T’was the week before marathon when runners were making final preparations. The training is complete, the miles have been run. It’s time to take faith that you can get it done! As I look back on the training, I am thankful for all the miles I was able to complete. I can’t put myself down for only running 2- 20 mile distances. I need to just relax and enjoy the day with my friends!
I have run Columbus one other time and it is my only marathon to date. My training was extremely lonely. I wasn’t running with anyone and didn’t even know running groups existed in my area. My knee gave out in my training when I attempted my first 20 miler. I was never able to break that mileage distance in training due to my knee always causing me to stop short of my distance goal. During the race I felt great, until I hit mile 18. My knee pinched and I immediately had to stop. I walked/limped in pain for 7 miles. I felt completely defeated. I didn’t want to walk across the finish line, so I would jog for a minute, walk for a minute and repeat that cycle through the last mile. When I crossed the finish line, I was in tears. I was so upset with myself for not finishing the way I had hoped nor the way I had planned. At that moment, I swore I would never run another marathon again. I would stick to the half marathons. After all, I like that distance.
Everything changed when I was introduced to my #RunHappy friends! I started training with them for a half marathon that I had committed to a year in advance. I was enjoying running again. Fast forward and I completed 4 half marathons this year and was training with my friend to complete her marathon. I completed some of her long runs with her and decided to just throw in the towel and run it with her. I got a bib, ran another 20 miler in seriously gross weather conditions and started tapering.
Now, we are just 3 days away from lacing up our shoes, hitting the starting line and finishing another marathon. The distance I swore I would never do again. I’m not only going to toe the line and finish this thing, I’m going to do it with a lot more confidence than the first time. I’m going to watch friends reach their goals and push their limits. I’m going to cheer on those that finish at the back of the pack. I’m going to enjoy race day in all its glory! Columbus truly has the most amazing crowd support and I am excited to have a better race experience.
Not only will I complete this marathon, I will complete my first ultra marathon next April! I’ve already signed up for the Forget the PR 50K at Mohican State Park!
Look for my race report next week to hear all about Columbus!
confidentandfitmom 