Getting ready for my first marathon!

I started my 16 week preparation period on July 7, 2007. First I wanted to do something about my smoking habit, so I visited a hypnotist on July 16 and had one of the best and weirdest experiences in my life. 

(Briefly, I went to the hypnotist's office, spent there an hour and have had no need for smoking since than. I am not disgusted by smoking, I just couldn't care less about it. I only wish I had paid a visit to the hypnotist earlier. And there are no side effect, such as extensive eating. For everybody who wants to check it out, here is the contact info: Frederick Ackerman, tel: 301-585-5374.)

Then I started running. I had never run for longer than an hour before but now, after few weeks into the training, came long runs. I did most of them on Washington & Old Dominion Trail and I loved them. I loved them so much I started entertaining a thought of running the entire WOD trail, which is 44 miles long (I ran it in September 2008.) or doing some other endurance races in the future.

But let's get back to marathon training. Since I had never been to any running event I decided, according to every runner-expert, to run a half-marathon during the preparation period to get a feel for it. So, I drove to Philadelphia on September 16, 2007 to run half-marathon race, called Philadelphia Distance Run. It was a gorgeous morning, sunny and a little crispy, perfect for running. And the finish line is right under those famous Rocky Balboa stairs. I liked the city a lot as well. It was a great experience and probably I'll be back in 2008.  

Philadelphia Distance Run 2007 details HERE.

The Marine Corp Marathon got close and I was very exited about it. My goal at the beginning of the preparation period was to run under 4 hours. I thought I was able to run under 3:30 but quietly I was thinking 3:15. That would qualify me for the Boston marathon. 

Finally the day arrived. October 28, 2007 was a beautiful day. Very similar to the one in Philadelphia. I felt awesome. The race started and it went great for couple of miles. Then I got a terrible cramp and had to stop for couple of minutes, massaged the muscle and pain receded a bit but not completely. There was nothing to do but to continue running. Giving up was not an option. For the next 16 or 17 miles everything was pretty much fine. The pain in my muscle died down quite a bit and even though I could feel it it didn't bother me too much. Mile 19 came and with it everything else on a physical level that you can read in many books on marathons. However, a thought to give up was never present. In psychological sense I was well prepared and coming through the finish line gave me sensational feelings. 

For my Marine Corps Marathon 2007 results, statistics, pictures and other details click HERE. 

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