They say you run a marathon with your heart, and your legs will surely follow.
Last year I ran my first full marathon with my legs, and my heart and mind were all jacked up. The voices that said “I couldn’t,” nearly won around the 17 mile mark. But thankfully my heart kicked in, as well as my awesome sister sticking with me for every step and we ended up FINISHING my first FULL marathon.
I didn’t doubt I would finish, heck I just did a 20 miler at 3:48? Just a couple weeks before…My sub 5 marathon was mine! Yet my knee gave out and I was left on the side of the road doubled over in pain and tears. I shuffled my way to the finish line. And I was pissed. Pissed because I over trained, I didn’t listen to my knee, and frankly I was just plain dumb. But that didn’t take away the pride I felt when we crossed the line, and tears poured down my face. I still can’t think about that day without crying. I am NOT a true marathoner who does multiple races…I swore I was a “One and DONE” girl.
But that’s not me.
I DON’T quit. I don’t do things half assed. And if I make a mistake, I FIX it.
I have listened to those Jack Ass voices for far too long. Yet as of late, more so within the last few weeks, I have taken those voices out back and kicked THEIR asses.
This is MY race. The Fox Valley Marathon, the training runs, ALL of it-last year-made me “re-fall” in love with running. They welcomed awesome new friends into my life, and they proved to ME that I could do IT. I remember my first training run as if it was yesterday. I joined up with the 10:30 group, and didn’t know a soul. I held pace for a couple miles, yet fell back quickly. I was running alone, and I was scared and petrified of getting lost. But I finished that training run, and returned for more…
I grew during those training runs. I met new friends. I got to know ME again. And I realized the only thing stopping me besides a crazy knee, was ME.
I learned I enjoyed running with people, which is something I NEVER enjoyed. I learned I LOVED racing alone, because it was MY time to just blow EVERYTHING OFF. I learned that it was ok if your close friends and family didn’t understand WHY you ran, and that they only needed to know you LOVED it. And they simply needed to let you RUN.
I struggled with dedicating myself to another season of full marathon training. I don’t have the family cheering squad that some have, and it’s hard when those that know you best just ‘don’t get it.’ Then I realized…they don’t have to…I sacrifice a lot as a working Mom of two while my husband is away, A LOT. So guess what…this is MY time. I deserve it. I deserve every mile underneath weary feet that I earn. So here I go…
I deserve a ‘redo.’ I want redemption from Chicago last year. I want to finish STRONG. Not just finish. I want to do better, run harder, feel stronger…and I WILL. Lord Willing.
Movin' it with Michelle 
You'll rock it!
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You sound so determined and if you can think it you can do it!
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And most of all, remember to have FUN! Enjoy the journey…you've got this 🙂
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Fox valley made me fall in love with running too 🙂 it was a magical day last year! You are going to do wonderfully in 13 weeks! Keep the positive attitude going and the time will fly by and you'll have so much fun.
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Good luck! You will do awesome!
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Yay! Good luck with training!
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Good luck & be careful. Trying to make up runs & rush training can lead to injuries. 😉
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Best of luck to you with your training! Your post stuck out to me because I too had a less than ideal time at the marathon last year, which was also my first. I am in it to redeem myself as well and slaughter my time! Keep running & make sure you have fun! If you're not having fun, then something is wrong! 🙂
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You CAN do this, I believe in you x
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Can't wait to cross the same finish line again with you! Thanks so much hon!
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Thanks so much, Sandy!
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I forgot that last time nearly, so thanks for the reminder! ❤
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Thank you so very much!
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Thanks, Pete!
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Thank you!!
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Thanks, Lisa! Thankfully I am not TOO far behind, so I should be able to ramp up quickly.
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Amen and well said, Jen!
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THAT means so very much, thank you!
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as one who also suffers with knee issues, I get it. My last half, last year's FV 1/2 I struggled to finish, walked through the finish, cried until after I got myself ice wrapped in the medic tent. You can do this..just be smart and listen to your body.
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Oh yes you will! This makes me want to get up now and go for a run! ;). Look forward to what comes next on your training!
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Whoooohoooo! I am excited for you. Makes me "almost" want to do a marathon…almost!
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