16 Miles. That’s all I have to say. The End. Okay not really. But I did run 16 miles this week, as part of my Marathon Training Plan For Beginners!
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It took me five hours, yes it did, but I finished 16 miles. This was an exciting run for me because 14 was particularly difficult, and 16 went much better. I did an 8-mile loop (which was just over 8 miles), and then after a restroom/water break at home, I finished up with an out-and-back. Daniel and the kids met me at around 13.5 miles to give me some water and cheer me on. The last 2.5 miles seemed like a breeze.
Today I’m super excited to be hosting another giveaway! I was given a pair of compression socks from PRO Compression to try out, and a pair to give away to one lucky reader.
I always thought the tall, colorful socks that I saw people running in were a fashion statement, but actually they serve another purpose. Since I’m not an expert, I’ll let the company speak for themselves and explain the awesomeness of their compression socks:
PRO Compression socks deliver maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood. The moment you put these socks on your feet, you will feel the difference.
They can be worn before, during and after a workout as the benefits of compression speed up muscle recovery through enhanced vascular flow in your lower extremities.
True graduated compression promotes circulation by squeezing fluids away from your feet and ankles toward your knees and core. This design reduces swelling and inflamation and provides critical support to muscles and tendons.
Not to mention, they help you stay warm on those chilly (Phoenix) mornings! I’m in love with these socks, and I think they look pretty nice with my brand new running shoes! I’m definitely going to be all equipped for my big race!
If you’d like to order a pair (or two, or three) of PRO Compression socks or sleeves, you can use coupon code BLG14 which will give you 40% off!
Follow PRO Compression on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest news. You can also join the Sock of the Month email list for great deals and new product announcements. Look for the sign up form at the bottom of the PRO Compression homepage.
Now it’s time to review this week’s tips from the book The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer. Here are the tips for week 10:
Marathon Training Tips: Week 10
Mental preparation:
Learn how to relax. There are many techniques you can use to help you achieve a relaxed state at will. When you can relax, you feel less tense and anxious, and more confident and just better overall. Try lying down and relaxing one muscle group at a time until your whole body is relaxed. It might help to first intentionally tense that muscle group and then relax it. When your muscles are relaxed, your mind will relax.
Another technique is to start with the mind by visualizing a peaceful scene, such as lying in the sand on a warm beach. As you relax your mind, your muscles will follow.
Physical preparation:
On walking- there is no reason to not walk during your runs and the race. Some people actually utilize running/walking intervals as part of their technique, and finish before many runners!
Walking can be an opportunity to catch your breath, relax your body a bit, and recharge for the next few miles. Personally, I plan to walk through all the aid stations, so I can drink water or Gatorade and take a breather. When training for my half-marathon, I felt like I was a failure if I walked at all, and I ran through the whole race. I didn’t want to feel like a failure if I walked during the marathon, so I’ve walked a little bit during all of my training runs. When you’re running such long distances, you have to give yourself a break, physically and mentally!
***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***
Previous Posts:
Training Schedule for Marathon Beginners
Marathon Training: Week One
Marathon Training: Week Two
Marathon Training: Week Three
Marathon Training: Week Four
Marathon Training: Week Five
Marathon Training: Week Six
Marathon Training: Week Seven
Marathon Training: Week Eight
Marathon Training: Week Nine
21 comments
I’d like a pair of the Wool Marathon socks in Black.
Pink, trainer low.
The Marathon Snowflake socks are cute!
I’d love the Marathon pink compression socks!
Marathon white
I really love the Fall or Black Marathon socks!
I love the pink marathon socks!
Marathon Pink! over the calf! My sister is a Nurse and on her feet all day..she swears by these socks for work..said she wouldn’t make it without them
love the marathon pink of course!
I love the marathon snowflake!
omg the purple marathon are cute but I love the pink featured ones as well.. I think they all look awesome
marathon purple
I like the Marathon Pink. Bright and colorful!
Can you believe I’ve never tried compression socks? I’m currently training for a 10k and gear is expensive but I want to do it right. It would be cool to win these!
I would love the Marathon Pink compression socks.
I like the Marathon, White, Full-length, graduated compression design for maximum blood flow.
I like the PC Racer Black – Neon Pink and Yellow.
Marathon, Pink
Marathon Black on Black
I like the powder blue marathon socks.
Marathon pink