18 weeks of training, 402.5 miles run, $247 in new training gear (shoes, shirts, hats, etc), 49 days of 5:00 am runs, a $73 registration fee, and 5 massages for sports-related injuries has all brought us to this... the City of Trees Marathon—26.2 miles! I'M SO EXCITED!
In the beginning of this training, I estimated that we would run 470 miles over the 18-week training period, but I came short and ended up running 402.5 miles (my mom ran 510 miles). Due to vacations, injuries, and days when I just didn't feel like running, I'm totally OK with that number. When we cross the finish line Sunday, none of it will matter anyway.
If you're interested to see the break down for what I had originally planned to run over the 18-weeks (adapted from this Hal Higdon training schedule) versus what I actually ran, check this out:
Not only did my calf strain throw me for a loop, but those days when I just "didn't feel like running" really added up. My mom was a rockstar, though, hammering out 510 miles over the training period compared to my 402.5. I don't know how she does it—I had 2 injuries over the 18-weeks and she didn't have a single one! Mom, you are awesome.
As far as the actual race goes, we hit the pavement Sunday morning at 8:00 am sharp, and should finish anytime around 12:00 pm. 4 hours of awesomeness. I actually have no idea when we will finish... I've never run a marathon, so I'm not sure what our race pace will be, though we're reaching for 9:30 or 10:00-minute miles. We don't really care about our pace, we just want to finish.
Here's the City of Trees Marathon course & elevation profile:
Compared to most marathons out there, this is really mild. And thank goodness—that's half the reason we chose it for our first one.
Anyway, I can't believe Sunday is the day. FINALLY! We've got our matching outfits ready (can you guess what we're wearing?), we will be carb-loading tomorrow with spaghetti, and I plan on trying to relax as much as possible to keep my tummy and nerves calm. I'll see you back on Monday for photos and stories from the marathon, and if you don't want to wait that long, you can also check in with us on Instagram. We will be sharing race photos all weekend.
OK Mom... this is it! LET'S DO IT!
34 comments:
I have to applaud you. This is amazing!!! I love. love. love that you are doing this with your mom too! I am 54 and just did a half marathon but, I trained to walk it and wound up running some of it...when I crossed the finish line I was excited to have done my first half...but, couldn't imagine doing the whole...so KUDOS to you both. Good luck!!
bestest of luck to y'all on Sunday! you & your madre are rockstars :) can't wait to read about it! in a couple of weeks i'm about to start training for a half marathon set in early March. i'd LOVE to complete a full, but just don't know if my knee can handle it...
So excited for you!!!! You're amazing!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it.
PS, your Mom DOES rock!
Hooray!! I'm so excited to hear all about it. Be sure to check your PO Box tomorrow for the "goods" :)
Good luck! Y'all are going to rock it!
Good luck to you!
It is finally here! I am so excited for you! I remember how nervous I was before my very first marathon! I am sure you have started your carboloading already? Last tip: (just because I can't help myself and was so thankful for someone telling me this back then) Make sure to not eat a lot of protein on Saturday, your body needs too much energy to digest it which it rather needs in its muscles for the race. I had pancakes, a big sandwich and pasta plus a banana and cliff bar the day before - just eat it all up haha. After three days of mainly carbs I was so sick of them and eating, but it was worth it!
The best of luck for Sunday! Don't be disappointed if you are slower than expected, either way you are a champ for running 26.2 miles and that is a lot more than others will run in a year altogether. If you are still feeling the foot .. just pop two Aleeves before the start and you will be fine! Good luck and HAVE FUN with it! Lots of happy thoughts for the last 5 miles! xo.Rebecca
Good luck!!!!
Good luck!!!!! You'll do great! :)
That's the best feeling! For my first half I had no idea what to expect and ended up crushing every expectation for time... it's so fun to impress yourself when doing something like that! Good for you and thank you again so much!
Lauren, thanks a bunch! Go for the half this time and then if the knee feels good, schedule a full a little bit down the road... you'll already be in prime condition!
She really does. Thank you SO MUCH Shannon. Can't wait to update you Monday!
You're the SWEETEST Hannah. I'm posting about it Sunday, FYI :) Can't wait to share what a sweetheart you are.
Thanks girl! Let's cross our fingers that you're right!
Thank you so much, Alexandrea! Whoa baby do I appreciate it!
This is the BEST advice yet. For some reason, I tend to have really good runs the day after eating a huge cheeseburger (no idea why), but for this big one, I'm taking your advice and sticking to pasta! I had pasta & salad for lunch today, will have something delish for dinner, and then spaghetti tomorrow night! So excited.
Also, thanks for what you said about not being disappointed if we're slower than expected. I know that can happen and I'm already trying to mentally get myself ready just in case that happens :) Stocking up on Aleve now, because YES my foot is still killing me. So thanks again, girl! Cross your fingers for those last 5 miles :)
THANKS CARLY! We are stoked!
I think you're absolutely right, thank you very much, Emilie!
Good luck! I know you'll do great! How wonderful that you get to run it with your Mom! xoxo
Thanks Megan. That is the biggest bonus for us. We are total saps and just want to finish while holding hands together!
You mean there is elevation?? What? I would have never have thought of that. Florida is as flat as it gets. It's so different there and here.
I am so excited. You bet I will be instastocking you on Sunday! Good luck and remember just finish the race. There is plenty of time for speed after. =]
Good luck! Pace yourself and hang in there. :)
Good Luck Aunie! I can feel your excitement through this post. =) I'll be thinking about you tomorrow!
I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU. You are going to be so great!!! :)
Keeping you both in prayer for an injury-free and fun marathon! Wish I could be at the finish line. You're both rock-stars! Have fun.
That is awesome, I can not wait to read your recap!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Go girlfriend! You're gonna rock!
you go girl! good luck tomorrow, your dedication is really inspiring!
Your advice was well-taken! And yes, we have elevation... we sit pretty high as it is, with foothills all around us! See this for proof: http://www.auniesauce.com/2013/04/jean-on-jean.html
We did pace ourselves! It was an awesome race!
Thanks so much, Rebekah. Your happy thoughts helped bunches!
Thanks Allison! Your encouragement has been so amazing!
Aunt Linda, you have no idea... I had 2 injuries before the run that were bothering me TERRIBLY. I didn't feel them ONCE during the race, the only thing that could be is prayer and His power! AMAZING!
Thanks Amanda... never thought we could do it :)
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