Have you ever thought about completing a marathon? Or are you like my husband who thinks that's crazy! Well, a few years back I decided to run one, an OMG I'm 40yrs old type thing. But first I trained for a half-marathon, that seemed like my first "step" to being able to run a full 42.2k marathon. I had run a few 5k races but there is a long & winding road to 21k. I trained by myself and was able to finish in a good time just over 2:00hrs.
Well, I got the bug and decided to join a Running Club to help me continue through the winter months. I have to say I am as fair weather as they come, sad to say but true. A trickle of rain, cold weather (that could be anything under 10 degrees) a hint of snow or a windy day... it's not going to happen. BUT with a group of folks that notice when you miss, I was able to make some of those crummy days. And last year I ran the 30k Around The Bay race, so much fun, there is a Grim Reaper waiting for you at the end, I will leave that alone.
30k is an accomplishment but it is still not a full marathon. I honestly, wasn't sure if I had it in me, I'm an asthmatic so running is difficult not to mention it's a lot of time, training and well PAIN. Yet, something about running makes me feel free so I continued on and finished my first Marathon, 4:23:23, not bad for my first one. It was in beautiful Ottawa, such a great crowd to cheer you on. And of course my hubby was there to support me.
Once you finish your first marathon there is a quest to do more and do better. I trained to run Scotia in the fall but I woke up with Vertigo, very strange. I basically had to re- learn to walk in a straight line and was very tired so I bailed out, not a happy camper. Shortly after the Vertigo I woke up with an ear & throat infect, literally spent 2months sick but I continued to run. After returning to my "normal" self, I ran my second marathon this May in Mississauga. It was a huge challenge, I injured myself (the peroneous tendon) 2wks before the race on a long 35k run. Had to stop continuously to stretch, wasn't sure if I was able to finish but the body/mind is stronger than you think. One foot in front of the other and I finished 4:29:16, I had hoped to do a 4:15 or better but I completed it!!
So now I look forward to the next one, 42.2.