In part 1, I told you about how I ended up deciding to run a full marathon and actually hit my goal that would let me know that I was ready. I already knew which marathon I would run. It would be the Big D marathon, the same race as my first half marathon.
I focused more on my training and read a couple of marathon training books to learn. Running seems so simple…just one foot in front of the other over and over. But there is so much more involved. There’s fueling, rest, proper shoes, the right kind of socks, hydration, chafing, and cross training just to name a few. I learned what I could but, looking back on it, experience is the best teacher. That race turned out pretty well. I was slower than I thought but I was so happy to finish! I had no immediate plans to run another one but I knew I had a better one in me. I just had to take the lessons I learned and apply them to a different training plan.
My next marathon was 8 months later and I finished strong, taking 30 minutes off of my previous time! And that’s when I realized that I really loved the half. It is much, much easier to recover from a half and at this point, the half was challenging for me, but didn’t require time off following the race.
Over the next couple of years, I ran a bunch more half marathons and have now completed 53 of them as well as 6 marathons. Like I said, the marathon really makes me appreciate the half but I know I’ve still got a better marathon in me. Running that marathon this year is my goal. But in the meantime, one of my friends somehow persuaded me to run an Ultra with her, just for fun. If you don’t know how far an ultra is, it’s 50 kilometers (31.07 miles). Now THAT’S crazy! But it shouldn’t be a problem after running a marathon 5 weeks ago, especially at an easy pace. Oh how wrong I was!
We actually had a pretty nice day. It got hot around lunch time but it was probably pretty comfortable for the spectators. We had a very specific plan mapped out that even included walk breaks. And it was going pretty well until mile 19 or so before we fell off the plan. But that was okay since we were just running for fun. The next miles went by slowly and painfully but we finally managed to cross the finish line in 5 hours and 44 minutes.
Even though running that far was a painful physical experience, it was so much fun to run it with two amazing women who love to run as much as I do (in spite of what I said during the last few miles of the 50K). I don’t think I could have made it that far without their support and encouragement.
It just amazes me how far I’ve come since I started running. From the first day when I could barely run 15 seconds to running a 5K without stopping to finishing an ultra marathon. I’m not a naturally athletic person and none of this came easy for me. Knowing that I got from 5K to 50K with a lot of hard work, determination, and focus, makes me realize that I am capable of achieving anything that I can dream up. That applies to so many things in my life as well. It’s given me the courage to take a chance and to believe in myself. My passion for running led to a passion for healthy eating and that led to this blog. While the journey hasn’t been easy, it has been so worth it. I have learned so much about myself and what I am made of. Sometimes that was a surprise (in a good way)! The main thing that running has taught me is that I am much stronger than I give myself credit for and it’s given me the confidence to use that strength in other areas of my life. I am looking forward to running more races in more places in the coming years!
Tell me about your running experiences and what you’ve learned from it.
Lara says
March 7, 2014 at 7:49 amI had no idea that a 5K was tough for you. I feel better now. LOL I agree with you about thinking well if I can do a 5K then I can do a 10K. I have ran 2 10K and think well I can run a half. I am still trying to get there through injuries but hopefully I can be successful some day in the future.
LydiaF says
March 9, 2014 at 4:49 pmWhat an inspiring story! I’ve run a couple 5Ks and run/walk that distance regularly. Now I’m running to a half marathon plan but my real goal is a 10K. I can’t imagine running an ultra!
April Mims says
March 9, 2014 at 5:30 pmThank you! I never would have imagined running a marathon or an ultra either. The women I run with are incredibly inspiring and motivating. I wouldn’t have done it if it hadn’t have been for them. Good luck on your running!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
March 22, 2014 at 7:17 amI think that is so amazing and you should be so proud of yourself. A friend of mine keeps asking me to run my first 5K with her this July and I have totally been putting off registering for it 🙂
Jennifer says
March 22, 2014 at 9:12 amSo amazing! I have lots of friends that run races monthly because Disney hosts so many and I do get jealous. Maybe after I have this baby I can train and run my first race!
