Every runner goes through the same stages when it comes to running a race. You feel a sense of excitement, nervousness, eagerness, and anxiousness. It is a weird blend of feelings, but once the race starts, all of the feelings seem to go away. Running a marathon is certainly an experience that one will never forget about. My first marathon is still fresh on my mind, and I ran it four years ago. There are so many mental ups and downs when running that far. It is definitely a hard to play mind game. Here are the eight stages (from my own experience) I think everyone will feel when (or if) they decide to give running a marathon a try.
Phase 1: Nervousness
Miles 1-3. The race is just getting started. You nerves have already kicked in, and you start to question your sanity and your reason for signing up for this.
Phase 2: Getting the hang of it
Miles 3-6. You have found your rhythm in the race, and you are starting to feel better and stronger.
Phase 3: Shits getting real
Miles 6-13. You still have a long way to go. You realize there is no turning back and that you are in it to finish it at this point in the game.
Phase 4: Halfway
Miles 13-17. Ah yes, halfway finally. The is no better feeling than knowing you have 13.1 miles down and only 13.1 miles to go. Truly a great feeling.
Phase 5: Regret
Miles 17-21. The great feeling of being halfway done did not last long. The distance in between miles 18-21 feels like pure hell. Well, its not that bad, but it feels like it at the moment in time.
Phase 6: Almost finished
Miles 21-26. At this point you just have to keep giving yourself motivational speeches in your head. You are almost there!
Phase 7: YOU MADE IT
VICTORY! The greatest feeling of crossing the finish line after running 26.2 miles.
Phase 8: Exhaustion
For me, there is no better feeling than showering after and race and getting into my bed. Especially after running that far, getting into bed and going to sleep is the best reward out there
