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I did it...I completed my first marathon!

By October 12, 2010 - 11:41pm

Hi Group! It's been too long. I have a little update... a MARATHON kind of update...ok ok so it was quite a big deal and one that I'm quite proud of. Not only did I complete a marathon, but a trail marathon in Flagstaff, Arizona at 8,000 feet climbing to 8,600 feet! Yep, it was my very first marathon. I signed up for this feat with my best friend from high school. She trained in Boston while I trained in the summer of Arizona. Boy, did I not know what I was getting into. Don't get me wrong, I am used to running as a high school track and cross country runner and short lived summer before college ASU runner. BUT with that said training in the 110 plus degree heat along with the hilly high altitude course, I was in for a treat. If your going to do it, do it big right? With all this pain and dedication there was a mission and reason to its rhyme. We dedicated this marathon to our dear friend from high school who died almost one year ago next month from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This race was worth every mile, fall, hill, rock, trail and sore muscle. We completed it. I am a marathon runner.

By October 18, 2010 - 4:44pm

Thanks Tina! I should have ran hills much more than I did to prepare for the steep course and maybe even gone on a few long runs in Flagstaff to anticipate the altitude change. The number one thing that worked? Well running :) Of course! BUT seriously running, running, running. I learned you just got to do the miles. Those long runs can be dreadful, but when you finish your first 20-miler, it is an indescribable powerful feeling. Once I got past the mental wall, training was a piece of cake. Really, it was! During the marathon I just kept reminding myself of that amazing accomplishing feeling.

October 18, 2010 - 4:44pm
By October 18, 2010 - 9:12am

Congrats Shana. We all knew you could do it. Can you share a few tips about your training? What worked best and what would you change?

October 18, 2010 - 9:12am

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