Editor’s note: Post journalist Ashley Mahoney is training for her first marathon on November 14 as part of The Post’s Black Lives Matter campaign. In the weeks leading up to race day, we’ll chronicle her training.

Aug. 12: Decided to run the Thunder Road Marathon. I have no clue what I’m doing. I have three months and two days to figure it out. At least I ran 5 miles yesterday, but my running shoes are shot considering I’ve had them for over two years. Sister-in-law suggested I use the Hal Higdon training program, and she’s completed two marathons…so I’m using Novice 1.  

Aug. 13: One day and three months until D-Day. I need a foam roller and new running shoes. This path should become a lifestyle, not a one and done experience. It should foster trust—if I don’t trust a training schedule or myself to get myself and my faith to see this through then it won’t work.  

Today I interviewed Karen Hill of First Wind Cycling & Fitness. She has such an incredible story, and has done so much despite her heart conditions.

I’m dedicating this marathon to people who would kill for the ability to run this far, something that so many people, including myself, take advantage of. This 26.2 goes to them.

Three miles at nine o’clock. An empty gym and a foam roller—both included in rent. New Adidas response boost running shoes: $75.06. Dent in bank account: Denial. Benefit to body: Priceless.  Surface: Treadmill. Distance: 3 miles. Time: 27 minutes, 19 seconds. Pace 9 minutes, 8 seconds Incline: .5 degrees. 

 
Three months and one day: I’m starting the training process a bit late. I start everything late. I wonder if I was born late.

*Note to self: Stretch A LOT!   

Aug. 14: Entrance fees…reasons I don’t enter races. Whoever said running was a cheap sport was an idiot, unless they were running barefoot and naked, and then maybe they were just insane. Running is an investment.  Surface: Road. Distance: 3 miles Time: 29.17 Pace: 9:45.

Forgot my iPod charger at work, and my iPad charger won’t work as it’s for the 5 and not the 4. Tight left quad. Must stretch.  Note to self: DO NOT run with white headphones—they do not stay in ears! Added three minutes on today’s run trying to make the buds stay in.  Prayer: PLEASE let my iPod battery last on tomorrow’s run. Amen!  

Aug. 15: DID NOT properly hydrate before today’s 6-mile run. Vision foggy. Heat of the day in a cotton cut-off and cheap compression shorts—can I wear cotton if it’s a cut off or does that still fall against the wicking fabrics aspect?

What the heck is wicking?

Surface: Road. Distance: 6.1 miles. Time: 1 hour, 4 minutes. Pace: 10:10. 

Note to self: Pink Sony headphones—same as white headphones. DO NOT USE.

ON RACE DAY!  Lunch: Garden salsa, Mexican blend cheese, quinoa, chick peas, a variation on this week’s Table Charlotte (swap chick peas for black beans), water (a lot). Lies, not enough water.  

Aug. 16: I have SO many questions about things that have absolutely NOTHING to do with running! How do you carry fuel? Do you need to carry fuel? Where do fuel stations come in? What do you eat the morning of a race like this or the night before for that matter? 

Cross training:  Stationary bike: Aerobic workout  Distance: 11.27 miles. Duration: 1 hour, 5 minutes, Avg. RPM: 56. Avg. Heart Rate: 108. 

Aug. 17: Rest day.  Progress thus far: More energy. More productive at work (at least I’d like to think I am—then again it has only been a week).
Happier. Definitely happier. Endorphins—pretty freaking awesome.  

To register for the Novant Health Thunder Road marathon, half-marathon or 5K as part of The Charlotte Post Foundation's Black Lives Matter campaign, log on to  www.runsignup.com/charlottepostfoundationtrm15

Also:

Losing control and gaining new perspectives

Clear mind with an early run

The best run of my life and comfortable earbuds

Training is creating some changes in budget and attitude

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