Thank you for following me on my journey to become a full marathoner the past few weeks/months. This past weekend, on Sunday, I can officially call myself a full marathoner. I did it. I crossed the finish line. Thank you for all your support, words of advice, love, and encouragement! Thank you for your PRAYERS! Thank you!
I am still drafting my race recap to share with ya’ll. I have posted a few photos and my final time on instagram and facebook. Today, I wanted to say thank you and fill you in on a few details of the race.
Goals:
I met and exceeded all of my race goals.
I FINISHED!
I finished under 5 hours.
I finished around 4:30. My unofficial time was 4:37!!
I ran across the finish line. I finished with a smile on my face!
I knew at mile 25 I wanted to run another full marathon. I still LOVE running and the amazing community of runners!
Praises:
I had minimal foot pain; more of a dull ache (not shooting pain like previous week). No knee pain.
It was cold… but not so cold that I never warmed up. I was able to toss most of my layers by mile 5.
I enjoyed my race and honestly loved the experience!!
Aches:
My hip flexors were tight from the start. I think it was from the fringed temperatures.
From miles 11-18 my left hamstring was super tight and I was needing to stretch it often.
Future Plans:
I would LOVE to run another full marathon again!
I would love to challenge myself to running an ultra (50K) in the future!
I want to challenge myself to dig deep and run faster… perhaps chase after a sub 2 half marathon!
Training for and running a marathon has changed my life… for the better. It reminded me that I am strong. I am able to accomplish amazing things. Hard things. My body is able… I just need to convince my brain! I am forever changed… in a positive way after this experience.
DragonLady says
Awesome!! 🙂
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
This is fantastic!! Can’t wait to read the full recap!
Laura P says
You should be so proud of yourself! I’m also running my first marathon in a few months, can’t wait to read your recap!
Janice says
Way to go Rachel! I’m so proud of you! I honestly believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I look forward to following your journey as you pursue all of your new goals. Congrats!
Tina@GottaRunNow says
Exceeding all of your race goals with only a little pain after having some pain in training is great. Congrats!
sonia the mexigarian says
Congrats again on such a good finish 🙂 You should be damn proud of what you accomplished out there. I can’t wait to read the recap. working on mine now.
Rachel says
So happy for you!! I have only been following your blog a few months, so I think I missed the background of your running story. When did you begin running? Your motivation for running? How long were you running before you decided to go for the marathon. You make even this 54 year old, beginning runner want to go for one!
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course says
Wow! Congrats on such a great 1st experience. 🙂
Carson says
Congrats! I am so happy for you that you had such an awesome experience that immediately left you wanting more.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
Oh congrats!!! SO proud of you!!!! And the quote made me giggle because a marathon did change my life – to not really be able to run anymore, but it did lead me to more yoga which I can’t ocmplain as I’m about to venture to getting 200 hour certified. Haha!