Dopey 2027
I'm training for my first Dopey and using the Galloway training plan. I've run several half-marathons, finished a Death by 5K race challenge and run shorter distances several times per week, but this will be my first full marathon. I usually work out on my lunch breaks but due to the excessive heat, I'm having to get up early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to run before work. Week 3 of training plan (but started the 45-minute Tuesday/Thursday runs a few weeks early) and I've just been getting up and running my little loop for 45 minutes. I will say...I enjoy running for distance much more than vs. running for time; although, I don't know if I'll feel the same way once the mileage really gets up there. I strength train and lift heavy 3 days a week (MWF) and have been doing my Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday runs with Sunday as a rest day.
I've also put a focus on training my gut and learning how to properly fuel before, during and after runs. I had bariatric surgery 6 years ago and have just basically raw-dogged training for events with a little fuel and sheer willpower and determination. Willpower and determination are great for Dopey, but it's also going to require a different level of fueling than I've had in the past. I've listened to a ton of running nutrition and Dopey podcasts and feel pretty good about where I'm currently at. I could probably go out and run a half this weekend with only mild discomfort/recovery.
I should end up in C corral if the posts I've seen on POT hold up and I want to go out there and enjoy the course, hop on the rides, stop for some of the characters, have a drink and just go out and have good time on marathon day. It will likely be my first and only marathon unless I can get a lottery entry for NYC Marathon. I know there are many different strategies for tackling Dopey, and I'll probably take it easy on the 5K & 10K, run most of the half but stop for characters and take a few walking breaks, etc. and then go out and have a blast on marathon day. (I don't plan to do timed run/walk intervals)
All that to say...yesterday I was looking at the first few pages of the Dopey Training guide and noticed that there should be a warm up, then cadence drills and acceleration glider drills on Tuesday and MM and hill workouts on Thursdays? WHOOPS. Totally missed that. Is that what y'all are doing? I've just been running for 45 minutes on those days, working on fueling before, during and after and going on my merry little way. For the ones that have done Dopey and followed the Galloway training plan, did you do the hills, cadence and drills or just go out and run?
TIA!