I am so happy and can't even describe the emotions I felt when crossing the finish line. Months and months of training allowed me to finish and I was so proud of all the work I put in that allowed me to complete my goal.
I trainied mostly on my own but for long runs I ran with my friend and co-worker Lydia. We found out we were both registered for the Nike Women's Marathon in June and e-mailed each other every week to check on our training progress. We did a lot of our long runs on the Wildwood trail by the Portland Zoo, which is a rough trail with lots of hills. It was a great way to prepare for San Francisco's hills, the city our marathon took place in. I think we were very well trained because we chose to train on that trail.
My boyfriend and Lydia's husband and family were staked out at different spots along the course. I am so thankful that Shane and his friend Ryan were able to maneuver the bus system in SF to meet me along the course. It really, really helped to see their faces cheering me on and taking pictures.
It feels so good to train for something and complete the goal.
Although I used to run in my tempo shorts all the time, as my runs got longer I began chaffing and began running in longer running shorts. Tighter capris seemed to work better. I struggled my entire training to find a sports bra that worked well for me. If you know me, you know I have a reason for needing a really good sports bra! I fell in love with some Dri-Fit longer tops and wore them out throughout my training. I ran in Nike's Structure Triax 11 and 12 (going through two pairs of shoes) which gave me a lot of support since I pronate quite a bit.
Here is something I found about marathon runners and love:
•Its not about the Marathon – its all about the Marathon training.
•Marathon runners learn that nothing will stop them.
•Marathon runners learn the value of managing their time and priorities.
•Marathon runners learn not to give up.
•Marathon runners learn how important planning is to their success.
•Marathon runners learn how many months of effort is required for a single successful day.
•Marathon runners are successful in life.
I will proudly wear my Tiffany's Necklace with Run Like a Girl written on it. I will also wear my Run Like a Girl t-shirts and always remember how I ran like a girl on October 18, 2009!
