I ran a marathon on Saturday. I knew the course was going to be challenging but I underestimated the size and location of the hardest hills. I could have done some research but I didn't. I like hills, I have strong legs, light upper body and I'm explosive. It was one of those races where you do the same loop twice, learn the terrain when you're fresh, use the knowledge when you're fatigued. The plan was working. Pass mile marker 22, the worst hill time for my much needed dopamine hit, music, Parra for Cuva. I was exhausted but no more hills, just maintain, hold, keep it together. I talk to myself all throughout.
What had. I not planned for? The wind, somewhere between mile 24 and 25, it kept on throwing me onto the road. A relentless zigzagging, I felt like I had nothing in me. It went from side wind to head wind, a mental fight. Imagery of contracting and relaxing my quads, I find it relaxing. Shut down negative self-talk. The body is overprotective, it asks you to slow down, to stop when you pass a threshold but there's still plenty left.
The race became about those 2 and a half miles. It's what I'll remember in 10 years from now.
So what makes marathon running a learning experience? The expected unexpected, the chance to learn a bit more about yourself when testing your limits.
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