26.2 miles or BUST

When people find out that I run, I usually get asked if I've ever run a marathon. My answer has always been "No...I'm just a half kinda gal." I have always had a hard time wrapping my mind around running 26.2 miles, so I've never attempted to train for a marathon. But, maybe, just maybe one day I will run a marathon. In the meantime, I will live vicariously through two BB ladies--Paige and Channa. 

Athens Classic Marathon

Paige was my training partner last year and we ran many, many miles together while she lived in Kansas. Then, 9 months ago (wow, I can't believe it's been 9 months), the military moved her family to Germany. Paige had the opportunity to run her first marathon this past November in Athens, Greece. Can I just say how AMAZING it is to be able to run your first marathon with such a historical significance! 




When Paige was asked to share the nitty-gritty, dirty details on running a (26.2) marathon.  What did you learn about yourself and marathons? How is racing different in America vs. Europe? This is what Paige had to say:
Don't forget to wear body glide. I am raw in several places; Bring toilet paper. I had to use my underwear to wipe and went the entire race 'commando'; When in Greece, do as the Grecians. I squatted beside some bushes at around mile 2 to pee. Although 25-30 people watched, I don't think anyone snapped a shot of my big white bootie. It's much more common for people to pee on the side of the road during races in Europe; Pace yourself. I took it easy my first half and I was able to enjoy the entire experience. My friend did not and she was miserable and bonked the last half; put your phone in a ziplock if it's hot. My friend fried her phone because it was so hot, she kept pouring water over herself and ended up getting her phone wet; Take the time to use the medics if you need to and they're available. I stopped 5 or 6 times to get my knees and hip sprayed and slathered up with something like Icy Hot and I think it definitely helped me keep going; Enjoy the people and scenery around you. Strike up conversations with folk near you, give hi-5's to children and adults cheering for you, dance to the music. It's a long way but you can make it enjoyable.

So, why am I talking about marathons when

Channa and I at the
Olathe Medical Center Women's Triathlon  Sept 2013

I'm training for a triathlon?Well, because I want to and sometimes one can learn a lot from someone else's experience.  The bonus is it allows you the opportunity to live vicariously through them. This brings me to my friend Channa. Channa, is running her first marathon in about two weeks. Last weekend, Channa was off running her longest run of her marathon training--20miles. Can I just say amazing! 20 miles and she did it! Since many of the ladies in our group have never run such a huge distance, we had to seek advice and tips. Here's what Channa had to say after her 20 mile training run:  

Training for my first marathon has truly been all about self-discovery. This journey has changed me in ways that I never thought possible. Each week, as I do my training runs, whether on the treadmill or battling freezing cold temperatures, brings me one step closer to my goal. The training runs are like quizzes, and the long runs are the test. It begins with balancing your meals and liquid during the week. That is why the BB challenge has worked perfectly for me. You have to continually put in X amount of mileage each week to ensure that you are successful for the long run. For nutrition, I have built up to 4 gels, a chunk of a protein bar, and have perfected my liquid (Gatorade and water) intake. But, all these skills were learned on the long run. I carry Gatorade and water with me, the whole time. It is important to stay hydrated and fueled up, or you'll crash. I run at an extremely slow pace, just ensure that I can get the mileage in without crashing or injuring myself. I usually run alone, and no one has gone the distance with me, so I rarely watch my pace. Getting in the mileage is my reward. I did not incorporate walking intervals because I didn't need to. My pace is so slow that I can keep going. However, when there is a hill that I must push through, I walk instead. Then, run down it! Honestly, I was not tired at all. More bored than anything else. It gets lonely. My feet started hurting from the constant pounding, but nothing too bad. After I cross that glorious finish line, I'll have some positive words of wisdom. My journey is still a work in progress. I love this journey! I love what I'm learning about myself and feel a wonderful sense of pride.

So, help me wish Channa Good Luck and Speedy Feet because in two weeks, she will be part of a small group of people that call themselves Marathon Finishers. I'm so proud of her and all her hard work!