I'm IN!!! Officially running my first marathon [and likely my only one - bucket list time] in NYC NOVEMBER 2013!! I'm running for charity - an animal shelter I hold very close to my heart!! Woohoo!!
Nikel - I plan to use the Allison Sweeney Shape magazine plan:
http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com..._chartonly.jpg
Because my distance is already higher, the first 6 weeks I increased all the 3 mile runs to four or five mile runs and I'll be doing weight training on Tuesday's and Friday's with rest on Sunday. Once the mileage kicks up I'll likely do 30 min lift sessions after my runs on Thursday's with rest on Friday's and Sunday's...
My husband did his first marathon in March in Phoenix and greatly regrets that most of his runs for training were at least 10 miles or longer 3x/wk - he didn't do the shorter runs on more days per week like they say to - that really hurt him...he also had IT band injuries that he didn't listen to so...you have to be careful!
Trip: Thanks for your post - that is SUPER helpful! Was NYC one of your favorites?
I also want to share with everyone my new hydration pack - I'm OBSESSED!!! It's the Nathan Hydration Vest 008:
http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Lightwe...rds=nathan+008
I used to run with a fanny style water waist band but I hated the way it cut into my stomach and I can't carry water in my hands as it really bothers me. So I was wearing the hydration fanny pack & the arm band for my iPhone etc...well NO MORE!
I don't even feel like I'm wearing this vest - it's that awesome. The spout is super easy and you don't have to stop or anything to drink from it. If you're looking for something to wear during your longer runs - look into a hydration vest!