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.