My Thoughts on the Marathon

If you've been reading my little blog for awhile now, then you know that this Sunday has been a long time coming.  Because this Sunday, I will be running the Chicago Marathon after YEARS of attempting to do so.  Here's the abbreviated history for you in case you forgot:

2007: Signed up for the marathon.  Got a stress fracture in August.  Looking back, I SHOULD have gotten a stress fracture.  I made TONS of training mistakes.

2008: Signed up for the marathon.  Pretty much quit training in September when "life" got in the way (i.e. moving, work).

2013: Signed up for the marathon.  Didn't realize I was pregnant at the time:)

2014: Signed up for the marathon.  OMG! I ACTUALLY MADE IT THIS FAR!

So, here we are.  I honestly cannot believe I made it through the training cycle, injury-free, and with a baby.  It's definitely been challenging to fit in the training, and to be honest, my training was nowhere near perfect.  I missed several shorter runs during the week, and lowered two of my long runs (17 down to 12, and 12 down to 8 - but in my defense, that 8-mile run was at the Super Spartan, which, in my opinion, was probably harder than the marathon itself).

Anyway, I know it's customary for bloggers to share their A, B and C goals before any big race, but my biggest goal?  I just want to finish with a smile on my face.  I always said that if I can make it to the start line, I can figure out the rest.  I know 26.2 miles will be hard, but it doesn't scare me. 

So yeah.  This will be my first full marathon, and I am pumped.  Overall, I've been really quiet about my training for fear that I wouldn't be able to get to the start line, but the training has gone well.  I've learned that my body is so much stronger than I give it credit for - especially after having a baby.  I've learned that this whole endeavor is SUCH a mental game for me - I found that I was far more motivated to tackle longer distances when I was with a group as opposed to by myself. 

(See?  I need group support.  Here's the pre-20 mile FNRC photo.  Can you spot me?  I'm wearing my marathon outfit!)

Don't get me wrong.  I'm definitely nervous.  I literally have no one to run with - I don't know anyone who is in my start corral.  But I plan to just enjoy the crowds and the city, and take it one mile at a time.  And for those of you coming out, thank you SO much!  :)

Before I sign off, and try not to throw up between now and Sunday, I have to thank a few people for supporting me through all of this, including:

* The ladies of the FNRC - especially Amanda, Kelly and Jill.  Amanda is running the Grand Rapids marathon next weekend, so we had a similar training schedule, which was so nice.  She's been such a great source of advice and support! Kelly and I ran the Super Spartan together, and without Kelly, I never would have started running with the FNRC.  And Jill is another FNRC runner that I met through Amanda and Kelly, and she was always so incredibly supportive and enthusiastic during each training run, especially when I really needed it.  Thank you so much, ladies!  

* Marcia, my coach extraordinaire!  She understood my crazy schedule, and gave me a plan that I could tackle that was manageable.  She constantly encouraged me along the way, and gave me the tough love when I needed it.  Thanks for believing in me, Marcia!

* And of course, Mikey and Layla.  I know they both made sacrifices to make this happen for me, even though I tried my best not to let the training interfere with our time as a family.  Mikey has always been my rock, and my #1 fan.  I could not do this without him.  I love you so much, Boo:)

Any advice for this marathon newbie?