Lessons From Running My First Marathon
I did it! I ran my first marathon…something that I never thought I’d be able to do.
And this week on the Redefining Health Podcast, I’m sharing 5 lessons that I learned along the whole journey of training & running that will help YOU with whatever big goals you have.
Whether you’re a runner or plan to do a marathon or NOT, these lessons will help you with whatever goal you’re working towards.
Everything about training for the last 4 months has taught me so much. I knew this going into it, I knew that it was going to be so big for my own personal development & growth. But what I didn’t realize was the amount of mental “strength” it was going to take…more than even the physical.
So, here are 5 lessons from training for & running my first marathon:
1. Set yourself up for success with Preparing & Planning
When I first signed up for the marathon about 5 months ago, I knew I needed to find a training plan that would give me some structure and a plan to know how to be able to get my endurance up for race day. I found a training plan that felt doable and would work with my life. I went out and bought new running shoes because it had been a while. I thought through how to actually make time to run during the week.
Anytime you set out to work towards a goal, it’s so important to think through how to set yourself up for success. Think through all of the obstacles and solve for them. Figure out how to work through the obstacles.
2. Make the decision to do what you want to do (knowing that you’re also going to have times where you don’t feel like doing the thing)
You’re not going to always FEEL like working towards your goal, whatever it is. Know this! It doesn’t mean anything is WRONG. Get back to reminding yourself that this is what you want to do.
3. The middle is always the hardest. Expect that.
When you expect that it’s going to get hard in the middle, again, you don’t have to make it mean that something is wrong. It’s NORMAL. Just keep going.
4. Take it slow. Don’t rush. Trying to sprint & go too fast will burn you out.
With every long run I went on, I always tried to have the mindset that “this is going to be fun”. I looked for ways to just enjoy the journey and not focus on just being done all the time. I took it SLOW. My goal was always just to finish and have fun. This kept me going without risking burnout.
5. Enjoy the journey!
Again, just have fun with whatever growth or goal you’re working towards. Look for ways to ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Look for ways to have fun. To make it fun.
There are some more fun, juicy details in this episode so be sure to head over to wherever you listen to podcasts and listen to the full episode (episode 115).
Listen to the episode on Apple, Spotify, or Google
PS: If you want support with working towards your goals and someone to help you make peace with food & your body, I’d love to be your coach. Schedule your free consult with me HERE.