Light Bulb #3: The Moment You Know
October 20th, 2011 | 
Author: When you’ve never done a marathon, it is scary as s%#!
But there is a beautiful moment, after slogging away for weeks, when what once seemed impossible is suddenly within your reach.
I’m sure this moment can happen anytime: after completing a grueling tempo run alone; while circling a weekly mileage total; during the last mile of that first 20 miler; in hearing yourself explain your reason for doing the marathon to a friend…
Something changes in a moment and you know:
I can run a marathon.
For me, that moment came while cooling down from a 60 minute progressive tempo run at Dexter Reservoir just outside Eugene, Oregon.
When did you know?
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9 Responses to “Light Bulb #3: The Moment You Know”
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For my first marathon, my “aha” moment was probably when I ran 20 miles. I figured I could survive the whole thing.
But, you’re asking the person who always has doubts. Even though NYC will be my 3rd marathon, I still freak out over the distance and time I will be out there running. After my last long run (18 total, 10 at MP), I thought if I could get through that while freaking out over the whole thing, I could probably at least finish the marathon!
Meggie that was the same as me. When I ran 20 miles and ENJOYED it I felt like a marathoner. That said, my coach wouldn’t let me run farther than that for my first one, so when I was in the race, once I hit 20 miles it felt like landing on the moon! What would happen in those unknown 6.2 miles? Where was the wall? When I finally crossed the line better than I expected I knew the marathon would not be a one time deal!:)
I’m still waiting on that “moment you know”. For my first marathon, I’m going for the OTQ at Philadelphia, so I’m hoping it comes soon! Once I get in that 13 mile tempo…
It seems like you are adjusting very well to marathon training (despite the toes!). I am excited to see you perform – rooting for you!
I think it was a Mile 25 of my first Marathon, in Maui 2001! Better to go in with confidence of knowing, though! And once you know, you know for ALWAYS
I ran my first 18miler and felt great, estatic and I knew I could run another 8. It was a cool feeling. Good luck Lauren.
When I finished my first one, that was when I knew. Or actually, maybe it was when the volunteer at mile 16 tried to call me an ambulance while I was in the portapotty, and I took off running, that was when I knew.
On the toenail issue, it’s probably because the shoes that have worked forever are just a little too short for the marathon. But that is something to figure out before the next one. I have found that keeping up with professional pedicures makes a big difference!
Good luck in NYC. We are really looking forward to seeing how you do. Enjoy the day!
That spot at Dexter used to be my regular jaunt after I finally realized I am bold enough to run on the road. Lowell is not such a bad place to run from. It’s just not what I was used to after running Amazon trails in Eugene for the two years prior. Now that we’re on Camp Creek Road north of Springfield I’ll have to get up my boldness again to run the roads. It takes a few runs before you know you’ve found a route that is safe from dog attack!
I’m so proud of you Lauren. Good luck!!!
After I finished a long run where I did 15 miles at marathon pace (for my first marathon). And for my second one I knew after I did a gruelling workout of over-under for a long time. I don’t remember the actual distance I just remember it hurting, a lot. I knew that the marathon couldn’t hurt more than that and if it did I would have the experience to know I can get through it like I got through that workout.
Good luck Lauren, I’ll be cheering you from up in your friendly neighbour to the North (BC, Canada)!
Try explaining why to a 2year old! 2 year old: why? Me: I want to. 2 year old:why?! Me: I like running. 2 year old: why!!!??? Me: because. 2 year old: my feet hurt. And he just walks away as I shake my head.