Well folks, I officially did it. I set my sights on completing my first full marathon, and last Sunday, I achieved that goal.
In some ways, the training experience and the race were what I expected. In others, not so much.
How it met my expectations:
* I expected that training for a full marathon would require a deeper level of time dedication (obviously) but also a great dedication to paying attention to my body. I thought much more than I have in the past about nutrition and water along the runs, and carbo-loading for real (2-3 days before the event, not just pasta the night before). I drank a lot less alcohol, and overall just focused on feeding my body what it said it wanted.
* It was quite challenging to avoid injury during training. Besides some back pain, I've done relatively well staying injury free while running these past 7 years or so. Marathon training took a toll on my body, just as I thought I would. A week later, I went out earlier today really excited to do my first post-marathon run, only to find that my hamstrings and IT band are still pulled about as tight as could be, despite getting a massage on Friday.
How it exceeded my expectations:
* Race day was truly an unbelievable experience that I will never forget. Having my parents, aunts, and G there was great and I had several friends see me during the course as well. Not to mention the weather was amazing, and the crowds here were incredible, and so supportive and helpful.
* I actually felt great for the first 18 miles, much better than I figured I would, so that was also pretty exciting.
What I didn't expect:
* As much as I figured it would take a toll on my body, I guess I thought a week and a good massage would be enough to get me back to running normally. I want more than anything to be able to just up and go running, whatever distance and pace I feel like. I was SO excited to do that this afternoon, and was very frustrated to find that running still hurt quite a bit. I came home and stretched, and will be better about stretching moving forward. But man I'm just ready to run again for fun.
* I guess what I did not realize is that the training itself would strip running of its funness for me, and my natural motivation to do it. Its not that I hated going out for a long run on the weekends, but I definitely was not excited, it was just something I committed to doing so I was going to do. I fully expect to get that love of running back, hopefully once my legs heal up completely, but I really hope its sooner rather than later.
To be honest, I have this image of myself suiting up in fall running clothes, and trail running in some park, and all the leaves have turned to fall colors. No idea where this park is located, but its pretty awesome. I can feel the cool air easily moving in and out of my lungs, and I feel light, and I enjoy the feeling of getting a bit winded. I check my pace out of curiosity but frankly I do not care. I'm just running.
One day again folks, hopefully soon. We are heading to Michigan this upcoming weekend so perhaps then if my legs are feeling better.
Either way, life list checked off!
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