For Lauren (trp4life) and other aspiring first-time marathoners

[wino26]

In light of the new year, new goals, and more specifically, new fitness aspirations, I've decided to devote tonight's post to the art of the first marathon.

Comments

[cactus76]

Phew! Nice post! I have run two also, and I will say that I probably will never do another because the second one was so rough. But who knows? My husband is instructed to remind me if I ever get the itch of what running 26.2 in 93 degrees in LA was really like.

But I digress...I agree with so much of what you wrote--both Runners World and a good running book (I bought several, one specifically on women's running and one on inspirational-type stories about people's first marathons) are a must. Make sure you eat plenty...this is not a time to diet! You will be starving. Prepare to give up your Saturday afternoons as well as your Saturday mornings (or whatever afternoon is after your long run) because you will just want to lay on the couch.

As for the training with a group, I trained for both completely alone. And I liked it that way. It was contemplative and thoughtful time for me, and I liked being in total control of the schedule. But I went to San Diego (where my first marathon was) with my friend Kristina (who was much faster than me, which we knew) so we could stay together the night before the race, ride to the start together, etc. I met a ton of people on the course and that was fun. Not a marathon, but I did train for the AIDS ride a few years back with a group, and with fundraising, so I can say that that was also a positive experience. But if I were going to train for another distance event again I would also go solo.

And GU! How I love thee...someone gave me the sage advice of eating the GU not just at mile 10 or wherever they hand it out but at 3 other times during the course and I'm pretty sure it got me across the finish line respectably.

And Gel-Kayano running shoes (Asics)--yes, they seem to cost as much as a small car, but they are 100% worth it. My knees started hurting the second I bought a different pair and fixed themselves immediately (like that day) when I went back to the Kayanos.

Good job, you...where is your marathon going to be this year?

[wino26]

I'm either running San Francisco, which is probably a death wish, or the Mystic Places Marathon, here in CT. I actually signed up for Mystic last year but ended up postponing my entry due to work travel. I'm not really looking forward to that one, as I hear it's the most boring marathon in the world, but I think Dave will kill me if I commit to yet another marathon where we have to travel.

I laughed out loud after reading of your love of GU. Chocolate GU is my absolute fave. Vanilla -- eh, banana -- ek, and the fruit punch flavored one (or something like that) was rumored to cause intense bowel pressure, so I chose to abstain from that one.

Didn't you find your 2nd marathon a zillion times worse?? I trained much better for it and was really happy with my time, but I have never been so miserable in my life! And yet I have chosen to do this again....