This is how I want to cross the finish line of my first marathon
Well it’s official. I’m running a marathon.
I’ve been saying for years that I would run a marathon before I turned 30. My birthday is this October so the clock was ticking. While I’m happy to report that I’ve finally committed, just typing the words: “I’m running a marathon,” gives me anxiety.
Last month, I was asked by Canada Running Series to be a Digital Champion for this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. What does this mean exactly? Well, it means that I’ll be writing and tweeting about my adventures as I train, meeting new running friends, attending fun Canada Running Series events, and…oh yeah… running a marathon on October 20, just 13 days after my 30th birthday. They’ll cover the cost of my registration in exchange for my stories and updates as I train. I was so honoured to have been asked, that I jumped at the opportunity to participate. I didn’t really think about what I just committed to!
There are 10 Digital Champions. You can check out the bios here. I’m #2, but they certainly are not ranked in order of running prowess. In fact, I’m one of the more inexperienced runners in this esteemed list of athletes. I’m hoping they’ll have words of wisdom for me as I train.
With the Victoria Day long weekend behind us now, I’ve started to think about summer and planning my schedule. My biggest concern with this marathon is finding the time to train within a busy summer schedule. Many weekends are packed with social events (read: 48 hour benders) which is certainly not conducive to a rigorous training schedule. Especially when I need to up the mileage each weekend.
I can see it now. Party at the cottage. Miranda drinks water and goes to bed early. She gets up at the crack of dawn to run 20km while everyone else sleeps off their hangover. I don’t know if I have this kind of willpower!
I’m also generally worried about injuries. When I was training for Around the Bay, any run over 22km seemed to hurt my left knee quite significantly. It got to the point where I would limp for a full day after. I’m hoping that little problem has sorted itself out by now… but the memory of the pain still lingers which worries me.
I know I can do this marathon but I want to do it right. Even if I under-train, I know I could finish it. But I don’t want to just finish it. Sure, I could shuffle across the finish line exhausted and feeling terrible, but I want to finish it feeling great. I want to feel good through the whole thing. I want to smile at the race photographer. I want to cross the finish line with my hands high above my head feeling elated and accomplished.
I don’t even care about my time. I just want to feel good and the only way to do that is to train like a rock star. Wish me luck!
Any marathon veterans out there have any words of wisdom for me?
I did it, Miranda, and you are in way better shape than me and 20 years younger. I am convinced you will do AMAZING.
Thanks for the motivation Janet!
You can do it, Miranda!! You are such an inspiration!! Remember I signed up for my first race after you did your first half? Keep on pushing yourself because you push others too! That is why you are the best ambassador for something like this. Love you, buddy!!
Awww you are the best April! Thank you for your kind words. Come to Toronto and train with me!
I am excited to follow your first marathon journey.
Thanks Sarah! Hopefully it’s an entertaining journey!
Train while being hungover. You will have no problem smiling for the camera at the finish line.
Check out ON running shoes might help with the injury issue. Their moto is making concrete easy.
http://www.on-running.com
Nice. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out.
Running my first marathon as well at Scotia this fall…but running it before I turn 55 in November….working full time as a nurse…working 12 hour shifts and fitting in training runs…intervals and hill runs in between…I wish to finish with hands held high as well and screaming “I did it”… See ya there….!
Wow. Congrats! Now I feel very whiny for complaining about how all my social gatherings are hindering my training! If you can fit in marathon training in your hectic schedule, I certainly can too! Good luck to you! Keep me posted on how your training is going. Maybe we can share tips on how to fit training into a busy schedule.
BEST of LUCK! l look forward to your blog/tweet updates!!! You are braver than I….
I already feel a lot of anxiety. I ran 14km yesterday and it was tough. 42 seems impossible!
well, your blog says exactly how i feel about my first FULL marathon. Keep up the great digital talk. this will be a great adventure..hopefully not too painful.lol …… o dear what did i commit myself too…
Agree! It took me a week or so to get over the anxiety of having actually registered for the marathon, but I feel good now. Confident. I’m ready to do this!
hopefully it will not rain like yesterday, for i am a lousy swimmer…so keep fingers crossed for nice running weather..