We're learning!

San Diego, WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!! 5 months of training, a plane trip to San Diego, great new friends…and now begins the final preparations for this 26.2 mile excursion.

I have to admit, while Shannon and I have been known to get together and converse over a few cocktails, typically resulting in conversations that fully amp us up to conquer this world, I can’t say that I honestly thought our banter one December evening about running a marathon would culminate to this! Yes, yes…this all began for me with standard girl talk, the desire for a challenge, and yep, you guessed it…WINE!

Goodness, we had no idea what we were in for! The motto of our training has been “we’re learning”. In fact, we have both learned so much training for our first marathon that we joke this knowledge should be published and shared with every rookie runner. Here’s a quick glimpse:

1. Consider seasons
Training for a marathon is challenging. Training for a marathon in New England in the DEAD OF WINTER is just down-right preposterous! Hurdling snow banks is NOT a necessary requirement for training. We’re learning…

2. Attire
When the forecast calls for freezing rain, don’t throw your jacket on the side of the road at mile 2 of a 16 mile run. Yep, as if the rain isn’t bad enough when it starts at mile 8, you now must endure another 42,240 feet wet, cold and contemplating what rational you used when you left that jacket on that stump. Hmmm. We’re learning…

3. Timing of runs
Believe it or not, New England is blessed with nice weather. You may only get a few days of it, so enjoy them while you’ve got them. That being said, when you have a 3 hour run on a forecasted 90 degree day, some of the pleasure may be lost when you don’t start your run until 10AM. Um, dehydration anyone? Oh, and what’s this SPF stuff people are talking about…OUCH! Definitely still learning…

4. Route the course
Routing the course should not only include mapping the run, but also driving the course pre-run. Yes, there is nothing like being incredibly lost on a run, especially when it is that lovely, freezing-rain filled 16 mile run mentioned above. Nothing screams novice runner like scuttling along the side of some highway with semis whizzing by, dousing you and your t-shirt with sleet. Ok, now seriously…we are intelligent women. Have we lost all practicality and rational here? WE ARE learning (or goodness I hope so!)…

5. Girl friends are the greatest gift
There is no way I could have done this without the support of all the women I have been so fortunate to train with. From initiation of this endeavor, to countless Saturday morning runs together, to the trip to San Diego; being blessed with such a great group of women has made this journey not only possible to accomplish, but also an utterly remarkable experience! Lesson well learned!

So ladies….let’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!