Yesterday, with the support of my friend Laura, I completed 26.2 miles. Does that make me the ultimate fit human being? Is 26.2 miles the ultimate goal? No, but for me personally it was a goal that in my mind I would never achieve in my lifetime. Now it's time for me to find a new goal and break a new barrier. Mentally we're all tough enough to achieve what we set our minds to, so crush that self doubt and achieve whatever it is that YOU want to do.
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| Running to the finish...only .2 to go! |
Rock and Roll Marathon Recap
The shoes: I think that I saved my legs by switching to shoes that provided support for my non existent arches. My legs today are tight, but I feel nowhere near the pain that I felt after my long training runs for the Half Marathon. I highly suggest that people with flat feet like myself buy shoes with arch support or at least test it out for yourself.
Crossfit Endurance training: I believe in it. Due to a tight quad I did not get in all of the Endurance WOD's that I wanted to however I still made it. Regardless of the training that you do, getting through the last 7 miles is all mental toughness. Multiple long runs break your joints and body down. It's not for me. My goal is to get my legs healthy and continue the Crossfit Endurance WOD's in addition to my regular Crossfit WOD's. Swimming, biking, and running interspersed throughout the week will only improve my performance in and out of the box.
The wall: It sucked. Mile 19 Laura and I are walking up the Aurora St Bridge and I felt like I was going to pass out or throw up. At that point I didn't know if I would complete the race. My legs cramped up and didn't want to move. The good news is that it only lasted 10 minutes. At the top of the hill, we grabbed some cytomax and water, and started running again.
Fuel and Food: The combination of cytomax and gels were a little much for my system. Next time I'm going to experiment with sweet potatoes to keep me fueled with real food. The processed crap left me feeling like just that: crap.
Support: I am truly blessed with some outstanding quality people in my life. Without Laura I never would have run this marathon or the two half marathons. She ignited the idea that maybe just maybe I can run longer than a 10k. My family supports every thing that I set out to do. I would be nothing without them. Rissa, Kathryn, Megan, Sangeeta, and Joel all came down to cheer me on. That support on a long run is invaluable. Rissa, Kathryn, & Megan were at the half way point and it renewed my energy and pushed me on. Sangeeta at the end with our medals was a surprise and it felt like the spirit of the whole box was there. I loved it. And finally without the support and community of our Box I wouldn't do any of this. Crossfit has changed my life... it's the drive and the push from my friends around me that spurs me on to achieve all of my goals and dreams. Thank you all! I live a fantastic life!
