Wednesday, March 26, 2014

3 Years Marathoning: From First to Favorite

1st Marathon
God I look young. No wonder
Swifty wrote a song about being 22.
Three years ago today I completed my first marathon, it's crazy to look back at that day. Yes I am the nerd who also remembers the date. I honestly don't remember a ton about it, it WAS memorable but maybe I'm just getting old and forgetful.

I remember standing at the start not even realizing what was about to happen. I remember unpinning my bib, holding it (and the pins) in my mouth while taking off my long sleeve and proceeding to re-pin onto my tank top(all while running). I remember stopping to tie my shoe and falling over. I remember crossing the finish line, and not knowing how to feel. It all seemed surreal, like it went by so fast and then boom, DONE.

After my first I wasn't sure if I would run another, and I wasn't in any frame of mind to think about it (I was in the frame of mind to eat....all the food). Obviously I didn't stop there, I ran #2 & 3 within 6-8 months later. [Can read about 1-5 in--->this post]

Cleveland (#5) was a new race experience for me last year, it was my first marathon without a BQ goal. Although it was a super hot day, and I was 4 minutes slower than my PR I still loved it. It kind of sat with me for a few months, 'hey I really like the marathon'.

Wineglass (#6) was definitely a great experience. Huge PR, but more than anything I was happy to see my experience paying off. I was happy to see the lessons I have learned put to good use. At this point, I knew it was officially my favorite distance.

Deciding to run CIM 9 weeks after Wineglass, well...there was many reasons behind this. My love of the distance plus you all know how bad I wanted my 3:15, but the other reason was: I have changed.

Let me elaborate: In high school and college I was the about the power and speed, short distances and jumps were my thing. When I first started road races a few years ago, I got decent (by my standards) relatively quick at the 5k's and shorter distances. When I added longer distances in, the progress didn't come as quick but the experiences and lessons learned certainly did. Somewhere along the way I became a distance runner, something I swore I would never do. Somewhere along the way I became happier running 20 milers than going out and chasing 5k times.
1st Marathon done, not quite in love yet.
Here I am, training for my first Boston and finding myself more emotional about something that happened 3 years ago. No I didn't love the marathon after my first, hell I'm not even sure how much I liked it. But I am grateful for that first, because had I not taken that chance and done it- I wouldn't be where I am now.

 I am proud of the way running has changed my life(in so many ways) the last few years. Is it all because I ran a marathon (and then a few more)? No, running a marathon doesn't define you as a runner; but falling in love with the distance certainly has changed me. Doing what you love, yeah...that changes you. For some people that's 5k's, some it's half marathons, some it's marathons, and some it's not running at all. We all prefer different distances, and that doesn't make one runner better than another. Part of me ran my first marathon to prove something, I thought I needed to in order to be a 'real' runner. I can tell you for a fact that's false, distance doesn't define you. Making the choice to go out and run, that makes you a runner. I've learned a lot through all of the distances I have ran, marathons just stick with me the most.

Marathons have left me proud, humbled, defeated, happy, excited, driven, broken, and some of those all in the same race. I've had the good ones and the bad ones and still come back for more. Either I really love it, or I am a sadist. I'll vote for the former.

Marathoners: Do you remember much about your first?

How do you define yourself as a runner?

What distance do you just love? 
For me: Marathons, and then 2nd place is tie between halves and 5 Mile

25 comments:

  1. i love your post and your open, unabashed love of running marathons. your story captures the pure and simple building of respect and admiration for the distance and for the experience you've gained along the way. I'm so excited about your first Boston! You've earned the right to love every single step! :)

    I will always remember my first...it blew my mind. i bq'd.
    i define myself as a runner that loves the mind/body/soul connection to the visceral pumping of my heart and the way my senses come alive outdoors- especially when i run in the early morning and watch the sun rise just for me. I'm on hiatus from running but clearly, i miss it and will be back. :)
    it's hard to say what i love - i'd have to say a half marathon because that distance is invigourating - it hasn't involved the digging in and gutting out phase of a marathon. :) but the marathon - it is such a challenge and such an achievement that it brings a different level of satisfaction and fulfillment. i'm not a fan of the short distances because i'm barely warmed up and it's over! :)

    great questions - thanks for asking. Good luck with your final weeks of winter and congrats for getting through the winter training in the beast of a season we've had.

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    1. Thank you so much! You BQ'd first time, my hero! Halves are definitely tired for my second fav for the reasons you said. How are things going with the coach and training, I love reading your progress reports.. you have been doing great!

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  2. I love that phrase, whether it applies to running or anything else. Doing what you love DOES change you, and how lucky to have found something that you love! It doesn't hurt that you're pretty dang good at it! I love running too (although I still laugh to say that even a year after my first run), but running doesn't seem to love me!

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    1. I hope that one day running loves you back, such an awesome thing. You have SOOOO much going on with the new program and moving to Chicago and such! Maybe once you settle in, see about running again and see if it is any different?

