B12, Iron and Yoga

I have to admit, my Long Beach Marathon training hasn't exactly been pleasant.  Luckily, I still have several months for things to turn around but as of right now, I am not digging it.  I decided this will be the last time I train for a marathon in the summer.  Winter training is far more desirable in my book.  My training for Boston was great (until I had that stupid injury).  My training for Surf City was basically perfect and the race was in February.  Don't get me wrong, San Diego is not nearly as hot as most places in the summer.  We don't see 90 degree days and humidity barely exists here.  Regardless, the sun is brutal and I am a wimp.  I said it.  I hate cold weather and I hate hot weather.  Thank god I live in southern California or I'd be screwed!

I have come to accept the fact that I will probably never be that hard-core runner that wakes up at 5:30 AM every Saturday to beat the heat on a long run.  It just isn't going to happen.  I have spent the last several months setting my alarm for 5:30 AM to no avail.  My alarm clock ringtone is a screeching "Cocka-doodle-doo!" on repeat and I still don't wake up.  In reality, I wake up way later, look out the window, see the sun blazing, and I hit the treadmill. I thoroughly enjoy my time on the old 'mill but it's far from ideal.  My long runs are suffering because I can't drag my butt out of bed.  In the past, I was at least able to wake up by 7am, but even that seems impossible these days. 

So, why can't I get myself out of bed? It's not sheer laziness.  I have been feeling extremely fatigued lately for no good reason.  I can wake up at 11am and go back to bed for a nap a few hours later.  That doesn't seem quite normal.  I used to be anemic years ago, and I took an iron supplement to get me back on track.  I should have never stopped taking it, but I did.  I realized that I have not been taking my B12 supplement either.  Well, hello!  Once I realized this, I immediately hopped back on the B12 and Iron bandwagon.  Maybe it's a placebo effect, but I already feel so much better.  My energy levels have increased.  I don't feel the need to nap every hour.  I was able to wake up early on Sunday to surf and on Monday to run.  And my run was actually enjoyable for a change!

In addition to taking my supplements again, I have also returned to my beloved yoga practice.  I was having a terrible time "fitting it in" but I finally decided I needed to make time for it because it is equally as important as running.  I found a new studio that I love, Mosaic Institute, with passionate teachers and a warm, welcoming vibe.  I was crazy about my last yoga studio but my favorite instructors have all moved on, so it was time to find something new.  Angela and I have a weekly Friday night yoga date at Mosaic and I am already looking forward to tonight's practice.

I am hoping with a regular yoga practice and my nutrition in check, marathon training will begin to improve.

How is your summer training coming along?  

Do you wake up early to beat the heat?  

Any tips or tricks for summer training?