So since people (and by people, I mean 2) have asked me about my training and how I run marathons I thought I would write a post about it. I started running about 6 years ago when I needed to lose weight. I had never run over 2 miles before when a sales rep came into my office at UT and started talking about how she was going to join this group that was training for a marathon. I was amazed and was like 'sign me up!' We planned on meeting the Austin Fit group the following weekend. I showed up and she didn't. I normally am super self conscious and nervous about things like this and not knowing anyone. I'm not gonna lie, it was very awkward for me. Everyone seemed to know someone and I was sort of by myself. I signed up anyway.
As we were heading for our first long run they were calling out times and you were supposed to follow the group that represented your min/mile. I seriously had no idea how fast/slow I was. I just jumped in the 10:10 group. Luckily it turned out to be a great fit. I met these men and women every Saturday morning and we did our long runs together. Some weeks we talked the entire time and some weeks we put in headphones and just tuned everyone out. I met some great running buddies, but I'm not going to lie. I never saw them again after the post-race party. We never exchanged email/phone numbers or anything. It was always just a weekly run date. I was totally ok with that and actually welcomed it. I didn't have any new friendships that I needed to nurture. Just running buddies to bitch and moan with. Training for your first marathon is such an exciting and scary thing. I had mostly good runs. Every single long run I was like 'this is the farthest I've EVER run.' 'Can I do this?' It was fun being with people going through the same thing. I'll never forget our 5 mile run. It was super hot and insanely humid. I remember thinking that there was no way I was ever going to finish 21 more miles. But, August faded into September and the mornings gradually got cooler and more manageable. My only other really really tough run was the 18 mile run. I remember it vividly. I remember almost sitting down and crying. My knee hurt so badly and I was in so much pain, but I kept going, even with my long walk breaks.
Marathon Day came and I had never been so nervous about anything before. Ever. I found my running group and we all decided that we would try to stick together, but that we should all run our own races. I had phenomenal support from my family. Brian had anything and everything I would possibly need in a backpack and he saw me about 5 times along the route. I ran with a friend the entire race. I was having a tough time around mile 22. My friend seriously kept me going. She was amazing. Her family called her 'Pi' as in the math number. She had 'Go Pi' written on her shirt and people kept yelling 'Go Pee!' It was awesome. Anyway, we finished in 5 hours and 5 minutes. I was so sick at the end and declined the celebratory keg stand that was offered in the last 400 meters. Gross. It was a great day and a great accomplishment. Words can't express how proud I was.
I would go on to run 4 more marathons over the subsequent 7 years. Each one of them was unique, challenging and amazing in their own ways. The feeling of getting a marathon medal (or Tiffany's necklace in the case of SF Women's Marathon) draped around your neck is pretty boss.
Soooo.....how do you run a marathon?
1. You have to want to. I don't mean go into it like 'I'll see how it goes' sort of thing. It has to be 'I'm GOING to run a marathon. Damnit.'
2. Get running shoes. No, don't go to Wal-Mart and get some 'running' shoes. Get some RUNNING shoes. This is insanely important. Go to a specialty running store and get a gait analysis and proper fit. Do not just buy the prettiest shoes. It's tempting, but get what's right for you. I'm usually a size 8, but my running shoes are a size 9. Since I'm usually running my long runs for hours at a time my feet swell. Yours will probably too. Go up a size or even a size and a half. Knowledgeable sales people will tell you this. But just PLEASE go to a running store and get a proper shoe. It's so important. If you feel like you have a less-than-stellar sales person leave and go back at another time or to another store. You really need someone who knows running shoes to guide you through your purchase. Expect to spend at least $90 on a pair of shoes. Once you know what works for you you can often go online and find them cheaper if you want.
3. Find a running group. If it's your 1st marathon this is highly recommended. Just do a google search. I highly recommend the USA Fit training approach. I used both the Austin Fit and San Jose Fit programs when I was in each city. They know what they're doing. I've trained solo and you can do it, you just have to be careful and know what you're getting into.
4. Stick to a plan. Print it out and cross of the training days after you've done them. It's a great feeling to put a big black X over a 20 mile run on your calendar.
5. Life happens, but don't let it derail you. Sure, you're busy. We're ALL busy. I either get up at 4:30am to get my runs in or do them at night or go on the weekends. You only need 30-40 min max to run during the week. Promise! But, sometimes you just can't run. You're sick, your baby is sick, whatever. Forget it and just pick up where you left off. Your body is pretty damn amazing and will forgive you.
6. Injuries happen. If they happen to you don't freak out. Cross train. Bike, swim, walk whatever you have to do to keep up your aerobic base.
7. Gear. As in other gear besides running shoes. If you're um, chesty, get a good sports bra. Not a Target C9 one, a good one. It was be expensive. At least $50. I love Moving Comfort Juno. I buy a size smaller than normal and do a good bounce test in the store. Your milk shakes should not shake. I ran my 2nd marathon while still nursing and my tatas were tamed. Super important. I cringe when I see a woman running and her boobs are practically hitting her in the face and knees. Ouch. Now I wear a cheapo larger non-supportive bra (Target C9) under my heavy duty compression bra to avoid chafe. Speaking of chafe...get some body glide. Nobody wants chub rub. Rub that stuff everywhere you have clothing seams, socks, etc. It helps. You will also need hydration if you're running in areas you're unfamiliar with or that don't have water. Buy a cheesy running belt or hand held water bottle. Put your medical info in it. Including an emergency contact. I have a RoadID on my running shoes. Other crap that is nice, but not necessary include a GPS watch (love my Garmin), tunes, fuel (at running stores or you can just carry Gatorade tablets, swedish fish, a sandwich, whatever works for you).
7. Believe in yourself. You CAN do it! You really really can. If I can go from not running over 2 miles to running 26.2 miles in 6 months, anyone can. Marathon running is seriously 90% mental. Seriously. Nike had that shit correct. JUST DO IT!
Ok, so now that nobody had read that, happy Wednesday! Anyone else excited that there's a new Modern Family tonight? You know you're tired when you can't even get through an episode of New Girl. I love that show, but not getting more than 3 hours of sleep in a row for years will allow you to fall asleep anytime, anywhere.
Brian took the kids tonight because I needed 2 hours to myself. I don't know what's gotten into Izzy the past couple of days (sugar?!) but she had been not herself. She bit her friend at school yesterday, bit Logan today and had 2 accidents. She hasn't had an accident since her first 2 days of potty training. WTH? She's been throwing things, and generally acting a fool. Logan is sick, so he's been a handful, but he's making progress. He will now play independently for about 10-15 minute stretches while I'm in the room. This is huge for him. I can see him ever so slowly turning a corner. I am cheering him on with my biggest cheer leading skills.
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