26 Things I Learned During Marathon Training
About Running…
1. I (still) don’t LOVE running, but I DO love working towards a goal and running races!
2. I don’t know the difference between a runner and a jogger, but I’m a runner. (Is it me, or does “jogger” sound offensive somehow??)
3. I learned there is A LOT to learn about running! I always thought it was just one foot in front of the other…who knew!
4. Listen to your body…it will let you know when you need a break. (But listen carefully because laziness and an actual need for rest sound VERY similar!)
5. I love “the runner’s wave”. Running along and getting that little wave from a fellow runner…it’s like we’re in a secret club! (I remember the first time someone waved at me I thought, “oh my gosh, they think I’m a runner!”)
Running Gear
6. It’s a myth that all you need to run is sneakers. Ok, well I guess technically it is true (unless you’re part of that barefoot craze), but if you’re like me and like gadgets and gizmos and stuff then you also need an iPhone holder, headphones, a Garmin, compression socks, compression pants, a hydration/ fuel belt, long run fuel, books on running, a subscription to Runner’s World…you get my point.
7. Toe nail clippers – cut your toenails before long runs. And cut them SHORT. (Unless you’re really not all that attached to having toenails in which case you can leave them long and just let them all fall off.)
8. Foam rollers are a runners secret weapon.
9. Compression pants are like a hug for your legs.
10. Running shoes are like Cinderella’s glass slipper…try on tons of them and when you find the perfect fit you’ll know.
About Races…
11. When cleaning out your closet save some stuff for race “throw away” clothes.
12. Pinch the sides of your cup together at water stops to make it easier to drink on the run.
13. After a race you’ll be really HOT and sweaty…until your cold…freezing cold. When you stop running and your body temp drops and all the sweat cools and your clothes are wet you get cold FAST. Bring a change of clothes (or grab a cool looking mylar blanket!).
14. Race day adrenaline is REAL.
15. Read race signs…alot of them are really funny! (and someone worked hard on them!)
Other…
16. You can’t control the weather. Ok, so I already knew that before I trained for a marathon, but sometimes you show up to January marathon and it’s 80 degrees and 100% humidity…or there’s a snowstorm and your flight down to the race gets canceled…or lightning hits your train tracks and you miss your flight. Yes, these have all happened to me. Mother nature has a wicked sense of humor.
17. Piriformis. I hadn’t even heard of this muscle before I started running, but it’s a real pain in the ass. Literally.
18. Trust your training.
19. The look on people’s faces when you tell them you ran a marathon (or 42.4 miles in a weekend with some pushups just for good measure at mile 21) is freakin awesome.
20. Ice baths are torture. Until they’re amazing. (TIP: Yelling or cursing loudly while getting in helps.)
About Me…
21. I can stick to a (training) plan if I really want to (who knew!).
22. I can run 42.4 miles in a weekend and not have 1 blister. I wear heals for 4.24 hours and my feet are covered with them.
23. I hate running hills in training, but love them in races. They make me feel strong!
24. I get naturally stronger as a race goes on.
25. I LOVE running / yoga / workout clothes! (OK, sort of already knew this, but I’m in them a lot more now and love it!)
26. I am stronger than I think I am.
What things have you learned while training???
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