Tomorrow I strap up my laces and set out to run 26.2 miles of Washington DC’s streets. As excited as I am that the day is almost here, the road has been anything but smooth. But then again when does anything go the way we plan it to?a
It all started back in October. I was running 40-50 mile weeks just for fun, and a few blogger friends brought up this thing called The National Marathon. I had considered doing a marathon for a while, and with this one being just 3 days before a milestone birthday of mine it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I jumped at the chance.
But then on November 16th after lunch I stood up to a sharp pain in my right leg. I figured these things happen and that I could walk it off. Two days later I ran 6 miles before having to call it quits. That Saturday I ran again and when I was done even walking hurt. I had stupidly and unknowingly caused a stress fracture in my leg.
For the next month I didn’t see a doctor; what can I say? I’m stubborn. I quit running, took up what exercises I could do like yoga and the elliptical, and strength trained. When I finally did see the doctor, my leg had healed somewhat and I was prescribed a few more weeks of rest. The marathon wasn’t even on my mind for these 6 weeks; any amount of running would have been fine.
I had my first run post-injury on December 31st, and I ran a sore and uncomfortable 2.5 miles before calling it quits. It wasn’t a comeback; I was huffing and puffing. But it was running. I decided maybe I could shoot for the marathon with the twelve weeks I had left. Granted, no one would tell you 12 weeks is enough to train for a marathon, especially after so long a break from running, so I was mostly on my own for a training plan.
4 weeks after I started running I hit double digit long runs. 3 weeks after that I ran my best long run—a well-paced 18-miler in 30mph winds. But I noticed as my long runs got longer that my running during the week suffered. Since I really had no running base this time around, there was no consistency between runs and I turned my focus on making sure the long runs went well(Note: I was really breaking just about every “rule” that there is about building mileage at this point). I also bought compression sleeves for my knees and shins to distribute the pressure during runs to prevent any new injuries from flaring up.
And then there was the 20-miler, the long run which is supposed to mark the pinnacle of your training and prepare you for the big day. Mine went awful. I didn’t plan enough water; I brought food but had no idea when to eat it; the course I chose was flat but unfamiliar. I ended up having to stop and walk more times than felt comfortable and finished far from goal pace. I wanted to quit more so then than ever. The run taught me a lot about what to do on race day but only because I did it all wrong the first time around. Most of all, I realized I was out of shape to be running a marathon and things would have to change before the race.
In the time since that day I’ve been trying to do things right. I’ve had a few good runs which give me hope my legs won’t fall apart somewhere along the way. Most significantly I’ve changed my diet; no one tells you when you go from running 50 mile weeks to not at all you can’t eat what you want anymore, and from November to February for a variety of reasons I gained a spare tire which wasn’t helping me run any faster. I’ve packed my things, made my playlist and now I’m ready to go. All I’m waiting for is the starting gun.
Of course I’m nervous that 12 weeks wasn’t enough. And I’m nervous that my weekly mileage never got over 26 miles in all that time of running and now I have to run it all at once. But I’m counting on the magic of the day and all the things I’ve learned to push me through. And if I don’t make it all the way(but I will) I’ll be more satisfied having tried and failed than if I had never tried at all.
The magic of the day will definitely be with you (it’s kind of like the force.. ok bad joke).
Good luck this weekend!!! Lots of DC bloggers will be there cheering you (and all the bloggers) on!
You will definitely finish!! Good luck!! 🙂
Gooooood luck!!!!! You’re going to rock this race!
Good luck, Evan! Can’t wait to hear your recap. 🙂
You have till 1 to finish!! Otherwise I will go to lunch without you!
You’re going to do awesome, Evan! I too am training for my first marathon (4/30) and have experienced many of the same things you wrote about. I understand how nerve racking it is to think of every thing that can go wrong. Just remember, “You’re stronger than you think!”
Best of Luck!
Good luck! Reading bloggers who are training for that one make me jealous. It sounds so awesome(mostly because I love country music).
You have come a long way since that late December run. You will cross that finish line and ride the marathon high for a long time.
Your first marathon truly is magical. Even with the best training, there is nothing that can truly prepare you for the race. Soak in every moment and enjoy this adventure!
You will do great! Good luck Evan.
you’re going to kill it!!! wishing you the very best of luck! you should probably place a plate of your brownies at the finish line… just sayin
Awesome ecard. 🙂
Best of luck to you – I’m sure you’ll tear it up!!!
My first marathon did not go as planned — we finished in 6 hours which was far from our target time. But we finished. And we did the best we could that day.
I think you’ll do great — most of the hard work is in your head (I think so at least) and it sounds like you are motivated to give it your all. Have fun!
you are going to ROCK it! I can’t wait to hear all about it 🙂
Good luck this weekend dude. You’re going to do great!
You are going to rock it! Good luck! 🙂
Goooooood luck tomorrow Evan! See you tonight for pizza!!!
At least you’re getting out there and doing it. My first marathon was rough, but I finished what I started and that was the most important thing. Good luck tomorrow! And more importantly, have fun!
Personally, I feel like you will be fine. You had an excellent running base before all that crap happened to you. Even if you have to walk part of the race (I doubt you will), you still need to finish it.
