My Secret Marathon Run

Yesterday I reached a new mountain top by running 27 miles. I have been dreaming, reading and listening to others tell their stories about running a marathon. I made up my mind that I was going to try to run my private marathon far removed from cheering crowds, bands and banners along a quiet stretch of river in Jasper. The "River Walk" is 4.5 miles long if you run it down and back. I divided the run into three segments of 9 mile runs. When I headed out the sun was trying to burn off the frost that blanketed the area the night before. This left my hands a bit cold but I knew that soon I'd be warm as the miles and day wore on. The day was ideal for this lofty pursuit. After the first nine miles, I got a Powerade and took off to meet someone for lunch. I tried to eat wisely and returned to the course for my next nine-mile stretch. I knew to go easy for two reasons; this was my first attempt at this distance and I didn't want my lunch to get the best of me. At about the 11-mile mark I was feeling some fatigue and soreness around my feet. I started to develop a blister but refused to allow it to interrupt my resolve. I was more than happy to know that the 18-mile break was coming soon. I got another drink and retied my shoes. I was curious about the blister and so I took off my sock. I discovered the source of my troubles was a minor irritation caused by a toenail cutting into my next toe. I had bleed and as I healing the dried blood sat under my toe and caused an irritation. It strange how little things like that become more noticeable over the miles. I was now ready for my last 9 miles. I took off a little fatigued and was aware that I was entering the mental stamina phase of the run. You do a lot of self talk at this point to convince your body to keep going. It was at the 21st mile that I became very hungry. I knew my body needed some more fuel or else I'd "hit the wall." I adjusted my plan to stop at 4 and a half miles into my final run to refuel. I told myself that I was getting very close and that I had it in me to finish this run. I took off again with a slow painful shuffle at first but then the fatigue seemed to wane and I felt a new energy and mental focus surging. It was at this point I knew I would reach this goal I decided upon earlier in the day. I remember climbing a hill and reaching a 1/4 mile marker that symbolized my imaginary 26.2 marathon mark. I shot my hands in the air and laughed that I reached the summit I had questioned I could ever attain. I then hurried to the end of my 27 mile trek in a not so stellar 4:25. I am confident I can improve on that time when my first real marathon takes place next year. It was good to know in private what I will soon set out to do in public.

1 Year Anniversary

This Saturday marks the the completion of my first full year of logging my running miles. In my office I have a map of the US with a push pin somewhere near Colorado Springs, as a symbol of how much ground I covered this year.

During that time I have gone through 3 pair of running shoes, competed in 9 races and shed about 10 pounds. Some days I couldn't wait to roll out of bed and hit the road, while at other times I had to work at motivating myself to get going. I don't have any idea how much water and sports drinks, as well as power bars, I have downed during this past year.

As I look back on the good that has come out of a year's worth of running, here are some things that come to mind:

• 1. I have probably become more healthy than at any point in my life and have hopefully added a few extra years on my life.
• 2. I have come to believe that some things which I never saw attainable are indeed reachable, if I am willing to push past my preconceived limits.
• 3. I have made new friends among the community of runners. Seems runners share a more positive view on life and a bond that comes from an intense dedication to this sport.
• 4. I have learned so many interesting facets about running through books, my monthly Runner's World magazine, websites and best of all, simply talking with others about it.
• 5. Running has been a great outlet to process my thoughts and expend stressful energy. I have often ended a session feeling more focused and renewed.
• 6. I have come to enjoy the sights, feeling and sounds that accompany a good running experience. Whether that be the sound of crunching snow beneath my feet, the wonder of God's presence, as cool air encircles me on a starlit night, the sweet scents of springtime air, gentle raindrops falling on my face, the feel of Atlantic's waves as they wash over my feet, erasing the traces of where I've been, or the scurry of leaves that cascade all around me while deer stare amusingly at the sight of a lone runner.

I spent a lot of time on running this past year. It was never wasted time. I anxiously anticipate the start of my second year, wondering what lies ahead. Where will I run? What will I learn? What will I accomplish? What will I write?