Ten Marathons

I know I’m not the only one who is filled with excitement and nerves for the week leading up to a marathon. By the morning of the race, I’ve had more than one crazy race dream where I’ve shown up late to the start, forgotten my shoes or followed the course through building lobbies and elevators. Anyhoo, each of my ten marathons have been unique but I’ve noticed a re-occurring theme in the past nine. At some point, usually just before the middle, my brain yells, “Why am I doing this? I could be home in bed!”

My first marathon wasn’t like that. I never wanted to quit and in the last three miles I even turned to my friends and said “Is this really going to be over in thirty minutes?” That day was very sweet. The next nine races have had their highs and lows but it wasn’t just about finishing anymore. Running to qualify for Boston was the goal but I was amazed how fast that dream fades after just a couple hours at race pace.

Marathon number ten brought this same battle but for this race, I hired a coach and am so glad for that! The ten-year-old Boston dream needed a solid plan to get me to the start line ready for my best and that’s just what happened. Right before the race, Coach Brendon O’Leary said to anticipate the struggle and figure out what to do about it. I hadn’t even told him about my mental battles! It’s great to know others, much, much faster than me, go through similar things. However, I was hoping the great training would make it easy to get the Boston qualifying time. What I’ve learned though, is that every race is going to be a fight if you try to do your best. Big dreams take work and if they don’t, maybe it’s time to dream bigger!

Motivation to keep the pace

I prepared for the struggle based on a suggestion I’d read on the Boston Buddies Facebook group (a great group, btw). The plan went like this: when the race becomes difficult, dedicate each tough mile to someone you wouldn’t give up on and don’t give up on that mile.

During the race when my mind got weak, I began to pray and think about all the people I wouldn’t give up on. While I was thinking of others I could support, a sweet thing happened. Many people who’ve inspired me, been kind to me, or shared wise words at a perfect time came to mind as well. I may not have been going through a rough time when I met them but what a joy it was to recall their kindness when I was struggling. It felt like they lifted me along and reminded me of what was important. In John 15:12 it says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” God knew He could use us to remind each other of Him. I can’t think of anything better to do in this life than that right there. 

A pastor’s encouragement when I took up running meant so much as I debated whether running was selfish. My aunt who wanted to see me run Boston and help bring my whole family along. A retired Olympic swim coach who taught my kids to swim on a pay it forward basis. A friend who’d meet with me week in and week out to train and travel to races with me. A husband who doesn’t run but puts up with what probably looks like madness. So thankful that these and many more were there in spirit helping me to keep picking ’em up and putting ’em down.

Results

As for the race, I crossed the finish with exactly seven minutes and seven seconds to spare to get into Boston 2020. Ten years of dreaming and ten marathons were well worth it!

Exodus 17:12 But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set.

Happy Running!