Saturday was my last long run before the marathon. It is official; I prefer to train with a group rather than alone. It is just too boring to run 22 miles with no one to talk to (except my wife as we pass on the trail) the entire run. During my two prior marathon-training sessions, I ran with the Badgerland Striders. Every year they organize weekly runs along the Milwaukee Lakefront from late July until the week before the Lakefront Marathon. There are two huge factors that make training with the Striders ideal: running with a group of people who run at my pace and they set up several water stations throughout the training course. Okay, that is enough for now on my new appreciation for fall marathon training.
Saturday was a typical spring day; dreary and overcast with a light drizzle to start the morning. I started out a little disappointed due to the poor weather but as my run progressed, my mood improved because I realized that this was my last long run before the marathon and I needed to make it my best run. I turned my music up another notch and fell into a good running groove. Next thing I knew, I was hitting the turnaround point of my run and still feeling good. Eleven miles was a good time to have a couple of energy shot blocks so I tore open a pack and munched on them for an extra boost of electrolytes. Three miles later (mile 14), I approached my wife and we chatted for a few seconds as we passed on the trail. Every time I pass her on my runs, it always gives me a little boost because I finally have someone to talk to for a few seconds to take my mind off of the mileage I have left. About an hour later, I crossed the finish line (my driveway) and the exhaustion hit me. Relief soon followed; I made it through long distance training without any major injuries!
Well, we’re down to 17 days until the marathon and the next big question to tackle after finding a motel is were should I eat the night before the marathon? I know the area fairly well being that UW – Eau Claire is my alma mater. However, I’m sure some things have changed over the last six years since I moved to Waukesha. When I lived in Eau Claire some of my favorite dining spots were:
1 Mona Lisa’s (Place where I proposed to my wife)
2 Grand Avenue Café (Great quiche)
3 Mogie’s (The best burgers in town and Spuds o’ Plenty)
7 Cicione’s
8 Mike’s Smokehouse
Do you have any suggestions of other places to consider while visiting Eau Claire? Feel free to reply. Until next time, have a great week and keep running!
I don't know any places in particular, but my brother (a seasoned runner) suggests eating a lot of carbs, but don't overdo the food as it will sit in your stomach the next day. He prefers pasta and bread to steaks and potatoes when he runs.
ReplyDeleteHeather thank you for the great tip and reading my blog!
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