Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, running a marathon can be very taxing. Just diving right in is not recommended, even if you are going to just walk the whole way. It\u2019s not important, or it shouldn\u2019t be, important about how fast you can run or if you place in the finish line.<\/p>\n
I have been running marathons for a while, several year, when I can and just before starting this big one, I had completed two others in the past month. To be honest, I was feeling rather exhausted before we even got there.<\/p>\n
I had signed up for this particular race long before the other two, so when the other ones came along, I thought, what the heck, right? It will be be a good warm up for this big one.<\/p>\n
This one had two levels and you could run the 5k or the 10k, I opted for the 5k, and I\u2019m really happy I did. I think I\u2019d still be there now if I had tried to do the 10k.<\/p>\n
It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of people there for it, running and supporting. They had waves for starting, which I don\u2019t like and even though I tried to look it up on their website, I couldn\u2019t find it. Had I known, I would have waited until several of them had left before I lines up, and used my time to use the washroom and psych myself up a bit more.<\/p>\n
As it was, I started slowly, mostly to let all the other people get out from under my feet. It was quite a big crowd so when I finally found a nice pace, I was content to just keep it there.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t run these marathons for any other reason than to challenge myself. I enjoy going to them and meeting new people but I have no interest in \u2018winning\u2019 the race. I feel like I am winning just by being there and competing.<\/p>\n
I also don’t ever call myself slow. It is not easy to complete a 5k run, even if it\u2019s you in the morning by yourself, the challenge remains the same. The best part for me is just the actual doing the race. I enjoy the exercise and it gives me a reason to get out and run in the morning or when I can, to prepare for these types of races, but I\u2019m not looking for a prize. My reward is finishing, maybe shaving off a few minutes from my best time and the cameraderie with the other participants.<\/p>\n
If you are new to these kinds of runs or are considering them, I would suggest you do it for you. Of course, if the runs are for a charity event, even better, but challenging yourself to run them or walk them, is the best reasons and the best motivation going.<\/p>\n
It was nice to see people of all levels at this race, many people in their golden years walking the whole distance and many who were obviously very serious runners. There were actually signs along the way with a picture of a turtle and the words FASTER spelled out three times. No thanks.<\/p>\n