I’m now at week six of my 18-week marathon training program in preparation for the New Jersey Marathon.

Ouch?

I’ve never run this much before. I’m this close to losing a toenail. I bought a second laundry bin to handle all the dirty running clothes. Legging out a seven-mile run in the middle of the week? WTF is that about? (Obviously, running 30-40 miles a week has affected my cognitive ability. I’m very sleepy).

Here’s what I’m using to help my body cope with the extra mileage (It took me 10 minutes to write that sentence. I’m in big trouble if I’m this tired now because monster month – the month of heaviest running mileage on the program – is still a month away. Why am I doing this again?)

Tennis Ball. Not just any tennis ball. It’s one of those minty-smelling tennis ball made specifically for dogs. My mom bought it for my dog, but she’s a 15-pound Jack Russell Terrier mutt and the ball’s almost as big as her head. So I keep it under my desk and roll it under my feet for an easy, cheap foot massage.

Epsom Salt. I’m losing a toe nail because of an unfortunate run in between my foot and a drawer, then running after. Bruised toenails aren’t my problem – thickening ones are. Soaking my feet in epsom salt helps me keep those in check (and it feels good).

Sittin’ Pants. I can’t claim ownership of this concept. It belongs to my brother. Sittin’ pants are sweatpants about three times too big and very fuzzy on the inside. They are paired with with Bravo and/or Netflix.

Slipper Sock. Last December, I picked up a pair of what look like gray knit booties for grownups from the clearance bin of Urban Outfitter. This is the closest thing I see on their website. They are warm and comfy, and easy to wear around the house post-run.

Bravo. What’s better after a long Sunday run that a marathon of Millionaire Matchmaker? Real Housewives of Orange County? And where did Miami Social go? I love watching those twits!

Netflix. Same reason. Half of my DVD requests are TV shows, so I’ve burned through Californication and Secret Diary of a Call Girl while recouping from those crazy cold runs. I’ve tried to do something productive after running 10 miles in 20 degree weather. You think I sound funny now. Imagine me being this sleepy and still frozen. TV shows on DVD are PERFECT.

Ibuprofen. I don’t think it needs an explanation. I picked up a 1,000 pill bottle before training started. Buying in bulk was a good idea. I haven’t relied on it, but boy did I make my hip ache go away last night.

Next post, I’ll write what food I consider must haves while training. Until then, what non-running items do you consider essential for training?