T-9 weeks to SFM

I have a theory that I've not been consuming enough calories during my marathons. I've been taking only water at rest stops and just using 1 GU pack per 6 miles (about 55 min). This is perhaps not enough and could result in low blood sugar in the last few miles.

Training with long runs 'teaches' (i.e. turns on genes) that increase the amount of fats that the muscles can use as fuel. However, the brain can't do that...it relies on glycogen stores in the liver during long (15 mile+) runs. If you let your blood sugar drop too far, your not going feel alert and upbeat for the effort...that little voice in your head telling you to slow down or even quit will just get louder and louder 8). More importantly, the ability of your brain to recruit and fire the muscles over and over, will decrease.

Endurance sports are 1/3 cardio, 1/3 muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and 1/3 brain.

I plan to consume 1 Gu every 40 minutes, and take electrolytes. Toward that end I went to REI to purchase a stockpile and lo-and-behold, there was a 25% off sale! Maybe a good omen for my theory?

I'm going to eat to this schedule for runs over 10 miles. You don't really need to take any calories for runs less than 13 miles or so, but you do need to practice digesting and drinking on the run with the actual stuff you plan to carry (or be given at the aid stations).

Anyway , it's been 38 miles total for the 'step back week' last week...only 12 miles for the long sunday run, and one hard hilly run at 8:30-9:15 pace. Ready to 'step up' in distance this week!

Mon->Sun: Rest 5 10 5 Rest 10 20

The 10 mile Sat run is at pace (9:15-9:20 or so). Sunday is our first 20 miler in this buildup!

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