First Marathon!

Running a marathon for the first time you quickly find out why they call it a “Marathon”. On May 27^th I lined up in Buffalo, NY to run my very first marathon.  I had a marathon training plan that was devised by Fleet Feet’s own Nathaniel Lowe and myself.  With 8 weeks to go before the marathon, I had a set back with a bad IT band that nearly sidelined me for 3 weeks. I thought I would have to cancel the race and postpone to a later race. But after extensive PT and rehab, I was able to post a 13 minute PR at the Flower City which gave me a confidence boost that I could still do the marathon in May. At the midpoint I was right on track to my time goal of 4 hours, coming in at 1:59 and feeling great, but that didn’t last for long. Many runners speak of the “wall” like it’s a mysterious feeling you get at random times. I found out what that was at mile 20..oh did I ever. I was entering Delaware Park and happy to be at mile 20, until I had this feeling of 100 lbs of bricks hit my chest and shoulders. Let’s just say that the last 6 miles was a true testament of the human spirit and truly breaks down the strongest willed. I did not stop fighting, and I was not going to call it quits. I finished the race at 4:24:03 and proud to say I am one of the few in this world to run a marathon.  Looking forward to my next hopefully in September!

T minus 6 Days!

6 days now until the Buffalo Marathon. I am full of anticipation and anxiety. I feel great, no pain in the knee anymore since the cortisone shot. I went out on a 12 miler yesterday in heat and knee felt great, but I was exhausted from the sun. Looking forward to a low mile week to let the body rest and ready to run this race. Went over the race with my mom and Pete and looked at where everyone will meet me for extra water and support. Will be great to have everyone there cheering me on.