Yep! Sunday, I ran a marathon. And I lived to tell you about it. I’ve been training and thinking about it and planning and running and thinking about it some more for a while now. Can’t tell you enough how happy I am it is O V E R.
How was it?
Well it was hard. Very hard actually. It was in my hometown so I am not oblivious to the hills that are around. But I’m pretty sure we hit every hill possible. I was either going up or down. I live and trained in Indiana. There are no hills here my friends. The hills are what got me. Almost broke me a couple of times. If it wasn’t for my brother who paced me and road his bike along side me for the last half of the race I’m not sure what I would have done. He kept me going with his constant encouragement and truth. I’m very thankful for him.
So yes it was hard. Harder than I imagined and this was my third so I knew what I was going into. But every race is different. Even though it was hard I had my best time by 5 minutes. I did not reach the goal I set for myself. I’m working on getting past that and being okay with what the race was.
I finished the race and kind of crashed. I was dehydrated and needed an IV to get some fluids into me. I recovered quickly. No worries. Now I so am sore and hobbling around like a 90 year old grandma. I have some gnarly blisters on my toes and will mostly likely lose 6 toenails.
With all this said, will I do it again? Yes. I will. Someday. Not anytime soon. Right now I’m enjoying some time off for sure.
I’m learning, like a marathon life is similar. You prepare, you train, you practice and think through every senario and possible outcome. But when it comes down to it you really don’t know how it will all play out. There is so much more to it that is beyond us. That’s where walking by faith and not by sight really plays out.
Because if we knew how the race would go would we really train that hard and even want to run the race?
I knew He would speak to you through this race! Been totally anticipating this post, and it did NOT disappoint. (Your posts never do!) You are right. It is good that He takes the reigns for us, and I loved how you said “Because if we knew how the race would go would we really train that hard and even want to run the race?” I don’t think I would. Congrats on completing the race!!
Hardcore! Reading this only confirms my plan to never run a marathon:) but seriously good job! If the marathon was running in the cold instead of hills you would probably win:)
Just have more faith!
Next marathon read transferrable concept number 2. It should be all the training you need.
WOW– you are hardcore, Aubrey! Enjoy resting and recovering. Thanks for sharing your stories!
Seriously….I’m so proud of you!!
Thanks girl! You will be feeling proud of yourself this Fall after you run the half (subtle hint)
Thanks Sam! Appreciate your kind words!
Hey Bill thanks checking out my blog. I really appreciate your insight on my training for my next marathon. One question: How many have you done?
Hardcore parcore! Never say never on the marathon. And you’re right I would dominate in the cold. DOMINATE! Thank Dan:)
Thanks friend! You were so encouraging through this whole journey. I appreciate it! I’m thankful we are in the life journey together:)