As promised in my pre-marathon thoughts post, I'm doing a follow-up of the top 10 things I learned while actually running the marathon.
The funny thing is that I spent a good portion of the marathon coming up with things to put on the list and trying to remember them. How many do I actually remember? Approximately none.
But here's a list anyway.
1. You run the race you're given. Don't spend your time thinking about the "what ifs".
2. Even someone with almost 30 races under their belt can still go out too fast.
3. Don't let yourself get talked into something you're not 100% sure of. I knew I could finish that race but I wasn't sure I could finish it in 4:30. I let the excitement get the best of me.
4. Adrenaline helps but it is not enough. It will get you to the finish line but it won't be pretty.
5. No matter how fast or slow you run, when you look back on the race it will seem like it was over in the blink of an eye.
6. Try to figure out the official race shirt color ahead of time. Don't wear the same color if you want your friends and family to be able to easily pick you out of the crowd.
7. Sun and heat are humbling. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
8. If you feel like you have to walk, try to come up with a plan and stick to it.
9. It's not supposed to be easy. If it were easy everyone would do it. Tell yourself this when it gets hard.
10. Remember to smile and laugh at the funny signs, shirts, and spectators.
Bonus 11. Don't let yourself get beat by a guy in a bear suit. There are some things a guy in a bear suit can't do.*
P.S. I beat the guy in a bear suit.
*P.P.S. Does anyone other than me remember that Late Show with David Letterman skit?
Posts
8 comments:
Yay, congrats on finishing the race. That is a huge amount of dedication and determination, I'm proud of you!
Great advice...thanks :)
YAY! Congrats again, and that's good advice. There was a guy in a polar bear suit at my first marathon as well, and I just thought to myself, no freakin' way am I going to lose to him... :P
Oh my gosh, I saw that guy in the bear suit and I kept wondering how hot he was. I would have to beat him too. And did someone go out near you? I can't imagine watching that happen.
This is great! I especially like the comment about the bear!
Congratulations on finishing.
Erin! I love the new design! And did you change your slogan too? I like the "and whatever happens after that." Let me tell you, that "whatever" is going to be awesome!
Are you really not thinking about the "what ifs"? I am happy with my performance, but am thinking about them. I really think I could have pushed myself harder, ha ha. I need to make sure I do have a walk plan, like you mentioned in #8. "Walk until I feel like running" didn't work so well for me!
And IT IS over in a blink of an eye! Did you ever think "I'll never do this again?" I didn't!
I did #10, that's for sure! I bet I would have finished even slower without all the crowd support.
I haven't seen that skit you are talking about. But I believe you that it exists ;) (if that's what you're getting at)
Oh, and P.S. I think that pic from the race is really good!
Hi Erin!
Kim from ilaxSTUDIO sent me over to your blog!
Awesome. My husband has a pic of the guy in the bear suit at around mile 19. He beat me unfortunately. lol.
Your comments are right on. I saw the guy in the bear suit taking breaks sitting on a bench with his head off. I could feel my brains cooking in the heat. My walk plan of a walk break every mile on the mile worked great.
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.