A couple of women I know are training together for their first marathon.  Both have been running for a while and have tackled 10k’s and half marathons.  To celebrate a milestone birthday one of the gals planned to run a marathon and her pal decided to join her.

As training has progressed, they have both had their share of pain, frustration and set backs.  I’ve received emails from them asking questions or just with updates on their training.  I’ve offered advice and a few “you go girls” to offer support and encouragement.

One recently responded to a post I made on her Facebook wall (yes, Facebook) wondering how I could enjoy running marathons.  The truth is,   I just do.

I enjoy the entire marathon experience.  And I’m not just talking about the marathon itself – that can sometimes be anti-climactic.   For me it starts months and months before the actual marathon.  It starts even before I’ve signed up for a race or taken a single training step.

It starts with the ultimate decision.  Which one?

Local?  Destination? What season?  I’ll run any time except summer.   Will there be bands?  Will there be lots of walkers?  Will there be running Elvis’ or Dolly Partons?  Does the run start at 10am or midnight?  All of these factors come into play before any decision is made.

Once I have the race narrowed down I get into planning mode.   I pull out the calendar, counting backward 16 weeks from race day and pick my Kick Off Date.

The next important step, after the Race and Kick Off Date is selected is recruit.  It’s not as much fun to train for and run a marathon alone so you need to recruit some people to run with you.  This is the most challenging facet of race prep because, much to my surprise, not every runner desires to run a marathon.

About a month before Kick Off I set out my marathon training plan.  It includes 3 or 4 days of running plus 2 days of cross and strength training.  I plan the long runs every Saturday, increasing the distance one Saturday and dropping down the next.    The key for my training is to start with an 8 mile base and spend a lot of time in the 14-18 mile range.  Adding a few 20 milers at the end of training as my longest runs.  The mid-distance for me is where I can lose steam so I want to make sure I’m strong at 14, 16 and 18 miles.   Then I can power the rest.

Once Kick Off begins I am very serious about training.  I get my mileage in, hydrate and focus on the marathon.  I love the actual training process.  The logging of the miles, the increasingly long runs.  I love the feeling after running 14 miles!

Once race day arrives it’s a blur.   Getting my bib number and goodie bag at the expo, buying cheap socks, GU, a new hat as I weave my way through throngs of marathon competitors is a really fun experience.  The required pasta dinner the night before is usually mediocre, fuel more than a gourmet experience.

The run itself is magical at the beginning. Wow, a marathon.   I won’t bore you with details of my marathon experiences but there are ups and downs.  Moments of elation and doubt.   Needless to say that no matter if my race was a PR or a pathetic trod, the overwhelming feeling of pride and relief at crossing that finish line is unlike any other.

So, yeah, I like to run marathons.

Now go run!

Keli