You know that I always keep it real with you, so here you go. I was beyond under-trained for a marathon - to be even more honest I wouldn't even call it under-trained. I went into my first full marathon with the mentality of 'it is just a half marathon twice, I got this." Well, my longest run prior to December 2, 2012 was...a half marathon. Yes, I am being serious.
Things were pretty good until around mile 17 or so. I had just passed my family at mile 16.5 and I started counting down until I would see them again. At this point I was now the last runner on course as the two runners near me decided to board the SAG Wagon. Talk about a little mental battle there. As the last runner, I had my own personal cyclist that stayed with me the final 9 miles. He was absolutely phenomenal by just encouraging me and riding ahead to get me water and ice towels (it was 80+ degrees).
- I learned the value of training
- I learned that my will to finish is greater than pain
- I learned that I can do it!