Last night I completed my first ever 18 week full marathon training! I ran a nice easy 2 mile run after the kids went to sleep. I didn't take any music with me and I just had my mind and the light of the moon. I usually hate running at night but I really enjoyed that last run. I spent the time thinking about my first full marathon. What my hopes are. How far I've come. How hard I've trained. How many new experiences I've had. How many new friends I've made. How much I've learned about myself. And how many times I wanted to quit. I had a friend tell me a few months ago that I'm a pro at running and that's not true. Its true that I usually don't have to MAKE myself go run, because I have to MAKE myself NOT go run. But that doesn't mean I can't lose motivation. There were a few times where I lost my motivation to try to run a full marathon. I don't know if you know this but 26.2 miles is a long way to run! I can remember when I ran 14 miles. I did it alone. I had never run that far. It was in the rain. And I was exhausted. I had to stop and walk. I cried. I was angry. And I was ready to say eff this. I had a few other messy training runs along the way but I'm so happy with my own determination! So Sunday will mean even more because I've put so much of myself into this race. I can't wait to run a full marathon and be able to say that I have. I might just start introducing myself to strangers that way. "Hi, I'm Bry. I've run a full marathon." I'm sure people have been annoyed at my constant runner talk. But I seriously don't give a shit! I have had some real encouragement along the way and I'd be a fool not to give a shout out to a few special people who have really helped me get to where I am right now! Obviously my family has been incredible and totally encouraging! It goes without saying that my husband, kids, mom, sister - have all been there for me through everything! This shout out is just for my friends.
Number One: Amber! I can't even say why. And I don't mean that to sound like an empty choice. But you're just THERE for me. And have really encouraged me at every step! Even my very first 10 mile long run! Thank you for everything! And when I say you're my running coach I really mean that.
Number Two: Joy! You make me laugh! I love running with you. I love your stories. I have a lot of respect for you and how hard you have trained! Can't wait to hear how awesome you do on Sunday!
Number Three: Anna! You ran my 12 mile long run with me and stayed at my pace the entire way! You new how important it was for me to train even while I was in Illinois on vacation and you took care of it for me. You are a true friend.
Number Four: Mel! I'm so so so excited to see you at the race on Sunday. It means more to me than words can even express that you and your family are coming to cheer me on on Sunday! I've truly been blessed with an amazing friend!
Number Five: Erin! You have always been there to listen and encourage me in a zillion ways in my life and I love you so much for that! You have never made me feel like I was annoying you by talking running!!! haha. You listen. And that means so much! I think we all know how much I like to talk! ;)
- If you didn't get a shout out don't get pissy. It doesn't mean I don't think you're awesome or that you haven't helped me! Because you probably have.
As for my marathon playlist! I have put special songs on my playlist to kind of represent certain people in my life. Here are the songs that I have so far:
Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap - for Penny
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts - for Grant (it's the Cars theme & he makes me sing it to him a lot)
You and Me by DMB - for Joe
Tribute by Tenacious D - for my sister Monique
The Call by The Back Street Boys - for my MA!!! (hahaha, this song choice is a LOONG inside story)
And, Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club - FOR ME!
There will be lots of other songs on the playlist of course but those are the meaningful ones I have picked thus far. I can't wait to be come a marathoner! And I hope I can do it in under 4:29. And... without pooping my pants!
Des Moines here I come!
