me. I am prepped with a mental “tool box” that will help me fight that little voice in my head that is sure to start chirping during those Newton hills or at mile 22 or whenever it decides to make an appearance.

The wheels are turning….

Of course, all endurance athletes know darn well that every event is different. We never know exactly what will happen on that day. So many questions, what will the weather bring, how will we feel on any given day or mile, how will our bodies respond to the challenge, etc….. And, for me, I always think I could have done more training (especially during this “OMG, I hate this” taper week). However, I am focusing on the great stuff that I have done and on how I will enjoy Boston, NO MATTER WHAT! I’m as ready as I’m going to be, so….

Let’s do this!