#1 The amount of GU/Chomps I go through in a training cycle
I mean, really...who thinks about these things? I hardly use these guys while half marathon training but during my long runs lately, I've been eating them up! Guess I should have bought them in bulk over the summer as I've already made two trips to Academy this fall!
#2 How much a long run truly is a mental game
On Saturday, I realized how true this statement really is. It's crazy how we train our minds as runners to distract ourselves from whatever mileage we are running at the time. I realized at one point on Saturday that I had completely distracted myself from what I was doing! It reminded me of a quote I'd read recently that said something along the lines of how a long run doesn't really start until the runner forgets they are running! All. Mental.
#3 Sore. Muscles.
This one explains itself - along with aching joints, etc. My foam roller and heating pad have become my BFF's here lately!
#4 Confidence Boost
When training for a full marathon, a few longer runs are a necessity and boy are they a confidence boost! I feel like once you pass that half marathon threshold (13+ miles) in training, everything starts to click into place and come together. It sure gives a boost of confidence on race day, too!
#5 Satisfaction knowing I just ran a REALLY long way
Ya know, there's just something about that feeling once a really long training run is over - your muscles ache, you have to limp a little to walk, and those endorphins are off the hook! Yes, I just ran 20 miles because I wanted to and yes, I might be a little bit crazy...but who cares! I feel amazing!
What are some things you learned while training for a race you'll never forget?
Definitely the sore muscle thing! Also how much of a time suck training can be, especially when you get into the longer runs on Saturday mornings. I would run long and then I would come home and shower and be too tired to do anything else the rest of the day!
ReplyDeleteYes to this!! Which stinks for me because Saturday is my day to hang with Brayden!
DeleteLaughing because I do buy fuel in bulk at the start of our training season! Between my husband and I, we go through a lot. You've got this, marathon-lady!
ReplyDeleteOh now that’s funny! I should have thought of this one before!
DeleteRight?! I’ll have to buy a lot next time I head to academy!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually putting a run box together for my cousin since she's going to be training for her first full. I'll have plenty of chews in there because I know she'll need them.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great idea! What a great gift...I love that!!
DeleteI've only ran one marathon but the feeling of satisfaction & accomplishment after finishing the race and long runs was the best feeling ever!
ReplyDeleteYes! It’s so awesome!!
DeleteAll of this!!!!! I was reminded of so much of this during my Chicago training. Hopefully I'll be more mentally and physically prepared when I start training for my next goal race.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely will!
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