Mike's Marathon Blog

Lent starts tomorrow. Every year, Jacky gives up ‘sweets’ for Lent. Sweets consist of pretty much everything that tastes good. Cookies, ice cream, cake, cupcakes, candy, doughnuts, hot chocolate, muffins, chips, etc. Lent is 46 days. I’m not sure I can do it. I told her I would do it with her, but I’m definitely second-guessing now.

Training for the marathon and dieting doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand. I always try to eat healthy and consume as much ‘energy’ as I need for all of my training. I eat the proteins and carbs and all of that fun stuff. There’s a large psychological aspect that goes along with the training and eating as well. It is very difficult to workout as much as I do and not want to reward yourself. Trust me, after a 17 mile run, I am not thinking about how much protein, calories, fat grams, sugar or carbs are in my dinner that night. I am having steak, french fries, bread, beer and ice cream. I need my rewards! I work hard!

I would like to lose a little more weight before race day. I have always said that I need to be in the 160’s if I wanted to run a marathon. I am so close! Ditching the sweets for 46 days might do the trick. The race is just over 2 months away. If my training goes according to plan, I will be running over 100 miles in the month of March. If that doesn’t get me in the 160’s, I don’t know what will.

A few years ago, I went on a no-sugar diet for 60 days. The diet was super strict. I couldn’t even have fruit! The person that planned it for me told me something that I would never forget. ‘What kind of a person are you if you can’t stick to something for 60 days?’ I have always remembered him saying that. It’s so true. It’s 60 days! Two months of your life. BFD. Suck it up.

Everyone should think about giving up something for Lent. And Lent is only 46 days, not 60! Give up booze, swearing, smoking, desserts, candy. Something! Have Diet Coke instead of regular Coke. Have chicken instead of steak. Have tea instead of coffee. Have a piece of fruit instead of chips. I bet you will feel incredible after 6 weeks. Think about it.

If I am giving up all these amazing treats for 46 days, I am going out with a bang. What is on the dinner menu tonight you ask? Chocolate chip ice cream, 2 brownies, chocolate syrup, melted marshmallow, coconut sprinkles, whipped cream and crushed walnuts. Yes, I had this for dinner last night too (seriously).