The other day I went out for a 5 mile run. I expected it to go how it usually goes. I run until I have to walk a little bit. While the time spent walking has been less and less (especially over the last few weeks) I don’t expect anything different. I finish my 1 mile loop. I’ve been pretty good at getting through at least 1 mile consistently running, once I even got to 3 miles but – that was still pretty slow. 1 mile in. Then something miraculous happens…. I don’t stop.
And I ran…. I ran… so far away ay ay…(I’m sorry I couldn’t help myself.) The second time around I think “wow I’m going to make it 2 laps and then break, cool!” Then the craziest thing happened. I blew past mile 2… hit mile 3…. then mile 4… Then, I magically hit mile 5. (crowds cheer)
It felt so good to hit that last mile. I was practically skipping to the finish.
You train for months for a marathon. I started at the beginning of May. The four months before this were filled with aching shins, bleeding feet and a lung capacity that took the day off every..single..day. But now? I feel like I’ve been running my whole life.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions from coworkers, friends and family asking how I feel about running the marathon. If you asked me a month ago I probably said “I’m pretty nervous that I won’t finish.” Now I say “I know it’s going to hurt but I’m ready!”
Honestly? I’ll take it! When I ran 20 miles a couple of weeks ago, it was rough. The first 8-10 miles were fairly breezy but after that I was really hurting. It’s strange because I had ran 18 miles the weekend before and felt pretty okay. 20 miles though – I was whimpering towards the end.
My legs were sore. I was tired. I couldn’t wait to stop. Even though I was listening to the audiobook “Woman in the Window” which was super just okay but interesting enough to keep me going. I did make it to 20 miles and guess what? I survived. So, I’m going to run 6.2 more miles and also survive.
So, how am I feeling about running 26.2? I feel ready! I feel excited. Most of all, I feel prepared. I know it’s going to hurt. In a way though, that makes me feel pretty bad ass. I can’t believe how much my body can do. It’s truly remarkable. Once I complete the marathon, I’ll write a post on how I think everyone should run one at least once in their life and way. Stay tuned for that.
Otherwise, I’ll see you after 26.2.
Self care, self flare.
xoxo
Kelz
