I finally signed up for a marathon. It took me 7 years after completing my first half marathon to commit. I started 2019 with the intention to run my first marathon before the end of the year. I even had a marathon in mind – the BMW Dallas Marathon. I chose this one specifically because it was my first half marathon and to run it again but double the distance would have more meaning. If you haven’t noticed, this post is dated December 11, 2019. The BMW Dallas Marathon is on December 15, 2019. I am actually not signed up for the marathon and I am no way near prepared to run 26.2 miles.
How did this happen? I started the year with the intention to run this thing. I had 11 months to train. Where did I go wrong? Well – first, I had a huge break from running due to pregnancy which included bed rest, followed by postpartum recovery and then figuring out how to navigate through life with three children. I also went back to work after maternity leave which left very little time to do anything for myself. I was not ready to return to work but I did and it was tough. I joined a training program through my local running club – Frisco Running Club. The training began in June and I was doing great. I felt ready by this point. I also received my Running Coach Certification from RRCA in June. Things felt right. I was going to run my first Marathon. I let everyone know. I was going to do it until I didn’t do it. I was so busy at work, I couldn’t get in my weekly runs anymore. I was still nursing my son so getting away early in the morning or hopping on the treadmill at night was very tough. Then Saturdays became tough because my family kickstarted a new business venture and our Saturday mornings were busy.
At first, I was very resentful. I had it in my mind that I was going to run the BMW Dallas Marathon on December 15, 2019 and I told everyone I was going to run it. After a lot of soul searching, I realized that most of the reasons I wasn’t able to make my runs were because of good things – nursing my son, our family business, homework with the kids, etc. But because I was not going to be ready for December 15th, it didn’t mean I had to give up all together. I tried to make a weeknight social run at least once a month if I could and almost every weekend. If I couldn’t meet with the running club on a Saturday, I would meet with my running buddy or run solo. My nursing journey ended in October so I used that freedom to head to the track or jump on the treadmill. It didn’t happen often but I did it when I could.
I was doing more but it wasn’t enough. I knew I had to figure out a way to get my runs in and it would require a lot more give from me. Well, remember when I said I wasn’t ready to go back to work in January? Yeah – that definitely made a huge impact with me and my family and we decided I would take a break from working. It has only been 3 days since I stopped but I feel a sense of calm which I haven’t felt in a long time. The day after my last day of work, I ran my first ever 15 mile run. I did it solo and I still don’t know how I am going to do replicate that (plus some). I wrote down my plan – when I am going to get out of the house at 4:30 am and join the local running club to get in my miles. My Saturday and Sunday long runs are accounted for. I wrote it all out and let Steven know that this is what I am going to do and I need you to hold me accountable and relieve some burden with the kiddos. I am a snuggler and I have a hard time leaving them when they are so warm and cozy looking!
Another thing I wanted to do was document this thing. I wish I kept a blog or a journal when I ran my first half. I did that all on my own. I had no friends, no running club. I just got out there and ran. I ran during the week during my lunch break. Somehow, I made it happen and it was so much easier than it is now. I am sure its because I had 1 kid vs 3 and also I was much younger and less tired!
Let’s see how this goes. I have 2 months to go – I am nervous but I am putting it out there to make sure I stick to it this time!
