Hungry! and other Random Thoughts

I find myself constantly feeling hungry.  I thought I might lose that last 10 pounds I wanted to lose while training for the marathon (still hoping it will happen in these last 6 weeks as my miles peak....though the last few weeks will have the taper...), but I'm hungry all the time.  I haven't gained weight, but I just keep hovering up and down around the same 2-5 pounds.  I try to resist the urge to eat when I can, but I just keep thinking about food until I finally eat something.  I know I'm burning a lot of calories when I'm running 35+ miles a week, but it's hard to find the perfect balance.  I've tried to eat when I'm hungry and make good choices, but when I feel hungry all the time I know I can't eat all the time!!

When I'm not feeling hungry, I'm either feeling extremely tired or extremely restless.  After a rest day, I feel jittery with the urge to go for a run.  On consecutive running days (T-W-Th), and after the long weekend run on Saturday, I feel tired.  I think the taper weeks will be very difficult, as I will really feel jittery about the upcoming marathon. 

I try to focus on my job and my relationships, but it is hard to really be completely there all the time.  When I'm busy, I am focused on what I am doing....but whenever I have down time, my mind is on running.  When I have free moments, I want to read running tips or check in with the St. Jude website to see how my fundraising is going, or look up a half marathon for the spring....

I wonder how I will feel after I complete the marathon.  Will I think, "Never Again!" like many people I know who have run that one marathon to check off their bucket list.....or will I be looking to sign up again as soon as possible ( I also know some crazy people in this category).  It's hard to say.  At this point, I'm thinking I will pick a half marathon for the spring and maybe a few other smaller runs.  I like attending the organized races/runs, and it is harder to find time to participate in as many runs when training for a marathon. 

This week I will run 7, 4, and 5 miles during my midweek runs.  On Saturday, I will complete my second 20 mile run.  I think I'm most fidgetty on Tuesday mornings, because after resting Monday I am reved up for the week of running.  I'm also worrying about getting all the runs in, though I haven't missed runs except when I was injured. 

Time to get ready for work.  Happy Running!