Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins

That time I ran my first marathon and totally BQ’ed

Okay, so only half of that statement is true. I did run a marathon, I did not however qualify for the Boston Marathon… I didn’t even come close. Even more than a month after the marathon, it still seems surreal to me that I finished it. My marathon experience was a bit different than most people’s though, for example, the typical marathon training is about 4 months (I use Hal Hidgon’s training plans), I did mine in about 2. I originally signed up to run the 1/2 marathon with one of my girlfriends, but after I survived a 15 mile run one Saturday ahead of the half marathon training schedule, I got the bug to go further. 
The real kicker is though, that I didn’t tell anyone I was even considering the whole marathon, why? I was afraid of defeat. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish and I was afraid that I would embarrass myself. 
In the end, I changed my race from the half to the full the day before the race at the expo-still not telling anyone but my girlfriend running the half and fiance. I was so nervous the morning of the race, I probably visited the port-a-potty five times before the race started. A mile into the race, I realized I had to visit the big green room again, and once again at mile 16. #runnersbladderproblems

My running buddy and I along the course. Forgive my 7 chins for saying hello.
I ended up running about 12 miles with a super nice girl I met along the route and we seriously talked the whole time. We both agreed that at any point if one of us wanted to run faster, we wouldn’t be offended if the other left. At around mile 17 it started to pour- I was SOAKED. I had never been so miserable and yet the rain made me want to run even harder and faster and sadly, my new running friend and I parted. My shoes were soaked and my eyes were stinging from the sweat (not to mention I looked like a WET canine) but as I approached mile 20, for the first time, I felt I was actually going to finish.
At mile 25, I got my cell phone out of my running belt and called the soon-to-be Mr. (he had been at mile 16 to take pictures and also was waiting at the finish line). As I continued to run, I told him I was a mile away and would be coming in under 4:30 (my goal time). I wanted to cry. The amount of emotion running through me was so indescribable and for the first time, I was sad I hadn’t told any of my best friends that I had decided to run the marathon because I knew they would have been texting me and cheering me along the whole way.
When I crossed the mile 26 marker and had the .2 miles to go, I was elated. I felt strong, like I could have kept running forever and when I saw the soon-to-be,  it was an amazing feeling. 

Being interviewed for the newspaper.
After the race I texted some of my girlfriends about what I had just accomplished and I received, “you’re nuts, but that’s awesome” type texts, but overall, they were very supportive. Im sorry if this post has been boring or off topic, but I’d like to share some fitness type posts from time to time. The moral of this post is to not only share something I am very proud of, but to remind everyone that even if our decisions are not understood by those closest to us, that your true friends will pick you up and support you no matter how crazy your decisions may seem. I wish I would have told my girlfriends and family about the race. I truly enjoy running and while some of my friends find me delusional, they are supportive which I appreciate above and beyond.

::Top Nike here, shorts Nike here, shoes Nike here, low running compression socks, Nike GPS watch::
My friend Becky at the finish line
My final finishing time came in at 4:26:33. Definitely not a BQ race (actually an hour+ too slow for one), but a time that Im proud of. Even now, I feel like I left a lot out on the hilly course. I felt like I could have had a better time, but Im glad I took my time breathing in the whole experience and not worrying about the finish.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” -unknown
Trust me, 26.2, a down pour, new friends and tired legs definitely took my breath away and my energy for the next 12491294 hours. 
I have a few more races coming up (no marathons scheduled, but some halves), and I can’t wait to get back into the long run training. Have you ever ran a race? Isn’t it crazy how liberating it makes one feel? What are your tips for training?
*Ill have a hair tutorial on my headband braid soon and I promise it will look better in the post instead of wet dog meets 4+ hours of running/sweating/and being fugly.*

Comments

  2. AvatarFrances says

    WOW! That is so impressive. I recently did a half marathon and I'm hoping to ease myself up to a full marathon in the next couple of years – you must be a natural runner!

  5. AvatarSimo_Pisi says

    Hi! Thank you so much for your comment on my blog, you're so nice! Great blog and great post, really! Would you like to follow each other: now I'm folloing you and I'd like if you follow me, too! Pass and express your opinion about posts, outfits and so on. New posts are coming soon and one with my interview for e.Saldi, 'cause I did a collaboration with this site! Thanks and congratulations again!:)

    http://imonfashionblog.blogspot.it/

  6. AvatarWendy Welch says

    I once again teared up from hearing about this amazing experience! I can only imagine the rush of emotions leaving your body when you crossed that finish line! I was so proud of you little sis that day! You never cease to amaze me with your inspiration and dedication to succeed in any thing life throws at you! COngrats on the run and I look forward to running the Columbus half with you and your friends!

  11. AvatarAshley says

    Impressive!!!!!!! Congratulations.

    This post is definitely making me tired. I could run to my mailbox and be completely out of breath.

  15. AvatarKristin says

    Once again I get to tell you how proud I am of you friend!! I love that you did this as a blog post, you should be proud of yourself dammit! You are a prime example of how powerful the mind is, and if you think you can do something you can, and you have a marathon finishers medal to prove it (and a great time!). You go girl! I'm gonna sign up for the Columbus half, let's do it! Love 🙂

    P.S. And thanks to your inspiration, I'm gonna upgrade my Disney race from a half to a full, here we gooooo! (but I'll be training for more than 2 months bc I'm not as great at running as you lol)

  17. AvatarBravoe Runway says

    WOW Amy! This is amazing, and I've never ran more than a 5K so I am in awe that you completed a marathon. Thank you so much for visiting my blog, I hope you are enjoying the olympics!

  18. AvatarThis is LN says

    Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog beautiful! This post is so inspiring! congrats! Love your blog, following back!
    Keep in touch! xx

  20. AvatarMimi says

    1. Good for you, tired or not you did way more than I would!
    2. Love the quote about taking breath away, one of my faves
    3. You DO NOT look "fugly" at all, you are glowing, but I happen to love that word so thanks for using it,,,I swear its underated!

    Aesthetic Lounge

  22. AvatarOlivia Moone says

    Wow! This is my goal for the end of this year! I am currently training for this and you inspired me!! New follower!

    Much love,

    oliviamoone.blogspot.com

  23. AvatarJoanna says

    Thanks for the sweet comment on my page! Great job on the marathon! I can honestly say I will never run that far at one time in my life!

    I started following you with google friend connect! would love for you to follow me too!
    Joanna
    http://www.dixiemodish.com

  29. AvatarJocey says

    congrats again love if I haven't already said so. I'm a bit behind on your posts since last week was busy for preparing for DC and then I was gone for all those days. But Love you and can't wait to talk to you about your big run!

  31. Avatarkovacconnection says

    Congratulations. I am so inspired by your story. My BF and I are just starting out with a 5K this weekend. Hope to add running more in our future. Way to go, Amy!

  32. AvatarAlyssa says

    So inspiring – my boyfriend is about to run his 2nd half marathon this weekend, and as much as I want to try to run a marathon someday, I am struggling to be able to run a 5K. Someday? 🙂

    Alyssa
    ruffleandcurl.com