I’ve been super busy over the past few weeks doing meal prep, traveling, working, and training.  Here is a little update, including some thoughts on my training and prep going into the Phoenix Marathon (just three more weeks!) and as I wrap up my 12-week cut on the Renaissance Periodization diet.  Plus, my pre-race to-do list!

First, a quick update:  My husband and I traveled earlier this month to Switzerland and Italy.  Post on that coming soon!  Back in DC, I’ve been running an OK amount, including a couple of runs with local trail groups (the DC Capital Striders Wolfpack and the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club).  Can’t wait for more!  I’ve also been doing Orangetheory about once a week, trying to adhere to my RP diet plan (which just got harder, thanks to my coach adjusting my macros…boooo), and dabbling in a few classes through ClassPass (got a three month deal for 5 classes/month).  After I signed up for the Mt. Hood 50K, I also signed up for what will actually be my first ultra: the Ultimate Direction Dirty 30 in Colorado!   I also entered the NYC Marathon lottery, but I know my chances are slim — this will be my fourth year trying!  That means my races for 2017 (so far) are: Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, Big Sur Marathon, Bayshore Marathon, Dirty 30, and Mt. Hood 50K.   Remember to check out my goals for 2017 here and all of my completed/planned races here.

OK! So.  I have just three weeks until the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, which will be my first BQ attempt of 2017.  Here’s what I need to do before that race:

• Change my hotel reservation, so that I am only staying Friday night.  After the race, I’ve decided to fly directly to Tahoe for some skiing with friends.  Great recovery, right?
• Buy new ski goggles because mine are growing mold.  Yeah.
• Re-supply on race fuel.  That means Nuun, Stinger Waffles, and caffeinated peanut butter for before the race, and Clif Blocs, Huma gels, and Gu gels for during the race.
• Finish up my Renaissance Periodization “cut.”  It’s pretty clear I am not going to lose the 10 lbs I had been hoping for, but I still want to finish strong.  Full post on this diet and my results to come!
• Get a new DEXA scan.
• Do at least one more mentally-challenging long run.  I did a tough 21-miler on the trails last weekend, but I’d like one more similar run under my belt for confidence.
• Do at least one more run with significant downhills.  The Phoenix Marathon has some downhill portions in the first half, and I don’t want to burn out my legs (see, e.g., Mesa Falls Marathon 2016.)
• Make a new race playlist.  I have been listening to Pandora for the past couple of years during races because I am lazy.  But for this race, I want to have the best, most motivating playlist possible.  I plan to use Spotify to create the list and then download it locally to my iPhone.
• Finish reading Boston Bound and re-read How Bad Do You Want It?  I’ve learned that the mental aspect of running is incredibly important, and I know that by harnessing some strategies from these books and getting in the proper mindset for racing, I will have the best chance at qualifying for Boston.
• Buy new running shoes.  My shoes always seem to “run out” just before a race.  I need to buy new sneaks this week and get them broken in before I head to Arizona.  I will probably stick with Nikes, which served me well at Chicago and Kiawah.
• Make a pace wristband.  I’ve learned so much about pacing, especially in my last two races.  So I plan to make a wristband of my goal splits.
• Check the weather and plan my outfit.

OK that’s it, I think.  Anything I am forgetting???  Any last-minute training or tapering tips?  I’ll take whatever you’ve got!  😉