If you’ve ever run a full 26.2 mile Marathon, then you surely have learned a great deal both about yourself and about what it really means to run a marathon. Although we all dream of crossing that finish line, the journey to get there is what it’s really about. Here are 26 things I learned about running 26 miles.
- Although I love running more than anything, waking up at the crack of dawn every day makes me question my love of running.
- Even though I can run for hours straight, and like to believe I am made of steel, I will always inevitably be exhausted before the end of the day.
- It’s uncomfortable asking even my closest of friends for donations in my fundraising efforts.
- Having the goal of a marathon gets rid of any shopping guilt on running gear and gadgets.
- My alcohol tolerance level went to non-existent. And I was alright with that.
- There is nothing worse than a long training run done on a treadmill.
- I was always sore and craving a massage no matter how much I stretched.
- Distance seriously gains a new perspective and hills become breakfast.
- Chafing is just a part of Marathon training that can’t be fought and it comes in the most uncomfortable of places.
- A long run is the ideal time to my clear my mind and come up with solutions to world problems.
- I was secretly happy when I got injured because I finally got to rest without feeling bad about it.
- My playlist and the beat of my favorite songs is the only thing that can get me through a tough run.
- Eating properly for training is one of the hardest things to master. Too much carb loading leads to stomach problems while not enough leads to serious depletion.
- Checking the weather every few minutes as well as hoping it would change became my new obsession.
- I learned a comeback for everything anyone said against running such an unnatural distance.
- All runners are connected, and I really felt this through simple looks of approval, high fives or thumbs up from my fellow runners.
- My social life completely changed and I was always ready to be the first one to leave the party or fall asleep at the table.
- I got sick a lot and the miles challenged my immune system constantly.
- On early morning runs, I would see people coming back home from the night before. It made me appreciate where I was at, and also despise it at the same time.
- I discovered new parts of my city that I would have never otherwise found. Getting lost definitely had its advantages.
- I actually gained weight through Marathon training due to all the muscle gain, glycogen storage and desire to never move again after a long run.
- I will never have nice feet again, but that’s the pride of being a distance runner.
- The big day is the often the only thing that kept me motivated and picturing the finish line. Also that Facebook post after.
- Tapering felt so wrong and scary.
- Running a marathon really means that impossible is nothing and gave me a new perspective on life and myself.
- Even after all the training, I still had thoughts of stopping during the Marathon. But there really is nothing like crossing the finish line, a feeling of satisfaction that lasts forever.