The day.
My stomach felt like I had someone doing backflips inside. I was a nervous wreck, allowing all the doubt to come in. Realizing if these past three months of relentless training was enough for this August heat. I just needed whoever was in charge of the race to let us loose. Then suddenly someone finally shouted to head over to the start line. A speech was given, our national anthem was played, shoes were tied, icy hot was put on, and my watch was ready to click start “Run.”
The entire summer during my training for my first marathon my coach Kevin, who is a great friend of mine. Vocalized the importance of not going out too hot. Running too fast too early could mess up your race in some ways. Safe to say, I didn’t think about that once the second I started running. The emotions, the atmosphere was just too enjoyable, euphoric, everything you see online about running a marathon is most likely true. I came in the first 5k in around twenty five minutes.Which was a little ahead of schedule as I was holding a 8:30 minute per mile pace when I should’ve been holding around a 9 minute per mile pace. My goal was to run this race in under four hours which is around a nine minute per mile pace.
Through the first 10 miles I would say it was enjoyable, I didn’t even think twice about anything I was doing, I was settled in. To be fair though, running this course for the half marathon a year prior played in my favor in many ways. So I knew it was just a simple yet long out and back four times across the Rockaway Beach Broadwalk. However, with that said I felt that heat picking up after an hour and half in. This race had a late start being at 8 a.m. while other races usually start around 7 a.m. So, I knew after a half marathon in which for me was an hour and 57 minutes in this race. I knew I would start to feel that August heat on a course that has absolutely zero shade.
To prepare for this to avoid cramps, three days out from the race. I started carb loading along with hydrating like crazy. Eating anything and everything I could that contained healthy fats along with carbs. Peanut butter with honey on a bagel with granola sprinkled across the top became my best friend. Along with hitting over a gallon of water a day and making sure I was drinking loads of electrolytes.
With all of this preparation, the UV being a ten did not help my case at all. It was mile 14. I had my first out of thirty charlie horse in both of my calves. The last two loops on the course became a walk/jog as I could not run at the pace I wanted to without cramping. I was mad, angry, upset, feeling every emotion with every step I took. I knew my goal time was out of the window.
The issue I was most mad about was that I didn’t feel tired, my legs weren’t heavy, my heart rate didn’t spike. My calves felt as if they were getting split into two. The only decision I could make was to put one foot in front of the other. Seeing my family members and my best friend Colin on every loop was a huge reassurance to me. As it gave me perspective on why I am doing this insane and completely optional task.
I wanted to prove to myself and others that I have a unique form of discipline that allows me to learn about myself day after day. Every single step I took, I learned something new. An exciting unlock that I can push myself to my absolute limits. That I have developed a mental fortitude that allows me to be a better person within all aspects of life.
As there were times I wanted to quit and just roll over. I didn’t let myself. I didn’t let myself lose the mental battle that running a marathon brings to life. I put a smile on my face and just began to make light of the situation. That I was doing something that I never thought I could just only a few years ago. Practically limping across the finish line allowed me to embrace this unreal euphoric feeling that events like these bring.
There is something about doing hard things and suffering through whatever it may be. It can allow you to grow as an individual further than you ever thought before.
Lace em up, go find out your why. Safe to say I found mine.
