It is now marathon week. This is it. Months of training, emotional ups and downs, injuries and exhaustion. On Sunday it all comes to an end. I think I am still trying to process this. As a result I am not quite ready to write about my plans for the big day. So instead of looking forward, I have decided to spend a couple of days looking back. My next couple of posts will be about training memories – good or bad. They will be in no particular order, just moments that come to mind when I think of the last four months.
Memories #1 and #2: The High Moment and the Low
My first real moment when I thought I might honestly be able to do this was the day I ran 11k and then followed it up with the Army Run Half Marathon. The run had many moments of feeling effortless and I was able to maintain such a steady pace. Completing more than 30km was a huge feeling of accomplishment, particularly when I crossed the finish line feeling great. I think that day will be remembered for a long time.
The lowest moment was definitely when I hurt my hip and I.T. band while trying to accomplish a 30k run. Having to give up at 25k and limp my way back to the car for 5km was completely demoralizing. Having no idea how much training time I would lose while trying to heal did not help my mood. That was definitely the closest I came to quitting. I am sure it would be nice to bury this memory but it is worth remembering. I did get back to training and I did have successful long runs. I may have had to readjust my goals but I didn’t quit. If I ever do this again, I will need to recall this low point to remember what I can accomplish.
Good luck on Sunday! I’ve been out of commission for a while and just getting back into running again.
You are an inspiration. Go out there and enjoy the moment!!!
Thanks so much Cheryl!
I’m sorry you were out of commission for a while, I wondered if you were still running when your blog wasn’t getting updated. Hope all is well and you are looking forward to running again.
Good luck this weekend! You’ve got this!
So many people I know are running next weekend, wish I was too!
Thank you Rebecca! I’m definitely getting excited/nervous right now. I seem to have constant butterflies in my stomach. I think it is going to be a long week.
Kristi, I love the idea of looking back over your training, especially to remember how you conquered a low point. Marathon training is all about perseverance. We can do this!
It has been such an experience, I feel like I have to hold on to these memories. And you are right – we CAN do this!
When do you head to T.O?
I get in Friday night!
We do too. Are you staying right downtown? I’m wondering if we would be able to meet up at some point?