Six years ago I was a recreational runner able to run about 4 miles at a 10 min pace, the most. I ran occasionally a couple of times a month with no specific plans and goals. At
that time I was convinced that long distance running wasn’t for me and I would never
find it interesting and fun. But it all changed very unexpectedly.
It
was Sunday morning, actually almost afternoon. I was still in bed
watching TV when I came across an interview with an ultra marathon
runner Dean Karnazes. He shared his story about a 100 mile race he did
in the desert in the middle of summer, which was pretty incredible. I
remember thinking, gosh, he ran 100 miles in over 100F temperatures
and I can't even find the desire to run 2 miles in 60F. I'm sitting home
wasting a beautiful day. I immediately googled Dean to see what other
things he's done and was amazed to learn that he was in the middle of a
quest of running 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days. I found it very
inspiring. I ordered one of his books and decided I wanted to meet him
when he comes to New York City for his last race.
On
Nov 5th 2006, my friend and I went to see the marathon. We found a good
spot near the finish line and waited. When I saw Dean coming I waved and
called his name. He ran towards us, smiled and gave us a high five. We
didn't have much time to talk but he signed my book and invited us to
the after race party at the North Face store where we got the chance to
hang out with him and ask more questions.
That day my
friend and I spent in Central Park watching marathoners cross the finish line. I saw their excitement and pride and I said:
'I want this'. My friend asked: 'What?' I said: 'This, all of it, the
blanket, the medal. I want to run a marathon.' He said: 'OK' and that
was when my journey with long distance running has begun.
When
we came back home I searched online how to register for New York City Marathon. I
was a little disappointed to learn that we couldn't simply sign up. We
had to enter a lottery but fortunately for me I received an email a few months later informing me that I was excepted. My friends wasn't
but he wanted to be a part if it as well, so he offered to train and run most of
the marathon with me. I was very excited at first, but when I realized it was really happening I started questioning my ability to complete such a long race. I
was not ready.
We spent days reading running blogs
and articles to learn as much as we could about long distance running.
We had no idea where to start. There was a lot of work to be done and it
had to be done fast.
Finally, I found an online
training plan on Runner's World website called Smart Coach. We set our
goal, prepared a training plan and got to work. Starting with just
3-4 miles at a 10:00 - 10:30 pace, we gradually built our strength and
endurance. After 5 months of solid training 3 times a week I completed
the marathon breaking well below my target time. I got the blanket and the
medal but most of all I've earned the title of a marathoner.
Since then, I completed one more marathon
and over 30 half marathons which I found more suitable for myself. I constantly challenge myself to run faster. My current goal is to run
50 half marathons in all 50 states.
