It’s been a few weeks since Goofy Challenge, but I’ve been spending time reflecting on the (many) lessons from it – specifically from the marathon (my first marathon). Here are some of the biggest lessons for me:
It’s amazing how mile 2 of a 5K and mile 20 marathon felt the same – This is about the time I realize how much your mind plays into running: about 3/4 into races I just feel burnt out and want to stop, no matter what the distance and no matter how much training I’ve had. I’m able to power through the “mind crash”, but no matter the distance I always feel like How am I ever going to finish this race?- Water is your friend – Honesty time: I don’t really train with water (bad Ali, I know). I haven’t found a hydration belt that I like and carrying a water bottle makes me run weird. Because I’m used to not really training with water, water stops I usually pass through until towards the end of the race. I’ve realized that when I start feeling like I need water at these stops, it’s usually because I’m already hydrated. With this marathon, we made it a point to stop at every water stop and I felt much more energy at the end of the race.
- Bring your own food - I think I was making up my own marathon map, but I could’ve sworn food stops were almost every other station beginning in the early teen miles – nope. I learned the hard way I need to start packing my own food and fuel, rather than depending on what I think is going to be on the course.
- When you sign up for a marathon in January, you’re going to have to run outside in January - I signed up for Goofy Challenge in spring thinking, It’ll be so nice to be in Florida running in the middle of the winter! However, I didn’t think when you sign up for a marathon in January – you need to actually train…aka go running in January. Prior to this experience I hated the treadmill, but after training I’ve come to like it (dare I say – I want one now?), and I’ve realized how much of a baby I am with Minnesota weather. Under 50 degrees? Running outside is not happening.
- Arrive 90 minutes earlier than you usually do for big races - Goofy Challenge was my first real big race, and I didn’t fully understand how busy it would be getting from bag check to the corrals (I actually missed my corral start during the half marathon). I already arrive normally an hour to 90 minutes early, but with these Disney races I found arriving 2 1/2-3 hours early better (and I had more time to hang out with friends and check out the entertainment!)
- Extra one – beer tastes (even more) AMAZING after 26.2 miles
As I start back up with marathon training – which starts 2 weeks earlier than I originally thought! hooray! - I’m going to take these into consideration. Another big hurdle I think I’m going to have to overcome with the next race is accepting the fact that it isn’t a Disney race, and it’s going to be completely different than a Disney race. I’m hoping that there will be a lot of entertainment/spectators along to way (they help keep me distracted and motivated to keep going so much), but I need to prepare for secluded sections and overcoming my boredom.
QOTD: What big lessons did you learn from your first race?
This year was hot in January! I had a friend run Disney who said ‘never another Florida marathon…’ Lol
Kat recently posted…Sugar Rehab: Veggies are a girl’s best friend
After finishing my first marathon I learned that it was time to not be afraid to run hills during training. The race course was very up and down and it burned me out by mile 18. Those last 6 miles were a battle every step.
I loved this! Congrats on the Goofy Challenge! I am in fact wearing my goofy shirt right now! I agree with you on the treadmill…I use to hate it but now I feel like I LOVE it!!! I have no room for one otherwise I would consider getting one!!
Kathy recently posted…Final Week is here…7 more days of RESET
With my first marathon approaching, this was fun and helpful! Luckily I chose a fall race and so I can avoid winter outdoors if I want to but I have learned to live with it if not love it!! Congrats on the Goofy Challenge
My first marathon was the very hot and cancelled 2007 Chicago Marathon. I learned that I was way stronger than I ever thought.
You’re just like my friend Travis on the whole arriving early thing. Not me, just punch it in at the last second and go. Especially in the colder months.
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Congrats on that first marathon!!! And the Goofy Challenge!! Wow! It was super hot during the marathon…I am used to that weather and still struggled. Great tips girl!
Mindy recently posted…Vitacost Be Fit Box Review!
After the Philly marathon, I learned to pay attention to the elevation profile of a race, not just someone’s (even the official race literature) description. For years I heard that Philly was fast and flat, not true. There were some substantial hills in the early part of the race that I did not adequately prepare for.
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Love it! especially the first one lol! I totally agree about arriving early to the race esp disney races!
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Excellent lessons learned! Congrats on that first marathon
Bari recently posted…Weigh-In Wednesday: Need a Pep Talk?
Great lessons! I’ve learned the hydration lesson the hard way, and now better understand how important it is. And yes, training for a January marathon in a cold climate would be tough!
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Congratulations!!
Great lessons–#1 is especially interesting, and so true!
A big lesson I’ve learned is to train for the course. So if it’s going to be super hilly, you should know that in advance and make sure to get some hill work into your training.
Kim recently posted…Fit Moms for Life: The Movement