The Marathon – My Experience

But first, a little running history

I honestly never thought I would ever run a full marathon in my life. Way back in 2013, I had decided to get back on the running wagon finally, after using my car accident in 2005 as an excuse as to why I couldn’t run anymore. I had set myself a goal to run a half-marathon, after seeing a YouTube gal Jennifer train for a Disney World race.

Immediately, I thought “sounds like a good excuse for a trip to Disney” and I somehow managed to convince my partner this was a good idea. Disney races are expensive (albeit totally worth it) and very difficult to get into. But after roping my step-cousin into joining me, we made it a family affair, signed up and booked our trip to Disneyland. The countdown to the Tinkerbell Half Marathon was on!

Finishing the Tinkerbell half marathon was a highlight for me. Plus anything that combines my love of travel, Disney, and running, all into one neat little package. I didn’t train properly – this is kind of a trend – and finished my first half in under 2:30. We of course then were sucked into the Coast to Coast challenge, by signing up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in Orlando at Disney World. This time it was just me and my step cousin, so call it a girls trip. This race experience was a disaster and I feel like I was somewhere around 2:50 mark. It poured and was so cold, but the trio of medals was totally worth it.

I was hooked on running [again], and there was no looking back.

Training like a marathoner?

Ask anyone in my circle and they would agree with saying I would never do a full marathon. Who has time to run 42.2KM? Or wants to? Certainly not me! Clearly in mid 2016, I lost my mind, and signed up for my first full marathon. This time I did a home based run – the BMO Full Marathon. The BMO half marathon route is gorgeous, and the full marathon route looked amazing too. Off I went and started training solo, with some advice on the plan from a good friend of mine who is also a runner – my sprint is his easy pace!

I don’t mind running in the Winter, because Winter here in Vancouver isn’t really Winter.Running in the rain definitely doesn’t bother me – it just makes the post bath or shower that much better. It did snow a little in January/February 2017, but I didn’t let that slow me down. I felt like a bad ass, cause honestly, it rarely snows here. I felt unstoppable and was feeling pretty confident. Ahh, confidence – insert foot in mouth here.

A lack of fully adhering to the plan was my downfall. I managed to start strong and the momentum was rocking, without realizing that my mileage was still low enough that I could handle it – mentally & physically. I remember feeling a lot of tightness in my calves, but I ignored the warning signs, and continued to push through. Now, you can only push your body through so much before it decides to push right back. To be fair, I have lived this lesson before, but I obviously did not learn my lesson. I pushed, and pushed because I was in the mindset that if I miss any run, I wouldn’t be able to run the marathon. And yes, I do realize how ridiculous that sounds, considering if I injure myself, there’s a likelihood that I won’t be able to run at all.

I missed my longest runs and my speed work that is done near the end of training, before tapering for the race. Thankfully, I was able to run the last couple of weeks before my race, but they were all rehab style runs. Meaning slower paces, more breaks, and listening to my body were key, and a lot of time at the physiotherapy office. Downgrading to the half marathon was an option, but my pride stood in the way. So, I ultimately powered on with my attempt at my first full marathon.

Taper Week

Being the marathon rookie that I am, I didn’t fully understand the importance of the taper weeks, and keeping the mileage slow and light, leading up to the race. The point in tapering is to allow your body to recover in anticipation of race day, so you can push your body through the race, on race day. Nutrition and hydration should be your key focus points during taper week, with little bits of running, but never pushing so hard you risk stressing your body too hard.

Think about it; you’ve just put your body through 18-20 weeks of high mileage weeks, preparing your body for the race so your body is pretty depleted. I wish I would’ve known that there is no advantage to running in the few weeks prior to the race, but instead I panicked thinking I need some more mileage to prepare. If I could smack 29 year old me, I would.

What a marathon taper week should include:

• Drink lots of water
• Stay active with low impact exercises
• Do a few runs, no longer than 10k, no faster than race pace
• Lots of active stretching
• Daily light rolling, especially if running
• Focus on nutrient dense foods
• Increase your carb intake

Marathon Weekend

Never use something new on race day!

The Marathon

Jason dropped me off near the start line, and got himself (and the dog) ready to hit our agreed upon cheer spots. I do have to say that is the most supportive of all my racing dreams/ambitions. He has only missed one race, and that’s because he couldn’t come to Disney World. I did a few laps in the parking lot, with a lot of stretching before heading to my corral and embarking on an insane journey.

I crossed the start line, and as one typically does, I started pretty fast and definitely faster than I had wanted. But, I went with it and told myself I would dial the pace back in on my first walk break. Yes, I do take walk breaks; I am a huge believer in the run 10 minutes and walk 1 minute strategy as it gives me a chance to reset & fuel. What I didn’t know, was that at about the 10km mark, you had to tackle this ridiculous hill. The Camosun hill is about an entire KM long, and sucks the wind outta your sails. For a mainly flat course, I can’t complain all that much.

“Once you’ve committed yourself to something, pace yourself to the finish line”

Meb Keflezighi

Hitting The Wall

I’m never running another marathon in my life

I swore up, down, and around, that I would NEVER run another marathon. The pain was unreal. My friends all said “mmmm mmmm, sure you won’t” and a lot of other things I blocked out! I was also warned about the post-marathon blues, but man was I not prepared for the huge dip!

Did I stick to never running another marathon?

The after effects of my lack of experience and training made the post marathon recovery very difficult and painful. I wound up landing myself in the emergency room the following day with what they feared was a blood clot. After testing, I was cleared to go home and keep my leg elevated as much as I can. No blood clot, so I guess we can put that in the win column?

What I learned through my first marathon

• My stubbornness & pride are my biggest downfalls.
• You can wing a half marathon, but not a full marathon.
• If you don’t take training seriously, you will get hurt.
• Sleep is so important – you’re putting your body through the wringer.
• Food and hydration is key to keeping your energy levels up.
• If you miss a training session, it is not the end of the world.
• If something hurts, stop running. Get to physio and figure out where the problem lies.
• Roll and stretch after every run session.
• Always get analyzed and fitted for the shoe that works best for your stride. In fact, grab two pairs – marathon mileage racks up pretty quick!
• Get a proper training plan, or join a run clinic that puts together a plan for you.
• Do some strength training on your off run days to help your endurance.

“More than any other event, the marathon is about tenacity, durability, and trying daily to get the best out of yourself.”

Meb Keflezighi – 26 Marathons