What does a Marathon Feel Like?

There are a so many ways to answer that question. The greatest feeling, happens when you finish. The overwhelming pride of accomplishment, relief of being done, and joy of knowing you can finally stop! There are so many other feelings however that occur before you start, while you are running, and after it is all over. Before the race, it was mostly nerves. Not really knowing what it will be like to run 26.2 miles. Tossing and turning the night before, worrying about going to the bathroom, throwing up, passing out, dropping out, or any other fear of not finishing. Finally the day comes, and all that stuff has to get out of your head, so you can focus on running. It starts out like any other run. You can enjoy the scenery, talk a little with your running mates, and you are full of energy. It was not until about mile 20 that things started to change. (Disclaimer, I did have one of my fears come true at mile 6, I had to pee, but I was able to stop and take care of that with out much issue).

Mile 20 to 24 was probably the most painful experience of my life. We had been running for almost 4 hours by the time we got to the 20 mile marker. With 6 miles to go, I just really did not know if I could do it. Each mile after 20 was more and more painful. My legs hurt, my feet hurt, and I still had more then an hour to go. I just wanted to stop and be done. There was a point at around mile 23, where there was water and food, where I stopped to get something, and I could feel myself wobbling on my feet. The only thing I could do to not fall over, was to just start running again. Finally however, there was something that could take the pain away, and that was hope. We were at mile 24, so there is only 2.2 mile left. We were finally in reach, and after some water, gatoraid, skittles and banana, my body was feeling a little better I am sure. From that point I knew we would make it. It was great at mile 25 to have our support group starting with us. Rick, from our running club was biking behind us, or training partner Sue, was running along side us (with a pom pom) and Mitchell was there too, running along side, for the whole last mile. I was running almost soley on adrenaline. When we finally finished, after the overwhelming emotions that I went through by completing the ridiculous distance, I was happy to have so many friends and family to share it with. The best part of the whole experience was sharing it with my wife, who ran along side with me the entire time.

Now the post race experience. I haven't left my bed since I got home last night, except to eat, and purchase food. My leg muscles are killing me, and it is exhausting to walk around Stop & Shop. According to our internet research, it could be pretty painful for a full week! I am pretty sure I dropped five pounds though. I should have, I ran for 5 hours and 9 minutes a further distance then I drive most days! Next time, I am taking time off of work after, because I am not sure tomorrow is going to be so great!