First Marathon - My Experience

"The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing" - Walt Disney

The sweaty head on me...so relived it was over!

So today, after years of saying I'd sign up (...and always chickening out), I finally finished my very first marathon. Mind you I might have only done the quarter, but everyone has their own version of Everest! This was the year I decided to get over all my dreaming and actually start ticking some things off my list. There was a couple things I wanted to make sure I put priority on this year and running my first marathon was definitely top of that list.

Even after finishing this one, I am a firm believer that marathons are possibly the hardest things on earth and they are a complete fitness test whether you're used to that kind of training or not. I have so much respect for anyone who managed to do the half, let alone the full my god I can't even imagine. Especially in Waterford, I never knew so many hills could live in one city...I may not walk again for weeks!

The first couple of miles weren't too bad actually, I think it was maybe 2.5 miles in that I got a little too cocky and sped up. Well it didn't take me very long to be put back in my place. My chest was heaving and I honestly felt like the ground was going to swallow me whole, I was dragging my legs so heavy. I was lucky one of my mates ran with me and encouraged me the whole time, I probably would have given up if she didn't.

When the 6th mile came I damaged my glute and knee on my right side but because there was only one mile left in it I calmed myself for a minute and kept going. And I'm so glad I did, I've genuinely never been so proud of myself and it was all so worth it in the end... Even though it might've been the worst and longest hour of my life, I kind of already want to do the half next year, but I would certainly need a whole lot more training under my belt.

Tips:

For anyone that's always had a goal like this, I encourage you to just go for it and sign up, because that's the only real way to push yourself. The second I decided, I registered straight away, not to give myself any chance to back out.

1. Be realistic

I had actually only ran this distance outdoors one other time. So my goal really wasn't a specific time, I was using that past example as a guideline, but my goal was crossing the finish line in one piece really. I was delighted to have run it 5 minutes quicker too, but that was more of a perk!

2. Don't over-do it on the week

You may be nervous and want to fit in a couple extra runs for piece of mind. But the week of your run you should really be resting. It killed me being so lazy, but I didn't want anything to stop me this time. The last week I did two spin classes Monday and Tuesday to loosen my legs, Wednesday I did a small arm session and lots of stretching. The last two days consisted of stretching and chilling really. For once I did the smart thing and it paid off!

3. Have something to look forward to

I am obsessed with food obviously, so I cooked my breakfast before I left so I could think about what I was coming home to the whole time. So sad I know but it works. I also bought myself my favourite bottle of prossecco to enjoy this evening, it's the little things. We booked a holiday last night, this I didn't plan for the race, but it helped encourage me to finish thinking of getting into shape for a bikini in a month!

I learned so much from this experience, mainly how good it feels to set out and achieve your long term goals. I am a person who dreams a lot and is always so jealous when other people accomplish great things. So finally changing up my determination, I feel great and want to start ticking the rest off my list now too!

Thanks so much for reading,

I hope anyone who took part alongside was thrilled with themselves because it's an amazing achievement to say the least.

I hope you all have a great weekend,

Char

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