Marathoning has taught me so much. I’ve learned about the sport. I’ve learned about the human body. I’ve learned about human spirit. And, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
My marathon career began in 2007. My journey began as a slow and uninformed runner. Today I am proud to be a a two time Boston Marathon finisher. My journey may be unique, but I believe the lessons I’ve learned along the way could be of value to any runner or hopeful Boston Qualifier.
1. Respect the Distance
Every race distance must be respected. However, many gifted runners can water down the training for shorter distances. But not the marathon. The marathon is a beast that will eat you up and spit you out if you don’t properly train. The distance is tough enough, do not add insult to injury by not sticking to proper training. If the week day plan says to run 10 miles, a slap of the snooze button and a 5 miler will cost you. If the plan says your long run this weekend is to be 20 miles, 16 IS NOT 20. That choice could equal you pleading with your maker at mile 21 of the race to just “make it all go away!”
Bottom line. Keep the beast happy and train properly.
Maruchy Lachance is president of Running Ninja!, a lifestyle brand for runners by runners. Running Ninja! offers a wide variety of apparel and gifts for runners to keep you happy and inspired while you’re on the run.
“Just get out there and walk or run.”
Those were the words delivered by Gladys Burrill who at 92 years of age just completed her 5th marathon.
As impressive as that may be, what I find even more inspiring is that she didn’t run her first marathon until she was 86! I am also thrilled that these stories are becoming more common. I just read that Clarence Hartley will be running this week’s Boston Marathon at the tender age of 81! He qualified for this competitive race by running 26.2 miles in under four and a half hours. Read Full Post >
Kirsten can be found at Running In A Girl’s World. She is a mother of 3 girls
living in Northern Nevada.
Hi everyone! My name is Kirsten, and I’m a runner. (Yes, that sounds like the beginning of an AA meeting. Is there an RA meeting? Runners Anonymous?) Anyway. I’ve been running since I was a kid. When I was six I ran a 5-mile race with my dad. I was the very last person to cross the finish line, but even at six I knew I would finish. My love of running waxed and waned over the years. In junior high I ran cross country and track. I was slow, but I didn’t care because I loved how running made me feel. Skip forward 20 years and I’m the married, mother of three girls. Running has given me so much. From “me-time” to the health benefits to the numerous friends I’ve met because of running. It has given me confidence and perseverance and pride.
In October 2009 I ran my first half marathon at Nike Women’s Marathon
in San Francisco. I was not prepared for it, but I ran the whole 13.1
much to my amazement. That sense of accomplishment was overwhelming
and beautiful. That experience led to forming a team for Team In
Training with my friends over at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. Fourteen of us raised over $40,000 for Team in Training. We ran and walked 13.1 at the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon in June 2010. Sharing this experience with those ladies
convinced me that I should join one of them for the Disney World
Marathon on January 9, 2010.
Ohhhh it’s the final four, marathon week, and more!
Everyone heads home for their “reveals.” Let me tell you, it is so weird to sit in that car and wait to reveal your new self to your family and friends. I am sure it is much different when you are going home as a final four than when you go home “eliminated,” but I think no matter how you get home it’s completely nerve-wrecking! Read Full Post >
If you tuned into the Today show on Friday, October 29th you likely saw host Meredith Vieira dressed up as Lady Gaga for the annual Today Show Halloween special. She looked fantastic, and at first I honestly had to take a double take as to whether it really was Lady Gaga or not. In an interview with Ladies’ Home Journal magazine, Veira speaks about her career (she just renewed her contract with the Today Show through 2011) and also her decision to get real with her diet when she encountered sleepless nights and low energy days.
To address her concerns, Vieira decided to meet with a nutritionist and revamp her diet and exercise regimen. The nutritionist put her on a 28-day detox diet, banning some of the worst offenders to our bodies – sugar, gluten-containing foods, alcohol and caffeine. Meredith also changed her fitness routine, which when your day begins at 2:30am can certainly pose its challenges. Not only did she increase the number of workouts, she also began utilizing weights to build muscle for a faster fat burn. Viera can now attest to having more energy to keep her going through late nights preparing for the next day’s show, as well as her extremely early and rigorous morning schedule. Read Full Post >
Marathoning has taught me so much. I’ve learned about the sport. I’ve learned about the human body. I’ve learned about human spirit. And, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
