Good morning, folks! 
As you know, I’m working with Team in Training to raise money for blood cancer research. Mal and I will be running the Honolulu Marathon on December 12, in loving memory of his mother, who was taken by cancer well before her time.
Cancer really strikes an emotional chord with Mal and me. It’s a horrible disease, and we hope a cure is found soon. I know most of you feel the same way, which is why money for research is so important. Here’s how you can help!
Introducing the Breville Juice Fountain Plus!!!
Now, who doesn’t want a juicer in their life? These things are awesome! You can practically get all your nutrients for the day in just one glass of juice! 
The retain price for the Breville Juice Fountain Plus is $149.99, but you can enter for a chance to win it for just $5! Just make a donation to our Team in Training page and you could win a brand new juicer!
Here’s how the raffle will work:
- $5 gets you ONE raffle ticket.
- $10 gets you TWO raffle tickets.
- $15 gets you THREE raffle tickets.
- $25 gets you SIX raffle tickets. What a deal!
- $50 gets you FIFTEEN raffle tickets. Serious deal!
The contest will run from now until Wednesday, August 25.
To pick the winner, I will list everyone’s name in an Excel spreadsheet (one entry for $5, two entries for $10, fifteen entries for $50, etc.), and Mal will pick a winner using the Random Integer Generator. Then, I will then mail the juicer to the winner.
If you enjoy reading Carrots ‘N’ Cake, please enter our raffle. After all, I provide you with hours of entertainment and adorable photos of Murphy, and it would mean a lot to Mal and me to have your support. Plus, TNT is a wonderful cause and it’s a great opportunity to win a Breville Juice Fountain Plus for a fraction of the price.
Thank you for your support of Team and Training and for helping us reach our fundraising goal!
Breakfast
I switched up my usual overnight oats for cereal and granola this morning. Coco of Opera Girl Cooks sent me a sample of her Double Coconut Granola, so I gave it a try this morning. I mixed it with Nature’s Path Maple Pecan Crunch Cereal, sliced strawberries, and non-fat milk.
Delicious!!
I can never eat just one bowl of cereal, so I went back for a second serving of Nature’s Path Maple Pecan Crunch Cereal with milk.
Surprisingly, two bowls of cereal filled me up. The test, however, is how long it’ll keep my stomach satisfied.
I also drank a glass of iced coffee with breakfast. Obviously.
Question of the Day
Have you ever run a marathon? If not, would you ever consider running one?
For the marathoners out there, what’s your best advice to someone training for a marathon (or half marathon)?
{ 135 comments… read them below or add one }
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I’m planning to run my second 1/2 marathon in October. One thing I suggest is hill training. I am from Boston, so I ran many of my long runs on flat terrrain and my knees suffered during the race. Congrats on doing a full marathon! That is one of my future goals.
Hi Tina, question- How come you haven’t used your handheld espresso machine in a while? I forget what it is called.
@Lindsay: I need to buy new CO2 cartridges for it. Maybe I’ll go to BBB today. It’s called the TWIST: http://shopopensky.com/carrotsncake/buy/mypressi-twist
Yes I have ran a marathon! If there was one piece of advice I wish someone had told me it would be this: If your body needs a day off, take a day off. If something truly “hurts” and you are in pain, STOP. I got stuck in the habit of training TOO much, and when I missed a day I would get so nervous that I had messed up my training.
Read Hal Higdon’s book ‘Marathon’. Get a fuel belt and try out different gels, sport beans, etc.
That bowl of cereal looks perfectly sweet + crunchy.
I’ve never run a marathon, but maybe one day in the (distant) future I would consider it. I’m a walker, not a runner!
Jenn
Definitely have never run a marathon – I’ve been unable to do anything but walk slowly for over a year because of a problem toe (lamest thing EVER). Maybe one day… until then, I’ll simply cheer you on!
hat a great fundraiser. I just got that juicer yesterday and it’s a dream. It’s SO easy to clean up.
Never ran a marathon! However, my dad has and it’s such a huge accomplishment. I enjoy running, but no more than 6 miles. I’m thinking about doing a triathlon sometime in the future, however, but a marathon seems a tad too intense for me. I definitely enjoy cheering people on though! I too lost my grandmother to cancer, and I think it’s great you’re giving away the raffle. I try to participate in working on a cure, including running in 5Ks to support cancer research! Even the little things help, and I truly believe we will get there someday soon. Do you know any ways to get more involved in volunteering for the cure here in Boston?
-Rachel, Healthy Chicks
I signed up for my first half marathon and it’s coming up soon! However, I’m questioning if I’ll go through with it. What I didn’t anticipate is how much dedication training requires! With all the travel, busy days and fun that comes with the summer it’s been hard to stay on top of my mileage. We shall see I guess…
I am currently talking to a TNT rep for the PF Chang’s Half Marathon! Thanks for introducing the organization to me… hopefully it will workout with my new job!
I ran my first marathon in April. One piece of advice is to use training runs as a way to figure out what you need to eat during the race. It took me a while to figure out what to eat that wouldn’t upset my stomach and how long before I ran that I needed to eat. I found fig newtons and the sport beans to be the best during run snacks.
