Disney Marathon Take-Away

Having completed my first marathon this weekend, I thought it would be fitting to share what I learned (if  you want to read about the marathon, click here). Mostly, this post is for me as a reminder to firmly, but kindly, tell Karen she is out of her mind whenever she tries to talk me into another one (hehehe!), but it is also a way to publicly say thank you to several people who helped me along the way.

Karen and I at the Disney Marathon Expo the day before the run.

Here are the things I am taking away from this experience.
1. I can accomplish something I think is unattainable. If you know me in real life, and talked with me any time during the training process, you know that I did not think I could do it. Nope. Not me. I loathed the training! Mostly because I had a mental block about this unsurmountable task that faced me on January 8th, 2012. But despite my injuries, I completed 26.2 miles. Am I proud of how long it took? No, but I could not be happier that I accomplished something that was so huge to me. I really didn't think I would be able to finish leading up the race, but when I started, I knew I would talk across that finish line and wear a medal for it. I am extremely proud of myself and feel confident about my abilities. I'm going to need this confidence as we complete this adoption in the next couple of years.

2.  I am most proud of the fact that I honored my family by not seriously injuring myself AND completing the marathon. Because of my shin splints, knee injury and back spasms, we really didn't know how long I would actually be able to run. I ran as long as I could, knowing that I had many more miles ahead of me and then I simply walked the rest. The time didn't matter to me, because I knew that the day after the race I would be responsible for my family. But I am so proud of myself for finishing!

3.  Karen is a rock star, and I am lucky to have such a strong friend. Having trained at intervals of 4 minutes running/1 minute walking, at the actual race, Karen ran straight through, taking a stretch break in the line to take pictures with all the Disney characters only. She is super hardcore, because she trained in Maryland, where it was snowing in October and bitterly freezing for most of her runs. And there were hills, people! If all that wasn't enough, she came to Florida on antibiotics for bronchitis! I always knew she had a lot strength, but this adventure really stood out as a testament to her amazing abilities and her mental fortitude. And she is planning on doing more marathons! But don't worry. She is also a funner like me!

4. I am truly blessed with many people who love and care for me dearly. My husband would encourage me and watch our kids while I ran and pamper me when I injured myself. My brother and sister-in-law gave me advice, gear and a training schedule to help me accomplish this goal. My friend, Sabes warned me of the injuries that could happen after the race from personal experience. And of course, I had The Running Club (aka Karen), giving me a swift kick in the pants when I was slacking on my training. I was surrounded by people who encouraged and supported me through this. Thank you to all of you!

5.  I don't hate running! After the race was completed, I said I would NEVER do a marathon again. As the soreness wears off, I now see the appeal of racing and I am thinking about another race this year. Don't worry! That was my only marathon until my kids are out of the house! But a 1/2 marathon is totally attainable. And Craig might just join me, but I think I have a little more convincing to do. For now, we are both running together once a week with the kids in the jogging stroller and running separately as well. And I am going back to Zumba, because, boy! have I missed it. And Karen will totally rub this in my face! She told me this would happen, and she is right. I'm sure we will race together again and this time, I am going to keep up with her!

Here are some pictures of people I want to thank.

Thank you, Karen for talking me into this crazy adventure. I wouldn't have loved to hate it with anyone else!

Thank you, Craig for supporting me and Karen through this crazy idea! I truly couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you, Asher for being my biggest fan!

Thank you, Alethea for your hugs and kisses after a long run!

Thank you, Ben and Drew for all your advice, training and gear! You are the best running coaches a girl who doesn't run could have!