I have three marathons under my belt and am very proud of each one. I lead a crazy busy life (like most of us) and it’s not conducive to marathon training and by the way, I’m 44 years old so this body doesn’t always respond EXACTLY the way I’d like it to. But I do it anyway and that’s part of the fun (yes, I am under the care of a mental health professional, thank you for asking).

Me and Mickey after the WDW Marathon 2012

Each time I’ve made mistakes. Now, I do pride myself on the fact that, just like Anne of Green Gables, I hardly ever make the same mistake twice, so that’s the good thing about me. Well, that’s almost true. A couple on the list I’ve done more than once. So never mind. I’m also including some that you all shared with me on FB and Twitter, so thanks to those of you who responded. It’s great to know I’m not alone in this! So let’s get started shall we?

1. Did something new on race day (WDW Marathon 2012).

   I didn’t train with Galloway run/walk intervals, but ran the first half of my first marathon with them because I wanted to run with my friend, Sara. No regrets about running with Sara, but my feet didn’t like all the walking in my newish Vibram Five Fingers. So yeah, I also wore new shoes. Got the mother of all blisters and had to hobble through the last 3 miles. Not walk. Hobble. (however, I still felt so great afterwards that I did this so yeah, WIN.)

2. Started out Too Fast (Chicago 2012)
   

   Another post race picture (Chicago Marathon 2012). See? Made mistakes. Still happy at end. Great race with great friends.

    – I’ve done this all 3 marathons. To be fair, I never felt like I was going too fast. The adrenalin and the crowds and the excitement and the rested legs tricked me into thinking I was on pace. I never once was. And each time I fooled myself into thinking the reason it felt so easy was because this time I was going to finish in under 5 hours. Has never happened. This time I will be wearing my Garmin and checking my splits (at least for the first 1/3) like a crazy woman.

3. Didn’t Fuel Early Enough (all three fulls) – like a lot of us, my stomach starts to revolt about 10 miles in. Therefore, if I haven’t fueled before then, or if I wait until I feel hungry, I’m in trouble. Will be scheduling my GU religiously.
4. Didn’t run enough (WDW 2012). I got my 20 mile long run in, but just barely and it wasn’t pretty. And I rarely if ever hit my marks for my during the week runs. I have no excuse for this other than life and kids and work and weather but I need to remember that the only person who pays the price for these lapses in discipline is me. And I pay for them at mile 17. Let’s not do that this time, mkay?
5. Let the heat (cold/rain/wind) get in my head (WDW 2013). This one was from my friend, Laura, and the more I think about it the more I think it’s true. The weather is what it is but if you let yourself get to a really negative place about it, you make it MUCH worse. The truth is if you stop and think about it, you’ve most likely run in those conditions before and did just fine. You will also be fine this time. (friends, if weather should be bad in January, I believe we have a new mantra . . .)
   

   Post WDW 2013 – Horribly hot day. Just a few hours post race I’m right as rain and ready for my post recovery drinky poo

6. Ate inappropriately the day before. I’ve done it all – eaten too much, eaten too little, and like my friend, Sara, commented on FB, eaten at a buffet. I REALLY like buffets. But I need to save that kind of frivolity for AFTER THE RACE. Since I will be at Disney World, this may be a problem but I will remind myself what it feels like to have serious stomach issues during a marathon and will refrain.
7. Underestimated how hard it would be (WDW 2012). Denny on twitter and Loren on FB said this, too, so clearly it’s a thing. I only did this the first time, but seriously, it’s tough. Mentally, physically and emotionally tough. The urge to quit is strong and ever present. I realize this may seem obvious to the general population, but I had myself convinced that I would be the exception to this. I wasn’t. Realistic expectations are key.
8. Set unrealistic expectations (um, WDW 2013 and Chicago 2012). My third marathon I was sure I would PR by a lot. In truth, I was well prepared and all signs pointed to this being the case. I did not, however, account for it being 84 degrees with 90% humidity by the end of the race. I was pretty disappointed with my time but had to take a step back and realize that I had done everything right – weather conditions are a game changer, and especially when it’s dangerously hot and humid. When you show up on race day, there’s only so much you have control over. It’s a good time to think about the Serenity Prayer, in fact, and to accept that you’ve done the best you can.
   

But can I tell you that even with all the mistakes, all the missteps and all the errors in judgment, I have 3 marathon medals hanging on my wall. And I truly learned from each mistake and am a better runner and a better person for having put forth the effort. So don’t let my mistakes scare you! Running a marathon is  wonderful experience and I can’t wait for January to get here so I can get out there, just me and the Lord and 20,000 friends and give it my best shot.

Happy Running and “Mistaking”. You got this. And if you’ve run a marathon, what would you add to this list? Would love to hear about it in the comments! (oh and did you notice all the pics I posted were of AFTER hard efforts? Posted to remind myself that I’ve done it before and I can do it again!!)

Jen