Also, expect the unexpected. run in all conditions because you never know what will happen with the weather on the day of the race. I bet you don’t have too much to worry about in hawaii, but it will probably be warmer than what you run in Boston, so keep that in mind. I trained in cold weather and then it was miraculously 70 on race day and I was not prepared for that.
What is your goal time?
I ran a marathon in May 2009 and it was an intense and very satisfying experience, and completely surreal! I still feel like it was someone else who ran 26+ miles and I was just along for the ride.
During the run I broke each hour down into micro-plans and only focused on one hour at a time. I took a clue from running coach Jeff Galloway and incorporated regular walking breaks into the run. The first hour I ran 19 minutes and walked one, the second hour I ran 14 minutes, and walked one, the third and forth hour I ran 9 minutes and walked one, the remaining 36 minutes were free for all, running when I could and walking when I needed a break. The walking breaks help tremendously, not just physically but as a mini mental break.
And I recommend ice baths for your legs asap after long training runs and the event. Wear a sweatshirt and drink a cup of tea while your thighs are completely covered in cold water with some ice cubes thrown in.
@Laurab@ foodsnobstl: I don’t have one. My goal is to finish with both of my legs and both of my arms!
You are going to have a blast with your marathon training! I absolutely love training for marathons (although, now that I have run a few, I’d say half marathons are my favorite because I can run them more frequently!!). My one piece of advice in training is to listen to your body. It is so easy for us runners to push through pain, which you will need for the marathon, but you also want to be healthy for the marathon! And, S-T-R-E-T-C-H, which you have obviously been doing for your posts! My one piece of advice for your first marathon, is to HAVE FUN!!!! You don’t have a time to beat, which to me is the best part of running your first marathon! I just had fun. Then, in my second, I crushed my time by 45 minutes!
I’ve never ran a race, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I never did. Running and I….we’re not the best of friends. But since I started blogging, I’ve come to realize that I’m okay with that!
With that being said, though, I’d love to think that I’ll at least do a 5k in the future. If not, that’s okay too. I just don’t want to write anything off, I guess. To be honest, sometimes I get discouraged when I think about the fact that I’ll never be able to say I ran a marathon (or a half, for that matter). But when it comes down to it, running just isn’t my thing! I’m not passionate about it. So, why not put forth that training time towards something that I *am* passionate about?!
This is one of the reasons I was so grateful for the last session at HLS about the self-comparison trap. Even though I have the utmost respect and admiration for runners (especially those who take the marathon-leap) I need to also respect and admire myself for what *I’ve* accomplished in life – no matter how big or small those accomplishments may be.
Side note – I especially respect and admire that you’re using this marathon to raise money for blood cancer research. That’s just….epic.
I have run several marathons and my advice is to hydrate the week before, taper and make sure you get the long runs in on the weekends leading up to the run! enjoy it…you will feel SO good and so proud of yourself at the end of your marathon that you will want to sign up for another one soon.
I started my training for a half marathon in November yesterday. Running in a marathon is on my bucket list, so I definitely want to do one in my l lifetime!
I haven’t run a marathon… yet. Currently I am training for my first half marathon. If you had asked me a year ago if I could run more than a mile, I would have said absolutely not! But somehow one of my dear friends convinced me to register for a 10K with her and after that I was hooked. The last race I completed was a 10 miler and I’m super excited about my half (it’s in Disney World!). So although I don’t have any plans to run a marathon, I truly believe you can never say never.
love to run, but not a marathon
Hi Tina, I’ve been reading your blog for years now, but I don’t normally comment. I think this is a fantastic way to build your donation process…and you sure know how to speak to your bloggie base! I of course will donate, especially with a juicer on the line! Also, good luck on your marathon. I don’t think running more than 2 or so hours is fun, so I stick with 1/2′s.
I’ve never run in any sort of race.
I would like to run my first 5K…..I just need to find one and register!
I Love cereal too but I don’t find it filling and it doesn’t last with me very long either. I eat it as a snack ususally.
I donated! Oh how I hope I win because I have been DYING for a juicer!
Running a marathon is DEFINITELY on my life list. I’m hoping to do it within the next 3 years. I’m so excited to follow your training on the blog!
I have ran 3 marathons and I’m training for my 4th currently. My best advice would be to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!! Although you have a training plan, it’s okay if you do not stick to it 100%! In fact, you shouldn’t. There will be days where you have aches and pains and instead of a planned run, you should probably take a rest day. It’s better to be undertrained than overtrained….after all, you want to make it to the starting line with Mal!!!! I can’t believe you two are running the Honolulu marathon….Sounds like an amazing destination marathon! Good luck to you both!!
I haven’t run a marathon and I don’t think I really want to. It would be such a cool thing to accomplish but I’m just not sure I have it in my heart to train and actually want to go through with it. I haven’t ever really loved running so I feel like it would just be a painful experience! I’ll be cheering for ya though!
I’ve never run a marathon, and I think maybe someday I will but I’m gonna have to see how my half goes first!
