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

[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....

[raspberryliz]

Wow! This is so inspiring! Having never been not only a runner but an athlete of any kind whatsoever (okay, junior high swim team doesn't count), I am not going to dream about a marathon any time in the near future. But maybe a 5K isn't out of the question. You definitely make it sound do-able! :)

[wino26]

5K's are such a great way to get into running, I definitely encourage you to try one out! And the best part (and our primary motivation in entering races when we first started out) -- the complimentary tee-shirt you get with every race!

[kate1125]

I totally agree with raspberryliz, I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but I am really thinking that I could do a shorter race after reading your post.
Thank you :)

[wino26]

I'm so glad that you and Liz are considering getting into races -- you won't be disappointed, I promise! Runnersworld.com has some great training schedules for those just starting out.

[trp4life]

YAY!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to post that (and I loved the personal dedication too!). Very motivating and informational

[wino26]

Glad you found my long-winded drivel useful! My friend Lisa (who never ran in her life) did the Marine Corp marathon with TIT (heh heh) and she said it was a great first marathon experience. I wish I could do that one myself! Which pair of Asics did you buy?

Can't wait to follow along with your progress! Good luck!!

[arwc_runs]

The Marine Corps was my first marathon - it was a great course for a first-timer, in my opinion. Plus the weather is usually fantastic in DC in October - I miss those great long autumns!

I can't wait to try various Asics styles this weekend when I go shoe shopping - glad to hear you got a pair!

[allirel]

Hi! I just read this, coming from the link from trp4life. Thanks for posting it! Very useful tips there. I've been running about 2.5 years now and did two half marathons last year but this year I think I'm going to try for the full distance. :) Sounds like a ton of people like Asics. I have a pair of Gel-Landreth that I use for my "fast sprints" (5Ks and 10Ks) and I love them. :) I don't think they're durable enough for longer distances but they are some great shoes. I also love my Brooks and Nike has also been good to me. Anyway, thanks for all the marathon insight -- it helps to reinvigorate me on this seemingly crazy goal I have. :)

[wino26]

Congrats on your marathon aspirations! I'm sure you'll do great seeing as you've already run two half marathons! I've friended you btw -- I'd love to read about your upcoming training.