#1 Martha’s vineyard marathon

How it went:

  • I was wildly unprepared for this. I told my friends and family that I would probably run in around 4:30 and if it was more than that, something went seriously wrong. In my head I thought I could get closer or under 4hrs. I was completely wrong.

  • I hobbled in at 4:50:57 and was pissed, beyond exhausted, and embarrassed. I felt like I was living in a nightmare and totally let myself down. I had no idea what happened.

  • My training was all over the place and looking back no wonder why I completely fell apart after mile 18 and had to walk run the last 6. Multiple times I wanted to walk off the course.

  • Seeing the mile marker for 26 was relief mixed with confusion. I couldn’t believe I felt so bad.

    What I learned:

  • Be proud of finishing a marathon, no matter what. It is a feat in itself regardless of how it goes. I wish I knew that in the moment and celebrated getting from point A to point B in (mostly) one piece. Normal people don’t run marathons. Period.

  • Don’t store honey stinger packets in your bra unless you want to look like you were attacked my a bear.

  • Don’t underestimate 60 degree heat when you have been training in the cold all winter.

  • Sunscreen. Period. I still have sun scars from the blistering sun on the island. Yikes.

#2 New HAMPSHIRE MARATHON

How it went:

  • This was revenge.

  • I told no one about this and drove myself up to NH for a night to run the marathon I knew I could without the pressure of family and friends spectating. I was searching for answers.

  • My training was mostly focused on repairing the damage from May, but I didn’t do much differently.

  • This was a rainy run around Squam lake and I remember getting to mile 18 and flipping off the mile marker. I was not doing to fall apart again.

  • I gutted it out to 4:15:15 and proved to myself that I was the only one who could help me get to the finish line.

    What I learned:

  • Be proud of finishing a marathon, no matter what. It is a feat in itself regardless of how it goes. I wish I knew that in the moment and celebrated getting from point A to point B in (mostly) one piece. Normal people don’t run marathons. Period.

  • Don’t store honey stinger packets in your bra unless you want to look like you were attacked my a bear.

  • Don’t underestimate 60 degree heat when you have been training in the cold all winter.

  • Sunscreen. Period. I still have sun scars from the blistering sun on the island. Yikes.