Journey to 26.2

My journey to 26.2 and it was definitely a long one. It wasn't easy by any means. This photo on the left is from my first 5k race in beautiful downtown Manhattan.

I should start by saying that I wasn't a runner until I started training for this 5k, and to this day I blame my boss for my addiction to running. It all started a long time ago when my boss popped by my office and just asked me "do you run?" I respond with "yeah, on the treadmill at the gym." He goes on to say the office does a 5k together every year. I said "ok, I'm down." I thought to myself "how hard could it be? I workout." With the advice of all the office marathoners I started a 5k training plan. These guys can run a 5k in their sleep. I got my training together and, well let's just say I learned a thing or two about how different it is running on a treadmill vs concrete.

I finished my first 5k and kept on running. Time for the next challenge, went on to complete my first 10k. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had already accomplished a number of 5k races and was running regularly, so I signed up for a 10k and figured “ok I got this.” Race day arrived and I was ready to run. It was a warm Mother’s Day and this would be my very first 10k. I ran a 14:34 mile pace and was one of the last few people left to finish. I felt so slow, was super hot and by the time I finished almost all the people that ran were already gone. When I finished all I could think was “omg I’m so slow” since all the runners were gone, even though some people finished after me. All I know is that doesn’t matter even if I came in dead last, I finished, and that’s all that really matters. I accomplished running a 10k that day. Called my mom and told her all about my achievement; wished her a Happy Mother’s Day and said “See you soon because I’m taking you out to eat, I’m starving now!”

My persistent efforts stepped me up from a 5k, to a 10k, to a 15k. My first 15k was a very cold 9.3 miles. I was cheered on by all the running friends I made over the years who were outside along the course. My coworker joined me for the last two miles and helped me with the knots in my calves. I was so happy to see that finish line.

Half marathon photo right

I call it 13.1 miles for breakfast

COVID-19 Pandemic started

NYRR canceled the United Airlines Half Marathon due to the Corona virus.

My running/training partner made our own half marathon course on beautiful Long Island. We had a rocky start to our run as we get to the park and the gate was still down. We think "umm did Covid shut down our park?" NO! We waited around a bit, deciding what other route are we going to run? Then our knight in shining armor (parks department ranger) shows up and opens the gate for us. The excitement on our faces as we jumped up and down & repeatedly said "thank you oh god thank you!" The poor guy probably thought he would never see someone so excited to enter the park.

We set up our water station, mapped out our run and off we went. We did some trail running which I wasn't a fan of; mostly because I didn’t have the right sneakers on for it and was putting tension on my calves. We ended up changing our route, cut out the trail and said "peace out trail not today!"

I was feeling quite good until mile 6.5 and my left hip started to act up. Mile 7.5 or 8 my knees really started to hurt. I was having a problem with my right knee the night before and knew it was going to act up on this run but I’m no quitter, I kept pushing though. Mile 8-9 we walked it to give ourselves a little break. The cold wind at this point was hitting my chest hard. All I kept thinking was "oh god asthma please stay at bay today." I had my inhaler just kept concentrating on my breathing and slowing it down so I don’t have to pull out my inhaler. I made it through without having to use it at all. So that was a win-win for me.

Finally our last two miles came around and I couldn’t wait to just be done. My calves and knees were just sore at this point and I kept thinking "it’s only 2 miles. It’s only 2 miles." One mile at a time. Last mile ok we’re so close almost there. We got this! Just like that we’re done! Finished! Covid didn’t stop us from earning our medal.

I arrived at 26.2!!!

I trained for weeks and weeks. Increased my mileage every week, and ran on my scheduled days when all I wanted to do was take a nap from a hard day. It was very difficult training for a marathon while renovating your house and working a full-time job. I stuck to my training plan for the most part. I fueled my body when it needed and I did active recovery on rest days. It was a tough journey to get through. It took me a few years and going through a global pandemic. NYC Marathon was canceled the year before which I qualified for. Due to a lot of things being up in the air I signed up for the virtual NYC Marathon. I questioned myself the night before. Considered giving up and not do it. Telling myself I'm not prepared, I'm not going to make it through running 26.2 miles alone. Well I woke up that morning on the last day I would be able to run the route I've been training on, since I would be traveling after and unable to do it any other time before the deadline. I was nervous but I got dressed and went over 3x with my husband what he needs to do. I had my route all planned out; knew were I would be at each mileage point. Told my husband where to be for me to refuel. I'm truly blessed for all his support on this day. I broke down twice when he met me with my hydration packs. I wanted to quit! It was so cold and the wind was cutting my face and blowing hard off the water on by back. My husband gave me words of encouragement and reminded me of all my training. I finally made it to 26 miles and my husband was out there waiting for me. I wanted to cry with the pain in my feet and how cold my body was from running along the water for 6 hrs on a cold day. I walked that last half mile with my husband. I kept telling him I need to go over 26.2 miles because my Garmin will count it as less when you upload for a virtual race. It's something with Strava. I was so nervous about not getting the credit for doing it I kept on walking with horrible pain in my feet. I finally stopped my watch and I was a marathoner.