I tried to relax my face, hold back my smile, but I couldn't--I was having the best time ever. I only looked at my watch from miles 1-3, to make sure I didn't go out too fast...and those were my hardest miles. From then on, I ran based on feel, and I felt great.
At the Cape Henry lighthouse around the 10k mark.
I never had a moment of digging deep. I kept it light. Initially I thought, ok, the race begins at the half-marathon point. I was still feeling light then, so I thought, ok, the race begins at 18 miles, when we turn around. I still felt light then, so finally I thought, ok, the last 10k is the race. And then, I pushed it to 5k. Even still, I felt comfortable, light, natural, wild, fun. I ran all 26.2 miles for joy. I was fully present for every step.
A brief reprieve from the headwind during the final mile!
As I entered that final 10k, I had no idea what my actual pace was, but I felt I was getting faster and stronger (in spite of a full on headwind). When I had a moment of quad fatigue, instead of getting frustrated or filled with doubt, I thanked my quads for reminding me that I am doing something big. When the wind blew me back, instead of fighting it, I thanked it for making me stay concentrating on the present moment.
Soaking in the finish!
Now that it's been a week and a half since the marathon, I've been thinking about how this is a beautiful lesson for life. Even when confronted with obstacles, like fatigue or wind, we have the power to see these through a lens of gratitude. Those obstacles are here for us. Instead of resisting them, acknowledge and accept them, and even find something within them that you appreciate.
Thinking even further back, I remember my slowest marathon, what at the time felt like a failure. In 2017, I completed the Narraganset Marathon. I looked at my watch obsessively, intent on qualifying for Boston (then a 3:35 for my age group) and by mile 16, I was so mentally exhausted that I took it to a run/walk for the remainder of the race. I spent an entire 16 miles in a place of self-doubt, trying to distract myself with music, but looking at my watch every second to make sure I was on pace. I never thought to let go of these stimuli and let myself run naturally.
Fast forward to now, 5.5 years later. I only checked my watch for the first 5k and only listened to music in the last 5k. I needed these 5.5 years of life experiences--positive and negative--to recognize that everything I could ever want, have, or need is right inside of me. And with that power, I ran on intuition. It felt absolutely amazing from start to finish. There's something about completely surrendering to my natural "race" pace that keeps me present and elevated to the best version of myself.
5.5 years ago, I told myself that (my fifth marathon) was my last marathon. I've since run 3 more, each faster than the previous one. I've become mentally and physically stronger, in no small part thanks to having my 2 children. Unmedicated childbirth requires immense trust in yourself and the universe.
5.5 years ago, I never would have believed that, after having 2 children, I would run my fastest marathon yet, qualify for Boston (now a 3:30 for my age group) with plenty of time to spare, AND feel great the entire time.
I am so glad I did not quit after that experience. I am so grateful for how much I have evolved and continue to evolve, on the run and beyond.
The Run Down
- Type: Race
- Course Distance: Marathon
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Terrain: Flat as a pancake
- Hydration/nutrition: Every mile water and nuun; Gu gel at select spots
- Bathrooms: Every mile and plenty at start
- Other conditions to consider: Awesome vibe; unique military focus
- Recommended? Yes
PS - If you ever told 20-something me that my fastest marathon to date and Boston qualifying time would come after having 2 children, she'd be pretty stunned. As a friend said to me, "We women are marvels."
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