I’ve been reading so many posts about marathons it’s almost driving me crazy, but in a good way. Sometimes it’s overwhelming and seriously, I don’t understand how they do it and stay sane. But then I realize the great things they get out of it and that’s all I need!
So, what did I go and do? I know you saw this coming! I’ve been a distance runner for over 10 years and this day was bound to come. On 5 June, this is where I’ll be:
I’m going to run the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll MARATHON!!!
This has been a long time coming. I tried running this race before, but did not finish. I over-trained and hurt myself so badly I couldn’t finish. Ok well, technically I came across the finish line, but I jumped in just before the half. Now before you get on me for jumping in on a race, I paid for that sucker and put aside the time to train, whether it was on the street or the pool (I spent months aqua-jogging while injured to keep up my cardio/fitness). But believe me, I still feel like a fraud going across the finish having only run the later half. I wish I could take that back, but I wanted to run at least part of the race that badly.
Anyhow, I want to redeem myself. I have wanted to do this for years, since 2007 when I tried to run it. The biggest difference now is that I’ve learned so much more about training, my body, fueling and the like. I’m still deathly afraid I’ll get injured and won’t be able to finish it, AGAIN, but I have to keep a positive attitude and see what will come out of it, right!?
So, in order to keep me psyched for the race and in shape because well, I’m going to be living in the mountains where there is SNOW until April (!!!) I’ve signed up for a few other races to keep me excited. And they’re my favorite kind!
I’m going to start the year off with a bang, and with some really great friends:
While I was in AZ last weekend I had a chat with Jill, Jenn’s business partner about running, when she mentioned her and Jenn would be running this race in January. What?! Sign me up! So on 17 January, I’ll be in the desert again, besides the one I’m in everyday, to run a 1/2 marathon!
And to keep me motivated through the cold and snow…since I HATE THE COLD, I’ve got another race in the books:
Oh yeah, the next to worst hilliest course I will have run. If I thought the Oregon Wine and Country was hard, this one will be even worse. I mean, look at this elevation chart! Yikes!
Those last few miles will be ROUGH! Alas, I’m running it to keep in shape and enjoy my first trip to Oakland, so I’ll be taking my time and hopefully helping my running buddy PR too!
And then the big one comes. The one that I’ll train more than I ever have in my life and will probably kick my ass (literally and figuratively). Now I have to say, as hard as this is going to be for me physically, it is definitely going to be a challenge for me mentally.
I have discussed this issue with several of my close friends and after some serious debating, we decided I’d be able to train for this race despite always feeling ruled by my eating disorder. I have finally been able to change my perspective on what running is for and to me but there are still times where I struggle. I used to believe every single run was just about burning calories to get me skinnier, and knowing full well it wasn’t the case, has finally become something I no longer believe.
Thank.Freakn.Goodness. Because those days were horrible, running rain or shine, pair or not, fueled or not, they were not easy and really, I can’t remember too many runs I enjoyed. But that’s all changed in the past year so hopefully leading up to the marathon will be just as great. I want this first real marathon to be the most awesome ever. I have no time I want to hit, I just want to finish the damned thing and want to have that 26.2 sticker on my car! Yes, and the marathoner title. That’s nice too.
What do you think? What’s your best suggestion for a first time marathoner? I want all the help and SUPPORT I can get, because I know I’m gonna need it!
16 comments:
I have read your blog for a while and thought I would finally comment:) CONGRATS!! Honestly, if you can do a half you can totally do a full...it is so much of a mental game. I heard the San Diego Marathon is so much fun. Good idea to sign up for so many other races along the way to help break up the training!
I've only done 5Ks and 10Ks so far (wanting to do a half next year), but I'm training for a 10K now and doing 5K races definitely helps with that. Anyway- definitely go for it! Regardless of what your time is, if you finish you get that sticker for your car and you get the title and all that goes with it- because running a marathon is not something that 99% of people will *ever* do!
I ran the Oakland half last year. The end is pretty rough but I think the elevation chart makes it look worse than it is.
I'll probably be running it again this spring, too!
wow, congrats!! you should be so proud.
youre gonna kill it!
Congrats on registering for the full!! Also- where in Australia did you live? I'm going there next semester!
Yay! I'm so happy for you! I'm happy both that you're excited about this and doing something you love, and also that you are working so hard to fight your ED! Seriously, it seems like you have so much knowledge and awareness. I think you're going to be amazing, based on that fact alone; knowledge is power!
Can't wait to hear more about your training!
Yay yay yay yay! I just registered for our 1/2 tonight - and I'm SO excited for you to run the full in San Diego! Excited, proud, happy, can't wait to hear all about it - a mess of emotions, basically. :o) Can't wait to see you in January!
Good luck with all those races! Just keep it all in perspective, because injuries aren't worth it :) Train your best, and try and have fun along the way!
Congrats on signing up for all those races. I've never done a marathon, just a half. But I definitely know you have to be mentally prepared.I had so much time to think when I was running that half!
p.s. You should have a meet up or let me take you out for probably THE BEST pizza you will ever taste in Oakland while you are here because I live like 20 minutes away!
San Diego Marathon? You've got that. We shall discuss marathon plan in person in 2 weeks in San Fran!!! WOOP WOOP!
First time or anytime I'd say stick to your training, but listen to your body if you need a day (or two or three) off. You'll be doing high mileage that if one week you miss a couple runs but still hit your long run, you'll be fine. Training can be long and mentally hard, so it's okay to work in some unexpected rest days - you'll know when you need them!
And I'm really excited for you!!
YAY!! Clearly this is something you've wanted to do for awhile, and I know you can do it if your heart is in it :) Listen to your body throughout training and I'm sure you'll rock it girl!!
I can't wait to follow you through all these FUN races!!! Signing up for them is a great way to stay positive AND motivated, IMO!! :)
UGHHH I want to sign up for a marathon so badly but I'm so nervous about training in the cold and with my work schedule. My best friend already signed up for an april one and now you....EEEK!
Congratulations! So excited for you!
ahh so excited, good luck! i loved training for the Chicago (after paying in 2009 and being injured) and now I'm sort of injured AFTER Chicago (hoping it clears up by Foodbuzz Fest!). Marathoning is SO hard on your body, regardless of what people say or how they seem. I'm convinced it catches up to you at some point so it's really important to be careful. I tried to return to running too soon after the race and now I'm paying for it! I wish I'd been smarter! Hang in there & take care of yourself during training. I'm excited for you!
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