My first marathon: A race recap of my debut 26.2

I didn't realize how much my marathon drained me, both physically and emotionally, until I spent the past week weeks thinking about how to write this recap. 

As anyone would expect, 26.2 was challenging--before, during, and even after. I've never trained for something so physically challenging and demanding. And the self-motivation and diligence I put into my summer training had it's ups and downs.

The training 

I like to lead with transparency and realness. There's enough highlight reel moments on social media that can make life moments seem simple. So to keep it real, my training was not at all easy. In fact, I thought about quitting at least a half a dozen times. It took caring coaches, friends, and loved ones to convince me not to quit when I hit a serious bump in the road in July. I balanced stress from work, the death of a family member, severe heat, lack of sleep, and overall exhaustion with training for a marathon. For much of my training, it felt impossible. 

It wasn't until a dear friend of mine, Cindy, asked me about my training and offered to help me get over this bump in the road I was experiencing. I credit her, and many others, for helping me continue. She's a friend that volunteered to wake up at 6am, meet me at a park, and ride her bike alongside me while I ran long distances. My first run with her was 14 miles. And while I ran she rode her bike, stopping me every 2-3 miles to make me drink water. Cindy, I've already told you this, but I'll never stop saying thank you. Her friendship and kindness re-ignited my motivation and drive to accomplish 26.2 miles on November 2, 2019. 

The race

By the time I reached race day I felt ready. During my final long runs (20 miles max), I knew if I could reach 20 miles, I could reach 26.2. I gave myself extra rest and recovery leading up to race day after some nagging knee pain I experienced while building my miles (which sadly, came back to haunt me). I felt like a kid on Christmas morning days leading up to my race, and the morning of, just basking in the excitement that I would become a marathoner. 

When that race started I felt amazing. My legs and lungs felt strong, my music was bumping, it was a feeling I worked so hard to achieve. But my strength took a serious hit at mile 15. More than halfway, but still A LOT of miles to go. Never a good sign. That nagging knee pain I mentioned above? It hit me. I had previously chalked it up to training on uneven roads and hills, but my race course was flat, so I now feared I had a serious injury. 

 My race went from feeling strong to suddenly weak in a matter of a few miles. The pain slowed me down, slowed my time, and dampened my spirits during the race. But what kept me going was knowing I had so many people I love, and who love me, waiting at the finish line. I fought, literally fought my body and my mind to reach that finish line. I knew I was crossing it no matter what. 

And I did! I think when I first crossed the finish line I was in shock. I still had my sunglasses down, with music blasting in my ears. But once I looked up and silenced my music I realized what I'd done. And when I first reached my dad, and he pulled me into his arms, I cried like a baby. He'd been tracking my pace, and knew I was hurting. As an athlete himself, he understood how much care went into my preparation. Still, I earned that medal, and I now can call myself a marathon finisher.

The support

There's a different level of drive that gets you to a finish line when you've got people waiting for you. On marathon day I felt so loved. My friends and family waited hours for me, enjoying each other's company in the meantime. And even those not physically present, I am so grateful. Every text, every message, all the words of encouragement--they mean everything to me and kept me moving. To every person that contributed to that, thank you. You were a part of my success!

The post-race plan

My first order of business was to get that knee checked out. After a physical examination and some x-rays, just two days after my marathon I was diagnosed with Patella-femoral Pain Syndrome, also known as 'Runner's Knee'. The cause: overuse, and the need for strengthening. The condition is most common for female athletes, and frequently occurs when building up mileage. Bingo. Doctors’ orders: no running for 6 weeks, and extra strength training so my legs can handle the long distances. I'll be doing low impact exercise and activities like cycling and yoga, plus back to heavier weight training. All of these activities I love and will allow me to come back stronger than before. 

~~~

Someone asked me after my race if I would do another marathon. In that moment I said, "I don't know". I was in pain, I was in shock, and at the time I could not imagine putting myself through another 26.2 miles. That changed less than 24 hours later when I watched the TCS New York Marathon live broadcast the next morning. More than 50,000 running through the New York City boroughs made me want to be there. 

So, I quickly decided that I will do another marathon. And next time I will have a better, stronger race. I've got my eyes on my next 26.2, and I'm ready to conquer it.

With love, health & happiness, 

Ciara