When I started running last year I had no idea where my
journey would take me. I had no thoughts (delusions?) about running races –
especially of the marathon length. However, soon I found myself hooked. Not
that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s probably better for my bank account
and non-felon status than some other addictions that people endure. This weekend is the Air Force Half Marathon.
In another month, I’m running the Columbus full marathon. Sometimes I still
can’t wrap my mind around that.
Anyway, soon after I started running – and let me be frank
here – at first it was more fast walking and wheezing – I began to notice
changes. Some of them were good. Some of them weren’t so good. Here we go:
1.) Muscle Definition
Whee! Although general everyday movement was a real issue the first few weeks
I ran regularly, I was happy about that. I had quads! I had hamstrings! I knew
that because of the pain emanating from those areas. Hell, even my obliques
hurt. But that means progress. And progress leads to muscle definition and
strength. Don’t get me wrong, I will never resemble those bodybuilders who look
like they have to rely on someone else to wipe them after a BM, but a little
definition is a good thing to have. Especially after popping out two kids.
2.) Weird Tan Lines
Marathon training during the summer months makes for some
weird tan lines. And not only from the running shirts and sports bras. I have
tan lines from my shorts. And my socks and shoes. My legs are gloriously tan
(unhealthy, I know. But the color is nice.) but my feet are whiter than a
member of Congress who’s just been told he has to take a pay cut and actually
work for a living.
3.) Digestion Issues
(AKA Runner’s Trots)
Exercise has a way of “getting things moving,” so to speak.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unless it happens during a run. Without
access to a bathroom other than the one Mother Nature provides alongside of the
bike trail. And watch out for poison ivy. Check the leaves, people. Check the
leaves.
4.) 5 A.M. Wake-up
Calls
I’m in a running group. All of us have different schedules
and different responsibilities. Some people work full time. Some don’t. Almost
all of us have kids and spouses who need our attention. This means we sometimes
have to run before the butt-crack of dawn, especially on long run days or for
speedwork. I may have mentioned this before, but I am not a morning person.
(Think Linda Blair from the Exorcist.) But I have, multiple times, crawled out
of bed sobbing bounded with enthusiasm out the door for trail running (and
ranger dodging) in an unopened park at 6A.M.
5.) Chafing
This might be TMI, but boob chafing is the worst. The.
Worst. I experienced this during a recent 18 miler. My sports bra did a number
on the underside of the ta-tas. Ouch. Aquaphor is my new BFF.
6.) Dietary Changes
Most marathon training plans call for little to no alcohol
intake. So like the good little would-be marathoner, I gave up drinking red
wine. That little experiment was the longest four days of my life. I’m sure my
family felt the same. (Think Linda Blair again.) And please note that this was during summer vacation
while the kids and I were home together. All day. Every day.
But I know the body needs the right fuel to work at the
optimal level. So during the week, I make every effort to eat healthy. This
means whole grains, plenty of protein, plenty of greens, and minimal trips to the
DQ. The weekends are a different story. They often include pizza, and usually a
trip to my favorite Mexican restaurant. Chimichangas with sour cream and
guacamole, anyone? Margaritas? Count me in. Sometimes we end up at a steak
place. I love a nice rare steak and a big ol’ baked potato with butter and sour
cream and cheese and bacon bits oozing out of it. Get in my belly.
Marathon training has been a series of lows and highs. I
often wonder just why I’m doing this and if I’ll be able to make it to the
finish line. And I’ve decided that it’s probably a good thing that I’m so damn
stubborn. I have a feeling that’s a trait most runners share, regardless of
whether they run marathons or not. That trait will no doubt help me when I
attempt my first 50K race next year…
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