Monday, October 26, 2009

What I learned training for and finishing my first marathon.

I am still working on a full race report but wanted to share this post.

In no particular order.

• I couldn’t have done the training if not for a very supportive wife.
• I couldn’t have done the training if not for a great running partner (Lou).
• The half marathon may be the perfect running distance.
• I will do more marathons and get better at it.
• Don’t forget to put vaseline on your nipples. Ouch.
• Running a marathon at 6 feet tall 255 pounds is not ideal.
• Especially when I went from 330 pounds to 217 pounds over the last few years.
• Marathon training alone will not cause weight loss.
• The plan that got me to lose the weight in the first place still holds true – Diet AND Exercise. Calories in vs. Calories out. It is that simple.
• The half marathon may be the perfect running distance.
• Avoiding hill training is NOT a good idea.
• Avoiding speed training is NOT a good idea.
• Walking about 6 miles with the family the day before a marathon is NOT a good idea.
• Don’t try anything new on race day. I have been told/read this over 100 times and I didn’t listen.
• I never felt like I wouldn’t finish the race.
• I never had thoughts it would be my last marathon. Even after crossing the finish line.
• The half marathon may be the perfect running distance.
• Thinking I didn’t need to take in electrolytes was a bad idea.
• I thought I handled the mental aspect OK. But there is plenty of room for improvement.
• HTFU.
• It was a great experience running this race with Lou.
• Lou could have ran under 5 hours but stuck with me the whole way.
• I look forward to training with and running with him in many more races.
• If I can do this so can YOU.
• It’s not easy but it is worth the sacrifice.
• I have great supportive friends and family.
• And I thought of you all throughout the day.
• The half marathon may be the perfect running distance.
• Having my name on my shirt was great.
• Marine Corps Marathon is a great marathon. I highly recommend it.
• Follow your marathon training plan as best you can.
• Regardless of what time you finish, as long as you finish you are a marathoner in my mind.
• My GPS had the course at 26.6 miles and Lou's GPS had 26.75 miles.
• Lou did make more pit stops to the woods then I did.
• Did I mention that the half marathon may be the perfect running distance?
• I have muscle pains in my legs today.
• It hurts SO good.

23 comments:

Luc said...

Congratulations Dan! I look forward to your race report. Oh and instead of coating Vaseline on the nipples, get some Band Aids that are small and round. They stay on in all weather and come off very easily after your run. They're all I use.

Congratulations again!! :)

Matt Mazzoni said...

Dan, what a great post after the run! Congratulations again on such an accomplishment. I cannot wait to hear all about the 800 pound gorilla that was chasing you around mile 20!

Team Brazo said...

Great job - Congrats! And I agree, the half marathon is probably the perfect distance.

Pat said...

Lou is right about the bandaids. But, not about them coming off pain free. Still better than bleeding.

congrats and I think you'll find that the marathon distance is much more satisfying. I do like the HM too.

Now it's time for an Arizona Marathon?

Maria (maslife) said...

Congrats on your first marathon! It's a great accomplishment.

You are very right about marathons & losing weight. The same formula applies. I actually gained 4 pounds when I was training for my first marathon. It takes some experimentation to learn how to manage the hunger w/o gaining weight. And, yes - it does hurt so good! Enjoy the celebration today - and then tomorrow, hop online to research your next one ;)
@maslife

Amy said...

So many hilarious truths about training! I agree with all of the above, and echo the business about weight loss: it's such an irony to be in what you feel is the best shape of your life, yet feel like your jeans are always a little tight thanks to carbo-bloating. CONGRATS on the amazing accomplishment!

FLYERS26 said...

Great job!
Marathoner is a title you now have for life !

ShoreTurtle said...

Congratulations Dan! I'm happy for you.

Your list is comical!

Nat said...

Congrats...

(And I totally agree the half is the perfect distance...)

TNTcoach Ken said...

Dan, you are the man! 13.1 miles might be your distance is what I'm hearing.

Trishie said...

congrats !! MCM is a great race !

J Duarte said...

Congrats Dan!

Pete Thomas said...

WHOOT WHOOT!!!! My man! Great job!

My favorites are...
Walking about 6 miles with the family the day before a marathon is NOT a good idea.

I did a Chicago museum tour the day before mine IN 2006 and paid for it dearly!

The half marathon may be the perfect running distance.

And you beat me in my first one!
Pete Thomas Ypsilanti, MI 5:55:12

Lori said...

Congratulations Dan!!! good to see you're blogging again. leg muscle pain? you didn't use hornet juice did you?

Jane said...

Its always good that somebody very enthusiastically and happily sharing their moments towards fitness with health conscious matters along.. These activities keep you fit and fine in terms of the precious health..

health and fitness articles

Jane said...

Race an ultimate passion and the way of healthy fitness... its great to know that you back again.. welcome.

health and fitness articles

Bryan said...

Congrats Dan. Great list.

Big Clyde said...

I just read your story and found it very inspiring. I am new to all of this and about to do my first cycling race. Surprised to read the comment about training alone will not cause weight loss. I have a lot to learn, so I'll keep following you.

Big Clyde
clydesdaleproject.blogspot.com

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Lose Fat Stomach said...

Congrats.. Hope to see more posts from you!

Unknown said...

wow it seems that you learn a lot on your training...Good job!!! Keep up the good run!!!

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