With the Boston Marathon last week and spring weather finally here, marathon season is officially underway. I'm running my second half in just over a week with several of my friends, and I'll just say that doing this long distance running thing a second time around isn't any easier. For all of my fellow spring long distance runners and racers out there, this is for you.
1. The sign-up
It's three months (give or take) in advance before the race. You're feeling pumped and excited about the thought of this lofty goal and aren't focused at all on the tough runs to come.
2. Looking over the training plan and realizing all of the hours and miles you'll have to run.
Wait....6 miles? On a Tuesday?
3. The first run.
Fun? Maybe. Uncomfortable and Awkward? Definitely. But it all starts with a single step.
4. Stretching afterwards.
Everything hurts so great.
5. The HUNGER.
On the bright side, I can out-eat both of my teenage brothers.
6. Running too fast during the first couple of miles during your long run training....
LOOK, MA! I'M GONNA PR!
7. ....And then nearly dying for the remaining 6+ miles.
NEVER MIND. NEVER MIND. AVERT YOUR EYES, MA.
8. Cross Training learning curves.
Definitely not doing this right.
9. Finding the motivation to push through your long runs.
Some days are hard.
10. But, thankfully, some days are pumped with a runners' high and good ole endorphins.
Leaving you feeling like Wonder Woman.
11. Taper Time.
That wonderful yet terrifying time when you realize you're only a couple of weeks away and have to back down the miles.
12. Feeling completely unprepared.
Even when you've put in the work, there's still a part of you that doesn't think you can cross that line.
13. Race week.
With backing off the miles comes less opportunity to shake out those nerves. An emotional rollercoaster is an understatement.
14. The morning of the race till the start line.
Just barely keeping it together.
15. The finish.
YOU DID IT. All those miles and months and early mornings and shin splints got you here. This is what it's all about. Now go get yourself a pizza or something, you deserve it.