I started running almost 12 years ago. One of my roommates at the time was a big runner, so she inspired me to try it. I started out by just walking a mile away from our house, turning around, and jogging back; gradually increasing the distance little by little as I got used to it. I still remember experiencing my first runner's high... as well as the first time I found out what shin splints felt like! It didn't take long for me to become hooked though.
I grew up in the Boston area so it means a lot to me to be running in the Boston Marathon. I lived on the marathon route in college and know how exciting and motivating the “Marathon Monday” atmosphere is. I'm generally a three to five mile runner so I'm still in slight disbelief that I'm training for this! I've also dealt with a serious lung condition since I was little and had to undergo a pulmonary lobectomy four and a half years ago. Many people run to lose or maintain their weight but I literally run for the health of my lungs. Training for (and completing) a marathon is a chance to prove to myself how far I've come since my surgery.
This will be my first marathon and I hope to get through it injury free. My plan includes running three days a week (two shorter tempo runs and one long run on Saturdays), strength training two days a week, and foam rolling/stretching daily. Weather permitting, I'd like to do all of my runs outside instead of on a treadmill and I'm trying to be diligent with my rest, recovery and nutrition. Aside from my Friday nights being a little more low-key these days :) marathon training hasn't affected my daily life too much. However, training definitely forces me to prioritize my day differently. I can think of other things I'd rather be doing than running into a headwind on a 20 degree day with snow coming at me sideways but my training runs come first and I schedule them in as I do with any other appointment during the day.
My main concern is that I got a late start with training, which won't allow me to get in as many longer runs as I'd like, so I worry that may hurt me. I want to be smart about my training though so I'm not willing to take huge jumps in weekly mileage just to fit in more 18+ mile runs. I'm also a little apprehensive about experimenting with food during my runs. Before training began, I typically ran first thing in the morning so I'm not used to having food/water in my belly. I have to start getting my body used to it though!
I never thought I'd be excited to run 26.2 miles, but I am! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be running in this marathon and very much look forward to April 19th.
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