Post Marathon, Sans Watch

random

runnings
I did my first post-marathon run last Monday. I had intended to go out Sunday, but it was drizzly and dreary so I went to the gym for a work out instead. I ended up blasting my legs, so I was feeling some extra self-induced soreness Monday. I forgot my watch, but I didn’t want to put off that first run any longer so I took off for what I knew was a 4 mile route after work. After a bit of a hobble to get going, I felt great. Part of it may have been the liberation of not timing myself. I was out to loosen up and get back in the groove again. At the same time, I’m really curious what pace I was running. This is one of the dangers of the Garmin. I know my mileage and I know my pace. If it feels good, I still judge the run against the pace my watch is telling me. I know it is good to occasionally just go out for a run without mileage or time, but so far I’ve only done it when forced to due to forgetfulness.

Best Marathon

random

runnings
It’s amazing to me how the most brutal marathon conditions I’ve experienced yet can also be my best marathon yet. This doesn’t mean PR, but I felt good and did better than I anticipated, especially considering I started the training with a bit of injury. I’m also pleased with how I was able to maintain a pace through just about the whole marathon. This pace did slow a bit the second half, but this was also when the brutal head wind came out in full force. It honestly felt like it occasionally took a few extra steps to regain forward momentum.

I do believe part of the reason the cold, snow flurries, wind and hills didn’t deter me and the reason I could still keep a smile (most of the time) was the great support I had from my parents and a few friends, including my Running Friend. It is a different feeling to have a running partner cheering you on from the sidelines instead of running with you. She knows how I run and how to recognize my ups and downs and what encouragement I need at the moment. I hope to return the support when she runs her next marathon.

And another great thing about this marathon was no hill was an excuse. I ran up every single one, even the crazy one at mile 26. My finish was 4:25:17.