My first marathon was surprising to me because I did so well while my training was pretty much crap. During my 4 months of training, I had pneumonia (2 weeks off), and I had sprained my ankle (hello aquajogging). Before I figured out aquajogging, I took two weeks off from running to let my ankle heal. After all of that crap, I still ran my marathon 25 minutes faster than I thought I would. Let that be some motivation for you.
YOU have a great running base.
YOU have established “dog brain” as my husband calls it. Not too many people have this, but it means you can just run through the pain (noninjury based) when your brain starts telling you it is enough.
YOU are strong enough to do this.
The only thing you will have to fight during this race is your mind. Your body is capable of doing so much more than you give it credit for.
YOU are ready. 😉
Good luck Evan! You can definitely finish before your playlist runs out. 😀
You can do this!! Even if training wasn’t ideal, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great race. 26.2 miles is no small feat, no matter how you accomplish it. Good luck!!
Good luck this weekend!!
GOOD LUCK EVAN! I may have to steal that funny ecard from you – my first marathon is in 2 weeks!
You can do it, Evan!! You did 20 miles, you overcame injuries, you are so ready. I think the best tip for anyone running their first marathon is start out slow – just take it easy, its a long race and you’ll be glad at mile 20 when you still have some juice left to finish! GOOD LUCK!! I’ll be cheering from Boston 🙂
Good luck this weekend, Evan!
Good luck!!
No matter what happens, you’re doing something that so few people even attempt! You can be proud of yourself whatever happens tomorrow.
I’ll be cheering for you on twitter!
You are going to do GREAT! I’m so excited to hear about it all….and a bit jealous of all the fun you crew will be having.
I know you can do it! This post was really inspiring, and despite that card you posted, no one really can stop the words marathon and running from coming out of your mouth afterwards! I’ll be rooting for you 🙂
good luck dude!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that it will go great! you are a strong guy and with more determination to accomplish that 26!!!
Evan this is the best post I’ve read on your blog in a year. Ever since you changed your blog name you havent been as forthcoming with life stuff, it’s been more recipes, and I adore this ‘life stuff’ post. Thank you!
As for breaking every rule…I have run plenty of races that way. It happens. You get out there tomorrow and you just say…I am going to finish. I dont care about my time, I dont care if I have to walk, Im gonna finish. And then, all the pressure is off. If you need to take tons of breaks…cool. And if you don’t happen to finish, that’s cool too 🙂
So sorry about the injury but it sounds like it was actually a bit of a blessing b/c it made you realize all these other things about life and yourself…not that injuries are a gift, but ykwim.
BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!!!!
You.are.going.to.be.awesome. As other people have commented, you are totally ready and stronger than you think. I can’t wait to read your race recap. If the miles get tough, just think about me, spastically stalking you along the course with my paparazzi camera, screaming bizarre phrases like “I LOVE HIS BROWNIES.” TWSS, amIright?
Good luck dude! I’ll be thinking about you!
You got a whole lotta cheerleaders our here in the b-sphere!
good luck and take your time! enjoy the experience and you’ll finish! 🙂
Good luck Evan! Have fun and be safe. I’ll be sure to eat some pb choc chip hummus in honor of you and your run 🙂
Good luck and force with you. That final sentence is the wisest part of the whole thing: you are creating memories for yourself right here and now, and will probably learn a tremendous amount. I hope you find things to enjoy in it too.
love
Ela
Good luck tomorrow. When ever I head off to really challenging races I just work on that thought of finishing the race. You can do it.
Good luck, Evan.
Even those who strictly adhered to the training plan for their first marathon still feel unprepared at the start. Let’s face it: it’s a nerve wracking experience. You’re young, strong and tough. You’ll do great.
Good luck tomorrow, Evan! It will all be worth it when you cross that finish line 🙂
Best Wishes for a great marathon tomorrow!
Wishing you all the best! I am currently recovering from two stress fractures, so I completely understand your desire to get back at running again!
Good luck Evan, I know you’ll be great!!! I honestly LOVE running marathons… I’m not fast or awesome at it by any means, but I just love, love, love running marathons. As someone coping with an injury at the moment, I would do anything to be in your shoes… so when you get tired, think of me, all of the other injured runners out there, and most importantly, all of the people that are ill or disabled and don’t have the ability to run that wish they could. That thought always inspires me to get through tough moments!
Also, I’ve had marathons where I never hit “the wall”… so don’t worry about that, it’s just a running urban legend. I think runners get psyched out about hitting the wall and it mentally breaks them down. It’s very possible that you will have a fabulous run all the way til the end – go in with an attitude that you’re gonna have fun, and I promise you that you will! 🙂
This is really insipirational. Over 2009-2010, I spent 18 months unable to do anything but limp because of toe issues and multiple surgeries. Even though I’ve been given the okay to exercise now, I’m too scared of starting the problem up again. I need your courage.
I’m a little late, but good luck Evan! You’re going to feel great crossing that finish line.
I hope you did GREAT!!!!!! 🙂
By now you have probably rocked the marathon already… but since I am way behind on my to-do list, this is me wishing you the best of luck, and also telling you that you won’t need it!
can’t wait to hear about your recap! I bet you rocked it!
12 weeks is enough. My friend, who could barely run 3 miles, trained for the marathon in 12 weeks. If she can do it, you certainly can!!
Just remember to carb-load before and after…and hope you did well!!!
I keep hitting refresh…how did it go?
Good luck Evan! I know you will do great! 🙂