One month ago today I officially became a Marathoner.
I joined the elite club that only 1% of the world belongs to – the club that runs 26.2 miles for a race bib, a cool medal and an incredible experience.
The day before my first marathon I found my name at the Chicago Health and Fitness Expo on the wall of official runners and I got chills. I couldn’t believe I was actually going to run a marathon.
The thought of me accomplishing a 26.2 mile run still brings a smile to my face!
In terms of preparation I had run 21.5 miles in a training run which was my longest run before the big race and to be honest with you, I was a bit afraid of stepping across that start line in Chicago. I didn’t know what would happen to my body and my mind after 21 miles – it’s a scary thought!
Random Running Fact: After 20 miles, you just never know what is going to happen. I think this is best explained in my favorite running book “ The formula for hitting [the Wall] is simple. Runner store 2,000 calories worth of glycogen in the liver and muscles. And runners burn 100 calories per miles. By mile 20, the glycogen should be gone.” This is an intimidating equation!
Not knowing what would happen in those later miles of the race is what made me both fear and respect the marathon the most. I truly believe that training properly and eating right helped me the most when times got tough.
10- 10-10 was a very special day for me.
I started the race a runner
And finished the race a marathoner!
And I couldn’t be more proud!
Obviously, my finisher’s pride is still going strong!
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What are you most proud of yourself for today?
2 Comments
You SHOULD be proud of your accomplishment. I certainly admire you for your determination and fortitude! Nothing or no one can take that feeling from you. Kudos to YOU!
Leslie,
This is totally random, and unrelated to this post, but as a local reader (well, not Philadelphia, but New Jersey reader), I had to share with you the fact that I saw your engagement announcement in this weekend's Philadelphia Inquirer. I'm a substitute and I carr the paper around with me until I get a chance to read it, and today I finally made it to the engagement's section. I saw your picture and couldn't be more excited for you two! And I loved the picture. I wish you nothing but the best.
Amanda