Big Cottonwood - Fuel Plan, BQ & Life’s Big Lessons
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon has been a HUGE bucket list goal of mine for a very long time. I did my first (and only other) standalone marathon in 2009 in preparation for Ironman Arizona - Long Beach. It was silly timing, in hindsight… only a handful of weeks out from the Ironman. But I was determined to “experience” 26.2 miles of running before my intimidating 140.6 swim/bike/run in November. My marathon time was around 4:30 and was more of a training run than a race. I then went on to race 3 more Ironmans, several 70.3 Half Ironmans and too-many-to-count short-course triathlons over the next 14 years, in addition to birthing 3 really cute humans. When 2023 rolled around, I thought “ok, now is the time to get this BQ checked off!”.
“But I persevered because I had a special goal. And I just don’t quit.”
So the plan began to take form - I hired running icon Nikki Kimball as my coach, I brought in GRIT Sports Nutrition - the best endurance sport nutrition specialist in the country (ahem, LOL) - and immersed myself in training. My training blocks for this race had more ups and downs than a roller coaster at Six Flags. Life’s stressors definitely get in the way of training for us amateur athletes and this year was no exception. But I persevered because I had a special goal. And I just don’t quit. Since my late entrance into running around age 28, I would often hear fellow athletes say things like “running clears my head” and “I think through all my problems when I’m out there” and “running keeps my stress levels in check” but I don’t know that this truly applied to me until this year. This year, I relied on my happy places - my faith, my kids, running and horseback riding to persevere and keep me moving forward.
Before I knew it, it was race week. It wasn’t an ideal scenario - I was going into the marathon mentally and physically exhausted from stress. But it was time and I had a job to do. I made a solo voyage to Salt Lake City from my home in Bozeman and while I miss my kiddo crew when I’m away, the alone time allowed me to focus and prepare. I’m going to keep the race day details brief, but do reach out if Big Cottonwood is on your radar and I’ll share the scoop on this speedy downhill race!
“Get the calories down, that’s all that matters.”
NOW, let’s talk race nutrition. Race morning breakfast is always an interesting venture when you’re on the road and this day was no different. At 3:15am, I ate pancakes brought from home, topped with smashed avocado. And some basic oatmeal provided by the hotel. I don’t know about you, but I could eat gravel on race morning and it would taste exactly the same as the most delicious breakfast. Get the calories down, that’s all that matters. I like to include fat/protein for satiety as well as plenty of carbohydrate to replenish glycogen stores (~500 calories). I sipped on a Precision Hydration (PH) 1500 bottle for my morning sodium pre-load, and also had one the day before in the afternoon.
Because the race didn’t start until almost 7am, I brought more pancakes along to replenish fuel an hour out from start time. (Sidebar: why do race directors make athletes stand around in the cold for hours on end at the start line? Grrrrrr) During the race, I consumed a Huma Gel every 4 miles (miles 4, 8, 12, 16) and used my Salomon run vest for fluids - one bottle plain water, and one bottle with PH 1000. I supplemented my sodium needs with PH Electrolyte Capsules, as I never refilled my PH 1000 bottle in the interest of time. I don’t like relying on aid stations for anything besides water, can you tell? Around mile 20-21, I ate an Aussie Bite as gels alone for that duration of time start to feel nauseating. The few bites of solid food and a bunch of cold water dumped over me gave me the final push I needed to arrive at the finish line with 6 minutes, 15 seconds to spare. I wish I could freeze this moment in time. It was one of my happiest, and most accomplished moments :)
“Running has really saved me in a year that has presented more stress than I knew possible, and therefore this BQ represents more than just a time achievement.”
Post-race nutrition included a popsicle, some pretzels and a big cheeseburger once I got back to the hotel. No gastro-intestinal issues, no extreme fatigue. Some soreness from descending 5000 feet within the first 17 miles of the race, and a rightfully tired body and legs.
Now I am just saying prayers that my buffer is enough time to earn a Boston Marathon 2024 registration! Running has really saved me in a year that has presented more stress than I knew possible, and therefore this BQ represents more than just a time achievement. It symbolizes GRIT, perseverance, faith, and strength to overcome challenges and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I am eternally grateful for this year and the character building that has ensued.