Newport Marathon: PART ONE, Pre Race
Some people tell me, why do you run marathons? It's a loaded question and honestly, it would take more than a simple conversation to answer it. Some days I don't know that I could even answer you! But I do know one thing, I know in it's simplest form, it's about a GOAL!
This weekend I've spent a great deal of time talking with different people about goal setting! One person hit it on the nose! He said, the only way you could get me to even think about running something like a marathon is a goal to work for, like eventually qualifying for Boston! BINGO! That has become one of my "whys." Honestly, I have many more, but that has been exactly it for the last many of years!
Newport 2022 wasn't my first rodeo! I've run 15 marathon's leading up to this moment and have had many set backs. If it wasn't for goals, I would of stopped running a long time ago. I haven't been able to run well since 2018 when I had an excellent training cycle leading up to Eugene 2018. Before that it was year after year of chasing little goals that slowly climbed into a desire to be the very best runner possible for me! I also hold a strong desire to help others be the very best they can be. It's interesting, those who take this to heart, who truly look at themselves and not compare with others, seem to excel the most. It's so important to remember this. My motto is to be inspired by others, not try to be like others. I have a hard enough time trying to be me, and I feel like being myself is what is the very best.
I went through a struggle of a year back in 2021. I was training for Pacific Northwest Marathon. Half way into my cycle I pulled my calf. I was able to stay consistent in easy running after a few weeks off with PT and taking it easy. I had to drop the thought of a full marathon that year. I waited until I was pain free, dropped some weight and started my climb back into heavy mileage and started back up with a coach.
It's been interesting as I think back on this last year. A change of jobs has given me freedom to not have to stand all day, giving my feet a break. I also was used to getting up early from my former job position. I used this as a positive excuse to keep getting up very early and running before work. Running before work and having a good chunk of time off my feet while working was a good combo for my training.
I was able to get through training with no major issues. I was sick once, setting me back a week. That's always expected in a marathon cycle, at least once! I was able to do three pratice races leading up to Newport Marathon. That wasn't just fun, it was three positive experiences. Coming out of no races anywhere due to shut down made for lots of sad runners.
Most of my training was done with my husband or myself. My friend Tonya would join me when she could in the early mornings as well. I am used to bigger group runs in the weekends so this was a change up. I didn't think I would enjoy it but I felt like it took the pressure off me. I didn't realize how much I needed that for this period in my life. Jerry and I just got up and headed out the door. No planning, no messages being sent out. No big route plans. We just ran and I loved it! I do miss group running and know there will be more of that as we go into summer training (my least favorite time of year.) 🥵
I choose to blog every week during this training cycle in hopes that a few people would be interested in joining me on my little journey. I almost didn't do it. It makes me feel silly at times but deep down I felt I needed to this, even if nobody read it. What ended up happening, was an overwhelming display of encouragement and many really cool conversations. This made my journey so much fun and so much more fulfilling.
If you need some encouragement getting started in a healthy version of yourself, please reach out!
.....to be continued 😘
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