So, it’s almost here . . . my first marathon – the ING Georgia, here in Atlanta. A little over 23 months ago, I decided I was tired of feeling guilty about not exercising. I signed up for the “3 Weeks to a 30-minute Running Habit” and was on my way. It’s been interesting. I honestly was so anti-marathon when I started this little “habit” that I am kind of feeling bad about actually running one. No offense to the marathoners out there, but my bias against the idea of “training for a marathon” was the fact that EVERYONE seemed to be doing it — running marathons has been so “in” for the past few years, but what struck me as silly was the fact that so many people have a lifelong dream of running a marathon, so they start training one day, run the race and then they never seem to run again. I didn’t want to do that – I know me and I get burned out on things — I didn’t want to be one of “those guys”. I wanted to develop a new habit that would stick. I just wanted to be able to run a 10k without people asking me “If I am ok?” for the rest of the day, and having to lie and say “yes”. If I am being honest, I also wanted my wife to stop nagging me about eating chicken wings and not exercising (it was much easier to take on exercise than to give up chicken wings).
Ok — back to the reason for my post. This is it. This weekend is my last long run before the race. 20+. I would like to shoot for 22. 19 is my personal long and I actually felt ok, so I am looking forward to it. The only problem is finding the freaking time.
Anyone else training for the ING Georgia Marathon? Training for your first marathon? How did you get started? How is your running coming along? Any other big runs this weekend?
Pray for nice weather. This cold stuff in Atlanta has got to go!
Go Run,
Chad
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Chad – Good luck on your long run this weekend! I’m running the Mardi Gras marathon on Sunday (whether I am ready or not) and will give you an update. I haven’t been able to get out and do a long run since you blew me out of the water when we ran 19. Hopefully I’ll just be able to finish!
Catch up with you guys soon.
Andy
Good Luck Chad and Dave,
I was one of those guys who quit running after running the 1997 NY Marathon. A marathon is a great accomplishment and you will be asking yourself afterwards, “What can I do to top this?” The answer to this question is what will keep you running. Think of the marathon as a means to your next goal rather than an end in itself. The hard part (training) is behind you and race day is a day of celebration. Many people don’t realize that a marathon is 30-40% physical and 60-70% mental. If you’ve run 22 pre-race, you still have 4.5 mental miles ahead. I had 6 mental miles that got my rear out of Harlem and through Central Park.
Andy — GOOD LUCK this weekend. Look forward to a post from you regarding the race when you return. Would love to start a discussion board for runners to post their story about their first marathon. Have a great time, but please, no flashing for beads — I just don’t think it is appropriate for men to be flashing OR wearing beads. Post race hurricane from Pat O’s to numb the pain sounds about right.
Chad – I did get some beads but they just happened to be attached to the finishers medal.
Thanks so much for posting all of the excellent info! I am looking forward to seeintg more.
I enjoyed reading your blog. Keep it that way.