For the Marine Corps training, I just ran for as long as I could. I ran all my long runs and many short runs with friends. I loved it and had a great time doing it. For the Richmond Training, I started running with a purpose. My Tuesday runs became 'one fast hour' runs. I went 'all out' for one hour. I usually did about 8 miles (7:30 per mile pace). My Thursday runs became '10 minute speed' runs. I usually ran for about 40 minutes at a very leisurely pace. I then ran as fast as I could for 10 minutes. I usually finished a mile and a half (6:30 per mile pace).
For the Marine Corps training, I concentrated on my weekly mileage. I really obsessed about getting the long miles in on Saturday. I never felt that I spent enough time on my feet. I could to the mileage, I just was not used to spending that much time on my feet. For the Richmond Training, I invented the Spencer TUF (Time Upon Feet) method. All my long runs were by minutes. I did not worry about mileage. My longest run was 4 hours.
For the Marine Corps eating, I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. For the Richmond eating, I sought the advice of a nutritionist. She told me to get more protein right after I run. She also said I should eat more carbs throughout the week. She told me a lot of stuff, but I feel these two pieces of advice helped me out the most.
For the Marine Corps race, I was concerned with my pace. From the start of the race, I was trying to keep up with my goal pace of 9:30 minutes per mile. I ran through every water stop and still I fell behind early.
At the finish line in DC, let's just
say I felt bad.
At
the finish line of Richmond race,
I felt much better crossing the finish line!
After
I crossed the finish line,
I ate a couple of pieces of pizza!