Despicable! Truly. i started this blog to try and capture my experience training and running my first ever marathon, and I did;t write a single blog! Yikes. Luckily, I tracked a lot of my runs and experiences through instagram, so it is not all lost. But I REALLY do regret not noting some of my thoughts and personal growths and challenges here. However, hopefully I'll be better about this year!
Last year's marathon was truly an amazing experience. I was definitely third and sore by the end of it. I didn't realize how taxing the training would be. Particularly with my schedule as a full time working single parent. It makes training practically impossible; but not completely. I did get injured for about 2-3 towards the end of training, so that set me back. But the day of the marathon was pretty awesome. I ran with one of my very good friends, who was also running her first marathon. We ran the first 25 MILES together! You don't understand what happens to a friendship when you run for over 4 hours together. We decided to take it easy and not push to hard, which got me to the finish line at 5 hours and 16 minutes. I was hoping to finish under 5, and probably could have done so if I pushed myself a bit, but I am much happier with how I approached my first marathon. I relaxed, enjoyed the scenario and company, and just soaked it all in.
Now that i have that first experience out of the way, it's time to get more serious with my second marathon this fall. I WILL complete it under 5 hours. Even if it's at 4 hours and 59 minutes and 59 seconds. I'm slightly apprehensive with the training that comes along for the marathon. But I'm hoping since I've been working out pretty regularly, and I will have a couple more half marathons under my belt by that time, that my body (and time!) will be better by then. Last year my knee gave out the last 6 miles. So I'm hoping to cross the finish line this year stronger than before. Crossing fingers!
Lot's of things have been shifting as I have been getting involved with two running groups; Moms Run This Town and Team Red, White and Blue. Each group is so different and fulfills very different needs. I'm interested and psyched what training with a group of people will do. Last year I ran every single run solo, except for one long run with my newly found running sole mate/running boo. Other than that, I was in a zone of self transformation and focus. The idea of running with a community excites me. Especially since there are so many folks from Team RWB running; it will be pretty awesome to soar with some of my fellow Eagles.
Let's just hope I can keep this up to date a little better than last year! WISH ME LUCK!!!
