10 Things I Learned From Marathon Training

Photo Credit: Brian Gudas

1) You don't have to be a "runner" to complete a Marathon. Although I did have some fitness that crossed over from a few years of cycling, I never ran more than a 5k, 2 to be exact. 

2) Mental toughness is all of the battle. Distance running does have a component of physical conditioning, no doubt, but I experienced the same thoughts on a 3 mile run that I experienced on my 20 mile run. I always started with the end in mind and it was always the last mile that challenged me the most. It was equally as hard to push through the 3rd mile as the 20th mile. 

3) Running discomfort can usually be fixed with small adjustments to form. I had to learn this through trial and error. I had to make adjustments to my upper body position because I was leaning to far forward in a sprinters position. By running more upright, it allowed me take some pressure off my shins, shin splints disappeared instantaneous.

4) Run with (or for) a cause. I showed pictures of the names on my arm, in my St Jude Marathon post. Every person on my arm, except Iris, represented some form of hurt or pain that I personally watch them endure. That allowed me to reflect on their pain when I had times for pain and suffering. This was my main motivation from miles 16 to 26.2.

5) Taking time to analyze injuries can only help your result/finish. Had I kept running in the shoe that I started with, it's possible that I wouldn't have crossed the finish line. You don't want to keep pushing through injuries when the only result is a longer recovery time for the next race.

6) Nip Chafing Sucks! I think it was after my first 9 miler that I discovered this nice nip burn during my post run shower. I soon after bought some Body Glide and applied it before every run over 5 miles but later resorted to clear duct tape. Don't laugh until you try it! I'm all about being cheap.

7) People are inspired by the efforts of others. I know for me, watching professional mountain biking, cycling or running makes me want to push myself to new heights. During my training, I witnessed several friends express interest in either running their first 5k or half marathon. Inspire others!

8) Have a realistic finishing goal. I went into this thing really unprepared. I didn't look at the course profile or consult others advice that might have ran on this course before. I paid for it dearly with all the small hills that were in the first half. My initial goal was 3:30 (flat terrain), my training time was around 3:50 (flat terrain) and my finishing time was 4:24:58 (hills). That's what happens when you don't train course specific. My calves and hamstrings were on fire! I should have ran with a dunce hat on.

9) There are different training methods. I really didn't learn more until after I finished my training but there are training methods that require less time but maybe more effort. I've read where some elite runners, like Ryan Hall, do track workouts, rather than just distance running all the time. That's what attracts me to any sport really....it's all about the learning. Do some research to see what might work for you. I think I might try another method next time.

10) I learned to love running. When I first started training, I'll admit, it sucked. I didn't want to run. I was in the boat with those that will only run if someone is chasing them. The less I thought about hating it and used this as a time to learn and just think about life in general, it was somewhat euphoric.

Thank you again for following my endeavors in running and this will probably only be the beginning. I hope that I've inspired at least one person to accomplish something that they thought was impossible. Keep the rubber side down, whether on foot or bike and strive for more than you are today.

Justin

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