My favorites this week, naturally, are devoted to the marathon. I don’t know about you but self doubt tends to creep in during the taper weeks of my marathon training. This time around, I’m happy to say that things are a little different.
For one, this is my first marathon back from baby. Yes, I could’ve run a marathon sooner, but I wasn’t ready. I’m ready now because physically, I’m ready. I waited to train until I healed from my hip injury. I kept my fitness up, but I waited to train for the marathon until I knew my body was able. I had no injuries during this training (I’m pretty sure it’s due to the amount of cross training I did and that I kept the mileage on the low side – my body does not like me when I am running 50+ miles a week).
Mentally and emotionally, I’m ready. I would love to race a 3:40 and my race strategy will be for 3:40ish, but I know, I truly know that I will be okay if it doesn’t happen. No tears, no major disappointment. If it doesn’t happen, I know where I made training mistakes and I’m okay with those decisions. I know that I will finish the race (minus some major catastrophe).
So here are some of my favorite memories from my previous marathons.
Favorite marathon cheerleader.
1.) Kansas City, Sept 2005. My best friend Bria met me at mile 18 with a peppy smile and what I thought was water, instead it was an energy drink. As I spit it out and tried to not throw up right there, she kept apologizing to me for the next half mile saying “I thought it would pep you up!” Bria was not a runner at the time, but later became a runner and avid cyclist. She cringes now at the thought of drinking an energy drink during a hard run and even said to me a few years later, “I can’t believe I did that.”
Favorite marathon motivation
Dublin Marathon, Oct 2009. As I was running up a wee hill, someone from the crowd was cheering, with a pint in his hand, mind you, yelling “Oh, for F__k sake, run faster!” I received many o “well dones” and “brilliants” but “Oh for f__ sake, run faster” actually made me run faster, and giggle.
Favorite destination marathon
Dublin Marathon, Oct 2009. Duh. On the wish list: Big Sur, London, and Bordeaux.
Favorite marathon crowd
Chicago, Oct 2004. There are people EVERY step of the way. Crazy amounts of crowd support. It is wonderful. I hi-fived as many people as I could.
Favorite marathon lesson
San Antonio Rock-Roll, November 2009. Don’t run 2 marathons in 3 weeks and expect your time to be faster in the second one, silly girl! Sometimes, the marathon isn’t about how fast you run it, it’s all about the experience (and the free food at the end). Plus, the medal was super cool.
Happy Friday, everyone! Do you have a favorite marathon memory?
Related articles
- Marathon Training: Race Week (kandjcolorado.wordpress.com)
- My Chicago Marathon Training Plan (foodandfunontherun.com)
- Marathon Prep (mountainkait.com)
- The Marathon Question (chamberlain1966.wordpress.com)
- Suckin’ Diesel (kandjcolorado.wordpress.com)
What a fun post! Dublin- I’m so jealous! We should do London together someday… maybe when our kids are in high school and can be left home alone.
I’m so glad you’re feeling relaxed and confident– can’t wait to hear all about it! Try to get a good night’s sleep and enjoy the whole experience!
Stalking your site today… hope the race went well, my friend!!