Here I go! Week one of marathon training is underway, and my sights are set on Grandma’s Marathon on June 22, 2024, for another shot at a Boston Qualifying run. Last year's attempt in Fargo saw the wheels coming off at mile 8, but I showcased grit to finish strong. Following a successful half marathon at Grandma’s, gearing up for a second Boston attempt in fall 2023 was cut short by a stress fracture. Now, after three months of building up my mileage, I'm ready for that second shot at Boston.
Running at 45 presents new challenges, primarily a busier life with kids' activities and various appointments, from dentists to orthodontists. Additionally, my body demands more rest, prompting a reduction from 6 to 5 training days to incorporate an extra rest day. Listening to my body, I've taken additional rest days when needed and prioritized stretching, mobility work, strategic strength training, and a conservative mileage build.
The winter weather has been unexpectedly cooperative, treating me to sunshine during these early training weeks. In this first month, weekly mileage remains constant, but the long run lengthens while midweek runs decrease.
The marathon, my favorite distance, is both high-risk and high-reward. Over the next 20 weeks, I'll invest more than 600 miles and countless hours—like a part-time job—all for a single attempt. The inherent risk lies in uncontrollable factors: potential injuries, unpredictable weather, stomach issues, or pacing mishaps. Yet, the thrill of everything going right makes it all worthwhile. The 2021 Fargo Marathon was one of those perfect races, with on-point pacing and being in the zone. As I embark on the next four months, I can't predict the challenges, but I commit to staying consistent. Come race day, I'll give my best, aiming for that elusive Boston Qualifier. Only time will reveal the outcome. 🏃♂️💪 #MarathonTraining #BostonQualifier #ConsistencyIsKey
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