"A successful individual typically sets her next goal somewhat but not too much above her last achievement. In this way she steadily raises her level of aspiration."
- Kurt Lewin
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| Near the finish line. Nice view! |
On October 16, 2011 I participated in the 2011 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon along with 22,000 runners. The streets were filled with excitement from beginning to end, runners were desperately looking forward to the finish line and together we raised over $30 million dollars for charity.
After participating in the Great Wall Marathon (21km), I realized I had completed most of the training for a full marathon (42km). I was determined to make 2011 my year of running. I took three weeks off and then started training again.
Tiny Sacrifices - Training during the hot summer months meant I had to give up some short term sacrifices for a lifetime experience. Training requires the long runs to be held on Sundays, the same day of the week the event would take place. With this in mind, weekend bbq's, birthdays, cottage getaways etc. required self-discipline. I made sure I went to bed early, reduced my alcohol intake, eat a dinner rich in carbohydrates, and drank lots of water. For example, one weekend I went to a friend's cottage and the Sunday morning I woke up and went for a 30 Km run along the Muskoka roads. No matter where I was, I did not let anything stop me from reaching my goal.
Endurance - The four months of training leading up to race day was a rollercoster of excitement. Initially, my motivation was 110% and I was running 3-4 days a week. I was able to keep my motivation elevated for two months. After my first 30km run in August, my mind and body had experienced the most amount of stress I have ever experienced. I did not want to think about running and took the week off to recover. From this point on, my mind and body adapted I became stronger. Again, when I reached 36km during a long run three weeks before race day, I could not be happier to taper off. : ) A week leading up to Oct 16, my motivation was spiked back up higher than the day one of training!
Race Day - I passed the start line, the moment I had been training for had arrived. Thousands of runners filled the streets, by the 4km the race course began to space out. The excitement from all of my surroundings began overload my senses. The race was very stimulating. My mind shifted from my performance to discovering new faces, music, and cheers. I was touring the city by foot like never before!
At 28km, I turned on my music player. I felt refreshed and energized. I began singing and dancing during the race. I was feeling the endorphins pumping through my veins, while my thoughts and feelings were uplifted by dance music.
Around 38km, I felt so close to the finish line, yet so far. I would run for 10min and walk for 1min. When I walked, my legs felt so painful. Pain was my main motivation to keep running.
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| So close, yet so far. 40km. |
Finally 41km later! Strangers were waiting along Front St, Wellington St, and Bay St. These strange supporters surprised me by their enthusiasm. It also helped that I had my name printed on my race BIB. Supporters were calling out my name and cheering me on!
Ironically, I cheered on runners in the 2010 race at the 40km mark at the Greek Town Station. I witnessed the expression on the runner's faces and felt their pain. I was inspired by their bravery. I wanted to be in their shoes one day, although I didn't consider it till June 2011.
I was shocked to have someone I didn't know be excited and supportive about my effort to complete a marathon. Having people all around me cheering made all of the training leading up to the race worth it. I experienced the powerful effect of cheering from both perspectives and it makes a huge impact on the runners!
As I approached 300m, I was running really strong. I was able to maintain good running posture with each stride. Other participants around me were walking with discomfort. I turned the corner, saw the finish line, put my head down and bolted. I could not wait a second more to cross the finish line. I wanted to make sure I gave all the energy that was left in me and finished strong!
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Post race...
I felt I could run another marathon right after crossing the finish line. I don't think I was thinking clearly. The pain was slowly creeping up. Eventually I was not able to walk without a limp. Stairs were my biggest concern, I had to climb up sideways with each step taking longer than usual. I was temporary physically disabled. I did not want to run ever again, or even think of running. Seeing other runners around town made me cringe. After a visit to the chiropractor, I felt better than ever. What a roller coaster of emotions!
I felt I could run another marathon right after crossing the finish line. I don't think I was thinking clearly. The pain was slowly creeping up. Eventually I was not able to walk without a limp. Stairs were my biggest concern, I had to climb up sideways with each step taking longer than usual. I was temporary physically disabled. I did not want to run ever again, or even think of running. Seeing other runners around town made me cringe. After a visit to the chiropractor, I felt better than ever. What a roller coaster of emotions!
Thank you for your support!
