Fun fact about me (that you probably already know): I’m a ‘retired’ marathon runner. I ran the Chicago marathon three years in a row (2009, 2010, and 2011) and haven’t run any marathon since. This past weekend was the Chicago marathon, and let me tell you, there is almost no better weekend in Chicago than the weekend of the marathon.
The Husband and I (along with some friends/family) spent all day yesterday running around (well, not really, more like walking and taking public transit) to find friends on the course and cheer them on. It was a wonderful day! The weather was gorgeous, the runners were fast, the cheering was enthusiastic, and we had time for a Starbucks break so I could grab a chai tea latte.
It was a perfect, perfect, perfect fall day.
(My cheering-buddy, Laine) cheering for the elite runners and then the rest of the field!
And of course, I always get asked the question “do you wish you were running again this year?” to which I answer “yes and no.”
You see, marathons and I have a love/hate relationship. Let me explain…
Why I loved running marathons:
// Setting and accomplishing a goal. Running a marathon had been on my bucket list since I was in high school (or maybe earlier, really) so it felt amazing to finally sign up/train/and finish it when I was 23.
// Discipline. I’ve really only done a few things in life that require the amount of discipline and effort that training for a marathon requires. I trained for 18 weeks (all summer!) to run each marathon. I skipped a lot of social activities and nights of drinking and I suffered quite a bit (if I’m being honest) but it was awesome knowing I could stick to it.
// The routine. There is such a science behind training for a marathon. I had calendars of what workouts to do every single day, and I love that sort of routine in my workout regimen. No excuses, no choices, just getting the workouts done.
// The start. There is nothing more exciting than the start line of a huge marathon. Everyone’s excited and full of adrenaline and a lot of people are first time runners who are super-excited about being able to get to the finish line!
// The spectators. Every inch of the Chicago marathon seems to be crowded with spectators. They’re loud, they have great signs, they are excited to be out there, and a lot of them are also runners. I felt like a celebrity the entire time I was on the course. Plus, there’s seriously nothing better than finding your friends/family in the crowd, cheering you on!
// The 25 mile marker. With a mile to go in the Chicago marathon, there’s a band and loudspeakers and a voice (it really seemed like God at this point, because I was so exhausted that everything seemed a bit distant) that tells you that in one mile you will be a finisher of the Chicago marathon, and it continues to say all sorts of other inspiring things. I always tear up at that point in the race. It’s the best.
// The challenge. Training for and running 26.2 miles (at one time!) is not a small feat! It requires a lot of physical and mental energy, and I love the sheer challenge of it.
// The finish line. If there’s anything more awesome than the start line of a marathon, it’s the finish line. It’s kind of the same as the start line, but with more puking.
// The soreness. There is nothing like the soreness after a marathon. Now, I’m a bit strange, but I absolutely loved the feeling of sore legs after the race. It was a reminder of accomplishment!
// The event with family and friends. I loved being able to celebrate the accomplishment of running 26.2 miles with family and friends after the race! Everyone is so supportive, especially if it’s your first marathon.
My third (and final?!) marathon. It was the Husband’s first!
Why I gave up running marathons:
// Remember that whole ‘training’ thing I referred to before? That shit is hard work! 18 weeks of running at least 4 times a week… it’s rough. Although, my experience was greatly improved by being part of a running club.
// The soreness. OK, I realize I also mentioned this as a positive aspect of this running-a-marathon thing, but really, it takes a while to recover. Plus, I wasn’t just sore after the marathon, I was sore the entire 18 weeks leading up to race day! After my first (or was it second? Well, it makes no difference.) marathon I was on a public bus and my stop came. Well, I couldn’t stand up. My legs just would not let me. And then I started crying on the bus because I just didn’t know what else to do! Well, now this story just cracks me up, but at the time, I was not a happy camper.
// Toenails. I lost quite a few toenails over my years of running marathons. It’s not pretty. (Although, if you paint the skin where your toenails are supposed to be, it looks almost the same.)
// The injuries. My main reason for not running full marathons anymore is that I always ended up injured before race day. I’m not sure if my body just hates the mileage or what, but I never ran a race completely healthy. My first marathon was okay but I didn’t feel 100% the weeks before the race. My second marathon I pinched a nerve in my back a month before the race and thought I may not get to the start line, but I finished (with a decent time). The third marathon I somehow managed to start losing feeling in my feet after running a few miles. I still finished the race, but it just wasn’t very reassuring to not be able to feel my feet.
// The recovery. My body takes far too long to fully recover from a marathon. I always stay injured for a few months after the race, and that just isn’t worth it to me. I’d rather do other workouts so I can do it all year round without taking significant time off.
So, I guess I’ll stay retired for the time being. I may run a marathon again in the future, but for right now I’m enjoying only doing CrossFit, without the level of cardio that I did before.
How about you?! Have you run a marathon before? Would you consider running one in the future?
Cheers to participating in marathons, whether it be by volunteering, cheering, or running!