Jennifer recently posted…Creativity in the Kitchen Leads to a Lay’s Potato Chip Flavor! #DoUsAFlavor #sponsored #MC
Demetra says
March 22, 2014 at 12:08 pmYou really have worked hard to achieve your marathon goals, congratulations. Running a 50K is an incredible feat even if it’s “just for fun”.
Demetra recently posted…How to Brunch + Blueberry Scone #Recipe
Melissa says
March 22, 2014 at 12:48 pmOh my gosh, you are simply amazing! I can’t even imagine….you’re totally motivating me to start WALKING. LOL!
Melissa recently posted…Divergent Movie Review: In Theaters Now!
Krystal says
March 22, 2014 at 4:33 pmI’m always so impressed with running stories. I Want to get in shape, but I feel overwhelmed. Good luck with your journey!
Krystal recently posted…Mint Mojito Party Inspiration
Tee Mcc says
March 22, 2014 at 4:40 pmI am not much of a runner but I am working on losing some weight I would love to run a 5k!
Lisa says
March 22, 2014 at 6:03 pmThat is awesome – congrats! My running experience is being really terrible at the mile in high school. I wish I was a runner, I just can’t seem to get into it. I love to kickbox though lol
Lisa recently posted…Earth to Echo Trailer: Hits Theaters in July #EarthToEcho
Debbie L. says
March 23, 2014 at 1:15 pmCongrats! Amazing story! I am not a runner – I admire your drive and willpower. Amazing!
brett says
March 23, 2014 at 5:50 pmcongrats to you! my cousin’s been doing marathons for about 15 years now. I will stick to 5ks 🙂
Amanda H. says
March 23, 2014 at 11:11 pmWhat a great story! I’m just getting started into running and can only hope to come halfway through your journey. Congrats!
Amanda H. recently posted…Fitness Friday: Cheating Always Leads to No Good {Week 3}
Rosey says
March 24, 2014 at 4:42 amI love that running has had and continues to have so many benefits for you!! We have good friends that run and they love it too. 🙂
Terin Garrett says
March 24, 2014 at 5:49 amYou go, girl!! 50k!! That’s awesome!! I would probably die LOL
Terin Garrett recently posted…What’s In My Bag?
Stefani says
March 24, 2014 at 7:27 amThat is so amazing! I wish I had that much motivation. I have a goal of doing one of those 5K one of these days.
Stefani recently posted…Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Review
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
March 24, 2014 at 8:02 amIt’s so cool that you have found a passion in running. Your journey has inspired me to start walking more. Hopefully one day I can participate (notice not run lol) in a marathon 🙂
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest recently posted…Revlon Scented Polish in Wintermint Swatches & Photos
k says
March 24, 2014 at 8:51 amCongrats. I’m envious with those who run. I just could not do it..walking is my thing but running gets you there faster!!
Dina says
March 24, 2014 at 9:22 amI’ve not run a marathon but I walk a 5k about 3x a week.
Dina recently posted…Comment on Divergent Review: A brand new fan! by Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest
Katie says
March 24, 2014 at 12:38 pmwhat an inspiration! I’d like to run, but it’s so hard from me. I’m thinking this gives me no excuses. 🙂
Katie recently posted…Free Menu Plan Printable & Menu Plan Monday
Ashley M says
March 24, 2014 at 1:48 pm53 half marathons?! That’s amazing! I like to exercise but find it impossible to be a runner.
Bobbie says
March 24, 2014 at 6:23 pmThis is a HUGE accomplishment! I don’t know very many runners and the few I do have ran once or twice, but you seem to have a wonderful running history! That’s going to be great for you later in life! I grew up with a girl, who’s grandmother was a huge runner.. Ran everything she could. She was 65 and looked younger then my 26 year old (at the time) mom!
Bobbie recently posted…The Price Is Right Baby Shower Special & Ju-Ju-Be Giveaway
Catherine L. says
March 25, 2014 at 1:20 amWhat a huge accomplishment! I don’t run unless I’m chasing or playing with kids, but I am hoping to do my first 5k walk next year.
Catherine L. recently posted…Happy Family Organic Superfoods for Toddlers