18 Horrible Miles vs 20 Amazing Miles

It Is Everything About Preparation, Everything.

Here's a little update for everyone. My marathon is in about 3 weeks. This fast Sunday I ran 20 miles, last Sunday I ran 18 miles. To say it nicely, the 18 was one of the most painful runs I've ever done (and I've ran a marathon before!) I felt crampy, my legs were heavy, my body was literally revolting at the thought of moving another inch let alone a mile. I'd say by mile 9 my body already shut down, it was done, i was tired, weak, dizzy, nauseous. It was literally just as shitty was it sounds... so then why the hell was my 20 mile run the most graceful, steady, fun, casual run of my life (more or less of course.) PREP. I completely 360'd my run prep routine with the advice from my amazing brother @nickbrodnicki who thank god also happens to be an endurance athlete and coach! Below is a little summary of my prep which I will be using (parts that are possible) for the marathon.

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- Do NOT underestimate the amount of work that goes in to "training" that doesn't involve running at all. I attended a 30th birthday the night before. Drank tons of water, and LEFT EARLY because I knew that hours of pain and misery were not worth it. I was in bed by 10pm!

- I made sure to pack the stupid extra stuff you will "never" need and then totally and completely need the entire run. Sunscreen, @nathansportsinc strobe light, my @garmin watch and HR monitor, @fuelbelt, band aids, toilet paper (not an lol moment,) @brooksrunning sneakers, @safteyskinofficial skin spread (reflective stuff,) and my @roadid hat and ID. 
​p.s. I also run with pepper spray... safety first!
p.p.s. No affiliate links here, just showing you what I like!

- I bought the expensive underwear!!! One word people, chaffing. (No my bro did not help me with this) I made sure I had my favorite, perfect for the occasion, sweat wicking, seamless, everything but the kitchen sink running underwear set aside the night before. That, along with my fav shorts and all the clothing I would need perfectly organized to be slipped into at the raw hour of 3am.

- Eat... for the love of God, EAT. Eat everything you have, everything your given, and in case your not sure, eat two. I don't even think I had that much and I was eating the entire run. Apple sauces, granola bars, gels, Gatorade, I'm packing peanut butter and jelly for the marathon... and it's going to be awesome... I was told at least 200 cals an hour need to be consumed, if you hit that, you won't feel like a walking zombie at the finish line. Maybe more like a running zombie... :)

You've got good pre run tips or tricks, LET ME KNOW! Prep is everything people!!