From now until WDW Marathon weekend, I’d like to create a weekly training update post for a few reasons:

1. Show my readers what training for your first full marathon looks like
2. Use this weekly update as another way to hold myself accountable
3. Track my progress as a way to look back on my accomplishments post-race! 🙂

I plan on being as honest as possible about the ups and downs of a training season, and what it takes to physically and mentally prepare yourself for a marathon (or try at least!) So to start…

Why run a marathon?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon. I discovered the marathon weekend on a trip to WDW with my dad back in 2010. We were staying at the Grand Floridian and were surrounded by runners all weekend. It also happened to be one of the coldest weekends on record- there was even icy slush on the ground! Since that trip, I have always been intrigued by the WDW marathon and those who could run 26.2 miles. Since this is a special anniversary year, I knew it was time to register.

Flash forward to my life now- I am a nonprofit fundraising events coordinator and am the manager of a Boston Marathon charity team. I am surrounded by good people doing good things through the power of one of the most prestigious races in the world. I’ve been running with my team for two years now and knew it was time to run my own race.

Between Walt Disney World and my love for runDisney, I knew it was time. So here’s how I plan on achieving this great feat:

What it’s going to take to finish a marathon

1. Finding the right training plan : To be honest, I’m still trying to figure this one out. I have been researching training plans and have several to choose from, but am currently focused on training for my upcoming half, the Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon on October 6. For this race, I am using the Hal Higdon Intermediate 2 program.
2. Nutrition, stretching, cross training, rest : This is just as hard to accomplish week over week as the mileage. Eating right, prioritizing training over your social life, stretching, cross training and sleeping adequately is easier said than done! But all of it is still worth attempting.
3. “Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.”- Julie Isphording : While I want to push myself to do my very best at my first marathon, and celebrate every mile on race day, I intend to make running a lifelong pastime. (Read: not burn out after this training) I plan to train smart, know when to let up for injury or fatigue, and enjoy the journey.

Post-run inspirational tee!

Training Update: Week 8 Half Marathon Training

Monday: Labor Day; was scheduled for 50 minutes of cross training but opted to take this as a “rest day”- I had already run a total of 14 miles Saturday and Sunday, and Tommy’s family was in town visiting!

Tuesday: 4.5 miles before work

Wednesday: 60 minutes cross training  = barre class!

Thursday: 5 miles after work and before meeting Tommy for Disney trivia at a local bar/cafe! We came in 2nd place!

Friday: I had every intention of completing my 40 minute tempo run, but I was suffering with my late summer/early fall allergies and just didn’t have it in me to run. So instead I met up with my friend for dinner guilt-free.

Saturday: 10 miles in the morning; I got up and felt the allergies but pushed through. After miles 2 and 3 I felt great and managed to end up with an average pace of 10:00mm! I really feel like my increased weekly mileage and strength training is helping me get faster!

Sunday: early morning 3 mile run shakeout

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Total weekly mileage: 22.5
Strength training: Yes!
Nutrition: Work in progress; I’m so good during the work week but tend to fall apart on the weekends, especially when I am seeing family/friends (sound familiar?) I’ll try to go into more detail next week.

Thanks for reading, and as always, Will Run for Disney!