Mal and I don’t know much about marathon training, but we’ve got the food thing figured out! Peanut butter and banana sandwiches rock our worlds!! 
We both agreed that this morning’s breakfast fueled us through our 7-mile run without giving us any problems– no cramps, no stomach “issues.” Peanut butter and banana sandwiches will probably be our go-to breakfast before long runs.
After a little digestion time, Mal and I headed out for our run. My husband ran with me for the first 1.5 miles, so I could show him a great running path not too far from our apartment. Once we arrived at it, he took off at his faster pace.
I cruised along for the next mile or so as Mal got farther and farther away.
He eventually lapped me around mile 3.3. He’s a speed demon.
I ended up completing 7 miles in 1:04:00 (9:08 pace). The first 2.5 miles were really rough– my legs felt like a million pounds– but by mile 3, my “running legs” finally kicked in. I stayed around a 9:00 pace until the end of the run. My final mile was 8:47!
Here’s Mal’s recap of his run:
7 miles: 54:25 (7:46 pace)
Ate my usual PB&B sandwich and had a 1/2 glass of coffee. My stomach felt great. I had a good warmup with T. My goal this week was to make the second half of my run faster than the first half. I tried to increase my pace with each mile that I ran and almost succeeded. The last mile was slower because a lot of it was up-hill. I should have paid a little more attention to my pace on the last mile. Overall, I’m really happy with my run. Here are my splits: 8:49, 8:29, 7:50, 7:26, 7:22, 7:13, 7:17.
When I got home, I stretched and rehydrated while Murphy took advantage of my salty skin.
He even licked me while I stretched. What a freak.
Now, I’m drinking a chocolate protein shake with iced coffee and soymilk in the mix.
We’re off to play with Batman this afternoon!! 
Happy Saturday! 
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Why is Mal so darned fast!?!
I love looking at pictures of Murphy…he always makes me smile!
peanut butter + banana = the best thing ever. I made a peanut butter banana bread this week, NOM.
Basil (dachshund – not pug)
always licks me when I come in from a run. crazy pup.
Seems unfair that Mal gets to be so fast just ’cause he’s a guy
And a very fit guy, I s’pose… 
Nothing beats a good PB and bananas sandwich!
I’m so excited to read about ya’lls marathon training, it really gets me pumped up to do when and it feels more realistic. I’ve looked at Team in Training in my area. Mal seems to improve the longer he runs. Keep it you guys!
I agree–pb and banana sandwiches are awesome fuel before a long run. I’ll probably be eating one tomorrow morning!
Mmmm…my grandmother used to make banana & peanut butter toast for my sister and I! I make it occasionally, but I now drizzle a little bit of honey over the top. Yum. Maybe now I’ll go for a jog! ; )
good fuel choice!
Hey Tina! I am so happy that you’ve decided to run your first marathon, especially in Hawaii! I’ve run four marathons, including an ultramarathon, andright now I’m pregnant so I hope you don’t mind if I live vicariously through you while you train:) It really sounds like you are enjoying the training process and I love that you are running with your husband. I think you will have an awesome experience and will do great at the race! You seem to be very goal oriented and driven, two qualities that will push you through to the end. Remember the last 6 miles are all mental! Keeping thinking positive! During my Boston marathon, I repeated Steve Prefontaine’s quote in my head over and over- ” To give anything but your best is to sacrifice the gift.” I know you can do it Tina!!!
PB and Banana sammy’s have always been one of my favorites–they are gooded wrapped in tortillas too though!! I love how you and Mal do everything together!
I love pb & banana sammies. Try drizzling a little honey over the banana next time. Yum!
what brand of protein powder do you use? i used the spirutein soy powder in the past and loved it. i dont do weight lifting so i am wondering if it is even worth it to add protein powder to my diet
@chau chu: Here’s the kind that I use: https://shopopensky.com/carrotsncake/buy/optimum-nutrition-gold-standard-100-percent-whey-gold-vanilla
I wanted to let you know that your post on Health.com inspired me this week. I mentioned it in my weekly links round-up. Thanks for the encouragement; I went out for my first run today in ten years!
I haven’t tried a PB/Banana sandwich combo before my runs yet, I’m training for a 1/2 marathon (my 2nd) so I’ll have to try that before this weekend’s long run!
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