By 
Courage to start. Strength to endure. Resolve to finish.
I will be running the Long Beach Marathon (26.2 miles) on October 9th, 2016.
Marathon Training is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Every time I go for a run, I get nervous. Sometimes I think “Why did I sign up for this?” Despite the nervousness and fear, I keep running because I know in the end, it will be worth it.
The novice marathon training program by Hal Higdon is 18 weeks. I started tracking and documenting my journey on Week 4. Each week the miles increase until you get to the race day.
Week 4 of Training: 14 miles.
My energy levels and pace increased.
Week 5 of Training: 25 miles.
I felt strong and confident. I was able to complete small runs easily.
Week 6 of Training: 20.4 miles.
Increased my pace. Ran in the heat to help prepare for the marathon. It was tough! I did better at running up hills.
Week 7 of Training: 24.6 miles.
Increased my focus. Pace slowed down because of the heat. My knees started getting sore but I’ve increased my stretching and iced them after running.
Week 8 of Training.
I have 12 miles so far in Week 8. I will be running 13.1 miles this Sunday and Monday (Half Marathon).
Month of July 2016: 95.1 miles total.
Training has changed my life. I learn more after each run. Here is what I have learned so far:
- You have to keep going in order to finish your goal.
- Learn and listen to your body! To be able to run effectively you must eat well, hydrate, stretch, sleep well and think positively at all times.
- No complaining, just get it done!
- Despite the pain, you must keep going!
- Redirect negative thoughts. Focus on the beauty of the world.
- My thoughts to myself when I start feeling weak: “One Mile At A Time” and “It Must Be Done”
- Running is about achieving your personal best!
- The marathon is more than me. I want to show that if you push yourself you can achieve goals, no matter what comes your way.
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What do you think?