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  3. Ya, I remember my first marathon, but it wasn't all that long ago. I think I like the distance, but I really need to run a few more to be sure. I'm sure I would like it more if I didn't feel like death for the final 5K, but that's where experience comes into play I guess. The marathon distance is the most challenging to me and pushes me in ways that other distances don't...that's what draws me to it. And all.the.food.

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  4. I love reading about your journey with the marathon. Not many people can talk about their consistent PR. It's truly awesome. I cannot wait to see where Boston takes you. It's clear how much you love running, how it has helped you and how much you have grown for the marathon.

    I remember my first...ha...as do you! Seeing you and Heather was definitely a highlight!

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  5. I haven't ever raced a marathon. I had to give up racing years ago (it was that or stop running completely). Now I'm actually thinking I might try one soon. I've run further distances on my own but I sort of want the experience.

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    1. It's definitely an experience in itself, that's for sure!

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  6. I love this post and reading about your journey. Really I love all your posts though. And I love your humor about eating all the foods post-marathon. You have really grown as a runner and it's neat that you started out with shorter stuff and progressed, but also cool that you still run some of the shorter stuff too, even if it's training runs or to practice for the big day at the marathon. I think that's a smart decision.

    Remembering the date of your first marathon is not crazy or weird at all! I will always remember the date of mine and I didn't like it and don't really want to do another one any time soon (I won't say "never", because I'm only 28 and don't like to make definite statements like that, so I'll just say it's def. not in the cards for 2014).

    I do agree distance does not define a runner, and neither does speed. If you are out there working hard to better yourself, whether it's a 5K or 50K, you are a runner. Once you run a marathon, you are a marathoner forever, no need to renew it like a contract to keep a sticker on the car =).

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    1. I'm glad you don't say 'never' because maybe one day things will change your mind! But if not, you are doing so great with the shorter stuff, and if that is what you love and are good at...than why change it! Everyone has their niche!

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  7. What a great post, and a good comparison of then and now. I have changed as a runner, a lot, but still want to go after that marathon PR. SO much happens between 30 and 40 it's too soon to tell whether that PR will be there. I never had running as a teen with track, so I got in my "fast" 5k training at 37! Enjoy the ride and keep doing what you love :)

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    1. One of the greatest things about running is there really is no 'age limit' and you see runners of all ages that are newer OR veterans. I just read an article the other day about how many runners are peaking between 35-40+ now... I mean thats just freaking awesome. You definitely have an awesome running history but I certainly don't think it's over! Marathon PR will be yours!

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  8. I miss my first Marathon... one of the best experiences I've had, and nothing has came close since. I have a good feeling about the upcoming races tho :) I can't believe Boston is coming up so soon! What are your running plans this weekend? I'm free Sunday for a run :)

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  9. Ohh I just read your post about CIM. I am highly considering this race. Was great to read your recap. I really do love the marathon. I for some reason love the hard training, long runs etc. I enjoy the half and how the training is very manageable but will always be drawn to the full. Great post!!!!

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    1. CIM was a fabulous race, highly recommend it.I do love halves because the training is very managable like you said, and I can run a half without excessive training which is a nice feeling. But I'm with you...drawn to the full!

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  10. Happy marathoniversary! I kind of laugh to myself when I think about my training for my first marathon, and even my first marathon. I was clueless, and gosh, the mistakes that I made!! So much fun though! I thought marathons were my favorite until I ran Boston, and now, I dread training for a full, not sure what that means. I am having a blast doing halves right now though!

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    1. Oh my word, the way I trained for my first few scares me how I even made it through! I'm glad you are enjoying things right now, I have loved reading all the recaps of recent races... nice to see you back out there and having a blast!

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  11. Congrats on 3 years of marathoning! I remember a lot about my first. It was such an emotional experience and something I NEVER thought I'd do. While I do one a year, it's not my favorite distance. I LOVE the 5K and the half after that.

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    1. I love that you still do all the distances, such a well rounded runner!

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  12. Love this post! My first marathon is definitely a blur. I had no idea what I was getting myself into especially since I didn't train for it. It was also 16 years ago and my running has taken on many lives since then.

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    1. 16 years ago, my word that's awesome you have come such a long way!! So much experience you have and that's probably why you do so well as a coach!

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  13. This was such a fun read!
    I unfortunately remember my first as much as I'd like to forget it--and it'll be my last. Unless something drastic happens I didn't enjoy 13 miles of dry heaving, sun poisoning & heat stroke. Took away the fun of running ;)

    That being said, I was a HUGE fan of the half until my knee injury. It is the perfect distance in my eyes.

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    1. I remember reading an old post you did about your first... may not have been the best experience but you pushed through and you did it and that is something to be very proud of! You are a strong chick!

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  14. What a fun review to look back over your progression in marathons! I don't think I could say the full is my favorite, but I do love the training and the sense of accomplishment. The half is probably my favorite distance.

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  15. I loved this post- thank you!

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