I’ve never run a marathon before but I REALLY want to. Probably not a full marathon but a half. In college, there really isn’t enough time for me to train for a full so hopefully in the near future I can start training for a half marathon. I just recently fell in love with running so I got inspired to take it to the next level!
I am about tos tart training for my first full, so I am right there with you!
I walked the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll marathon on June 6th of this year. I did it with Team in Training and raised $6000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I did my best and finished even though it took a little longer than the time I estimated. You are doing this for a great cause! I work with leukemia/lymphoma patients everyday so the money is going to help them and their families! They are inspirations!
I have not run a marathon yet, but I am planning on the Philly Half in the fall (pending an injury) and hopefully a full marathon next year. Good luck with your training!! At least you KNOW the weather will be gorgeous for the big day!
I don’t think I could ever run a marathon! I think this is a great idea for raising money for cancer.
I can’t say I’d ever run a marathon, but many kudos to you!
And good luck on the house
I ran my first marathon this past June and had so much fun! Yes there was a little bit of pain, but so worth it!! My advice: do your long runs every week!!
I’m not a runner, but I hope to become a full time wogger (walk/jogger)
Good luck to you!
I’m not much of a racer (just a 5k under my belt) but I’m always tempted to sign up! And then I realize that I don’t really like running with people (some people use yoga as their physical meditation, I use running to clear my head) so I don’t know that it would be a good choice for me. But I have a lot of respect and admiration for marathoners, 1/2 marathoners and everyone else who loves racing!
I just did my first 10K earlier this year. I am trying to build up speed and endurance so that I can (hopefully) do a half next year. We’ll see how that goes, but if it goes well I would definitely like to try for a full marathon.
I’ve run a few marathons and a few half marathons. two pieces of advice – take gu before you think you need it and know that you’ll be uncomfortable. If you accept being uncomfortable you can relax in and will use less energy stressing about how much it hurts/sucks and just focus on finishing. You will rock it. Go Team!
i just ran my first 5k so i have a ways to go before i could ever hope of getting to a marathon. i have been to Hawaii 4x however, so i suggest make the most of your time on the island by taking as many breaks as you can throughout your run and enjoy the beautfiul views. maybe they’re be a shaved ice stop along the route?
I’d really like to run a marathon someday, just not anytime soon. I have a LOT more work to do, since I just started running. I know you will do amazing.
Cereal’s a dangerous food- but I truly believe it should be its own food group.
My best marathon advice is to take it easy!! While training for my first, I used an intermediate plan even though I was a beginner… Yeah, great idea. I sustained a bad plantR fasciitis injury and was out for 6 weeks!!! It was 100% because I did too much, too fast, too soon.
Since then, I’ve had much better luck only running three days a week, using a beginner plan even though I’ve ran multiple marathons, and I run slower- and thankfully I haven’t gotten injured in years.
Also, keep ip strength training- it’s crucial for injury prevention!
Wow great advice…I have run 2 1/2 Marathons and I am training for Chicago Marathon…the best advice I can give is listen to your body. I am a little behind on training but I just want to finish. I am glad to hear that people feel that being undertrained a bit is better…restores my confidence!
I have run 3 marathons and am currently training for #4. My best advice is where it is ok to hear what others have experienced in their training or during their run you should always listen to your own body and run your own race. What works for one runner may not work best for you.
What a great raffle! I plan to come back later and enter – I really would like a juicer, and what a great cause! I’m currently training for the Chicago Half for the American Cancer Society – it’s been great!
I used to want to run a marathon as part of my 101 in 1001 things to do, but I realized it really wasn’t for me. Good luck with yours in Hawaii!!! That’s a pretty sweet location to run AND vacation.
We’re heading out there in October.
Good luck in your fundraising, Tina! I’m definitely excited about the prospect of owning a juicer (if I’m lucky
), but am equally excited to see the generous donations on your Team in Training page. Such an important cause!
I’ve run two marathons — Philadelphia and Wineglass (in Corning, NY). After completing those races, I trained for a third marathon but had to stop due to a serious hamstring injury. Now that I’ve been on the mend for almost a year (and running without pain), I’m definitely ready to start training for another marathon again.
My advice regarding marathon training is, enjoy it. It’s very easy to get caught up in running X miles per week at X race pace, etc. While it’s certainly very important go into a marathon well-prepared, it’s also important to revel in the process a little
Celebrate your progress, strength, and stamina! I’ve seen far too many people (myself included, at least for my second marathon) become “machines” throughout the course of their regimented training, focused solely on the end-point and totally detached from the process itself. There’s not much fun in that, and it’s also not great for you psychologically. Always give yourself ‘permission’ to enjoy the process!
Nope, I can’t even run a 5k. I could see myself getting to the point where I could run a 5k, but a marathon? I can’t even fathom that!
I think it’s great that you and Mal are running the marathon to raise money for cancer. I have thought about running a marathon but never have as of yet:)
My best advice would be to listen to your body. Do not overtrain, and make sure you eat adequately. If you are tired and weak, its best to stop. If you are hungry, eat. Take rest days.
Marathon training is a blast, so enjoy it!
That juicer looks intense!
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