Two Weeks and Counting

Well, it's 2 weeks exactly to Marathon Day.

As anxious as I am for this day to be over with, I'm almost sad to see it come and go so quick. Of course, my thoughts would've been different had you asked me a week ago after doing 20 miles (I still don't believe it) but I am wondering what's next after this? Maybe I should ponder that after the race is over, haha.

Honestly though, I don't know if full marathons are quite my thing. The time and energy commitments are crazy and there are many sacrifices to be made. Maybe it would be easier if I wasn't in school? Who knows...At least I can say I did this one.

Next Friday, I'm doing a health & fitness assessment at UC Davis Sports Medicine. I'm hoping to make a few changes to my running that are geared toward me, not just women or my age group (ok, losing a few pounds would be great, too). The test includes:

1. A physical exam and questionnaire to assess disease risk.
2. Measurement of resting and exercise blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm (electrocardiogram).
3. Resting lung function assessment.
4. Measurement of body composition.
5. Tests for muscular strength and flexibility.
6. A graded exercise test with measurement of heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen consumption (VO2peak).
7. Explanation of test results and an individualized exercise prescription designed by an exercise physiologist.
8. Dietary analysis and counseling by a sports nutritionist. (separate visit)
9. Counseling session with our sports psychologist to help you stay motivated. (separate visit)
10. Optional blood analysis to assess risk for heart disease ($50)

I'm anxious to see what happens because I feel like I don't have a lot of direction. Formulas for heart rate, VO2 Max, all that stuff is so broad and I want to know what my personal stats are. Ground zero, per se. Where I'm at and where I could be. Potential is a great motivator sometimes, I'm learning.

On the other hand, I have found a few favorites that might keep me running even if won't be for 26.2 miles at one time. I found this shirt recently at a local running store - the Saucony Elite Speed Melange. I'm considering wearing it for the race since it's cute, comfortable, and the chafe-factor has been zero.


My shoes of choice are the Saucony ProGrid Guide. I originally got it in a standard width but having a blister on my pinky toe convinced me I needed a little more room. I just WISH they came in something other than a blue/white color combo (I loved the lime green of the first pair). Ah well, comfort over style is kinda the name of the game for a race that long.