One Month to Your Marathon or Half?

Are you registered for a marathon or half marathon coming up in late September or October? If you are, now is the time for your final long mileage days and final shakedown of your gear.
Training the Month Before Your Marathon or Half Marathon

My walking buddy Will and I realized that something was missing this weekend. For seven years we trained together for the Portland Marathon all summer long. Labor Day Weekend is supposed to include an 18-20 mile day, walking with the exact same shoes, clothing, snacks and drinks you'll be having on the marathon.

This year we aren't training for the marathon, and I haven't walked more than six miles at a time since last December. To rectify that, we put in a nine mile day that included a final big climb from the river up to the hilltops. Actually, it happened by accident, the tram we intended to ride back uphill wasn't running....oops! But I loved the huff and puff and the distance felt great. Let this be your lesson - you can map out your route with the Google Map Pedometer, but check the schedule of any stops or rides you plan to take along the way! We couldn't even find an open coffee shops on the route and had to beg forgiveness from a construction crew to use their portajohn.

We also happened upon the Oregon Trout City of Portland Triathlon bike leg, and enjoyed seeing men (and women) in spandex zipping past us, some with fancy bikes and streamlined helmets. I've never done a triathlon, but it is a great goal once you've finished your marathon or half marathon!