Post by lifetaketwo on Jan 15, 2014 12:26:31 GMT -5
I always tell myself I'm going to post more, and then my shy kicks in and I don't. I do read though, and I want to thank you guys for being so badass and so damn inspiring. A few years ago exercise was just a weight loss tool and running was something other people did, but reading your stories made me wonder what I was capable of. I was newly laid-off, divorced (and too young to be),and had just short sold my house. I was nannying while job searching and spent nap time and story hour reading here. It was marathon season, and you guys posted story after story of struggle and commitment and success. I thought to myself, maybe that could be me someday? I hated being last. I hated pain. I was embarrassed of my lack of ability. I always doubted myself, but you guys made me wonder. So I decided to sign up for a 5k which lead to a 10k and eventually a half.
I'm proud to report that I finished the Disney marathon on Sunday. It still feels weird to say. I finished a marathon. Never in a million years did I ever think I would say those words. So thank you everyone for your stories. If it weren't for you guys, I never would have never taken the leap.
People keep asking how it was and I can't come up with the words. Fun? Painful? Rewarding? I think I experienced every emotion that exists during training. It was worth it. Race day was amazing. My splits were certainly not negative, but I finished and I finished strong. I knew I'd need walk breaks the second half and I knew I'd have to adjust my pace towards the end. My goal was to finish, but my super secret goal was sub-6. Based on training runs we were estimating 6-6:30. Cut off was 7. I managed 5:45 .
I've been saying that this marathon was a bucket list item and that the half was my distance. I still think that is the case, and I'm planning for halfs through the spring and summer, but come fall I think I'm going to do it again...
That is such an incredible journey; thanks for sharing!! And congratulations on your marathon & shattering your time goal.
Every marathoner has been just in the places you describe: thinking of trying for it, wondering how they could do it, then making it through training, and finally crossing the finish line. It's such a great & relatable experience. I'm certain your story will inspire others too. I'm so proud & happy for you!
Post by sassystace on Jan 15, 2014 13:39:00 GMT -5
And now you are inspiring me! Great story, so glad you went for and exceeded your goals. I am working toward my first full this year and thank you for sharing your journey.
Congratulations!! I love hearing about how people on this board are inspiring others (I agree - the ladies on here are bad ass!!). I was a spectator at the Disney marathon over the weekend and it was a really cool event to watch
Post by lifetaketwo on Jan 15, 2014 14:32:54 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! I have to say Disney put on a damn good race. I guess I wasn't too surprised since big crowds and events are kind of their thing, but from the busses to the volunteers it was just well done. I don't have any experience with other big races, but the med tents had sunscreen (I'm such an idiot for forgetting this) and Vaseline which both save me. Each corral got their own set of fireworks to start and there was so much to look at and listen to that I didn't turn on my iPod until mile 20 and really the only reason I did was because I had made an end-of-marathon playlist I wanted to hear.
I'm so glad you shared your story with us. You're giving me hope that maybe one day I could run a full marathon too! Congratulations on such a huge and life changing accomplishment. I share your love for the ladies on this board, they sure are amazing!