Well I have started the final countdown to the start of my first Marathon that will take place this Sunday in Vancouver. After doing 30 triathlons and countless shorter running races many people assume that I have done many Marathons and think this is just another on for me. Well its not and I am not afraid to say that I am nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time.
The silly thing that seems to drive these emotions is TIME. I don’t care how many runners say they are not competitive they still have a goal time in mind. For most people the fact that you run 42 km none stop is a monumental feet in it self but for veteran runners it all comes down to your TIME.
I could have the most beautiful life changing run on Sunday but I know the second I come back to my running club there going to ask me what my time was. Time is something runners like to label you by, they say things like that guy over there is a 2:45er or she’s a 3:10. Now I have fallen into the trap of not wanting to be labeled as the guy that didn’t reach his potential. Don’t get me wrong I have a goal time in mind but after running my ass off for over three hours I don’t want to be too disappointed if I don’t reach my goal.
The good thing about doing a race at a new distance is that what ever my time is it will be a personal best. Either way I am going to try and have fun running the best I can.
I have learned a lot about my self and training over the last 5 months I have been seriously training for the Marathon and it is nice to have the “adventure” emotions running through my veins again.
I love the quote that says “the greatest learning happens on the edge of your comfort zone.” So many wonderful things happen when you do something new for the first time. Every now and then it is important for us to ask ourselves “when was the last time you did something for the first time”?
Till next time, LiveMore!
Shawn
