And many of my fellow twitter friends agreed with me that a half marathon was a cake walk compared to a full. Some also reminded me that it is all about your perspective because they are training for a half and feel it is a lot of work. And I can see that.
But coming from the girl who ran 49 miles in December of 2010, and 88 miles in both Jan and Feb 2011, I can say this: I have never been this exhausted from half marathon training. I ran my first half at the end of February, and I ran another in March just 3 weeks later. I was a bit tired but nothing like this. I finished August with 145 miles!!! That is an all time high for me :)
It is exhausting. Not only does running task you physically but it goes after you mentally as well. For me it is a challenge each day to figure out which fuels work best, how much to hydrate, how to rest, how to stretch, how I will fit it all into my already crammed schedule. Some way, some how, each week I get it done.
I am glad I tweeted about it yesterday because it helped me realize a few things:
1. I am not alone. So many runners out there are training for fall marathons and they are going through the same emotions.
2. It will be worth it. I know I want this. I know when I cross that finish line and hold that 26.2 medal that it will be the culmination of an entire 22 weeks of hard work.
3. I will have accomplished what very few people actually do.
4. I have kicked obesity in the ass, laid it to rest, and not looked back. I can kick 26.2 as well.
5. I will not be stopped. Ever.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support along this journey!!!
9 comments:
agreed it is totally exhausting and totally worth it. i am soo exhausted and mentally not with it today, it is unbelievable and lets not even talk about the need to bring back nap time after running lol
So with you on this. I'm exhausted after those long runs. Yesterday I was able to get a short nap. BUT That is not the norm for me. It doesnt help when you are not a good sleeper. You would think I would sleep like a baby, but not I. You are doing awesome keep it going. I remember last year when I did cross the finish line for my first marathon. It was such an amazing feeling. Cant wait to hear all about you journey to 26.2.
Just want to comment to say you are amazing! Your story, and your energy and commitment are fantastic. I am from UK, a runner ( but nowhere as quick as you) and a mum of 2 little girls. I find it tough squeezing in my running, and I'm not as busy as you are. Anyway, I enjoy following your training, and look forward to seeing how the marathon goes. thinking I will try and do one next year, but scared of the training commitment ( halfs do seem more manageable to me at the moment. )Have a great weekend!
A-freaking-men!
I've really struggled this week on an "easy" week and can't even put my thoughts together for a good blog post. As far as half training goes, what people don't realize until they train for a full is how different it is. I love half marathons, but the approach to training is a lot different both physically and mentally. It's probably something good for a blog post sometime.
There are so many reasons I don't think a marathon is in my future, but I gather from friends that while this all can be overwhelming for your first marathon, you do figure things out the next time around--and the next!
some day for me.
SOME DAY.
Every day you are choosing to be a champion and I love it! Come race day you will have already won and the race will just be you showing your fabulousness off to the world. We are cheering for you on the sidelines of life - go Colleen GO!
thank you everyone for the support!
It makes this journey easier having so many people all working hard together towards their goals and sharing stories! Keeps me going :)
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