A few years ago I started running. I ran track in high school a little as a sprinter, but no long distance for me! I’m not sure what changed, but I saw all these other mom’s running miles everyday and loving it! They claimed it made them a better mom, helped them refocus, recharge…”ridiculous“, I thought.
Of course I had to see what they were talking about. I started running. I worked up to a few miles and my competitive spirit was giddy with excitement prompting me to run a 5k or two.
I surprised myself by taking 2nd in the overall women’s category in my first race and 1st in my age group in my second. My oldest son ran the second race with me. He told me after the race that I had slowed him down a little. He could have run it faster. Haha! The apple didn’t fall too far from the tree I guess.
So it was true. Somehow this repetitive motion – the rhythm of your feet beating on the cement and your heart drumming in unison has an unusual effect. Maybe it’s because you’re forced to breathe deeply and concentrate on yourself and clear your mind for a few miles. For women and mothers this is especially valuable.
For years since my on-again, off-again relationship with running began I’ve wanted to run a marathon…someday. Recently as I went for a quick run I realized that I didn’t have any valid excuses why I shouldn’t run a marathon this year.
Oh, dear. Here we go again.
Training for the Marathon
I found this long-term training plan from Sport Fitness Advisor. The marathon I plan on running isn’t until October so I’ve got time to work up to it. I can replace the Farltek and X-Train days with CrossFit. Plus this is a great beginners training schedule that is totally do-able. I’ve been modifying this schedule so that Sunday is always a rest day and Saturday is the long run.
I’m on week 3 and feeling good. For a long time the only reason I couldn’t run farther than a 5k was because my right hip, knee, and foot would start aching. Yoga has helped to loosen the tight tendons and muscles and I have to say that my shoes have made a huge difference in running properly. I’ve been wearing Vibram Merrell Bare Access Ultra Trail Running shoes (you can get them here). They give just enough support while still allowing your foot to move and flex like it would if you were running bare foot.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress, diet, helpful tips, setbacks, and probably a few life lessons I learn along the way. Any advice from all you experienced marathoners out there is much appreciated!
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