What Running A Marathon Taught Me

Yesterday I ran a marathon, here’s what I learned.

The first 32km were great. I was on top and felt amazing. I felt better than the 30km Around The Bay which I only did 3 weeks earlier. I was running at a 5.40 per KM. I even thought:

“Damn, this was easier than I thought.”

I knew I was going to hit some form of wall but I also knew I’d just slow down. Easy. No not easy. When I slowed down, everything changed.

My IT bands seized up at 34km that added to the leg cramping and shin splits I was already feeling. I had to walk a good 5-6km. The rest was barely running to the finish line. I came in just under 5hrs.

I saw this a lot on the course, especially with male runners. They get excited, cocky even. They feel good with that runners high and push it. Once that 30km hit, I’d see them being dragged off the course by paramedics.

Pace is key, not just with running but with life. Where are you letting your ego run the show? Going too quick and fast only to find yourself crashing too soon? Where can you start changing your strategy and allow yourself to slow down? Play the long game? Because what you’re getting away with now, you won’t always be able to get away with. Saying this 24 hrs later, still battling with going up and down stairs