Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). and you should too.

It’s been enough time since my marathon so that I can objectively look back on the experience.

Here’s what I learned:

The marathon is more than a race.

It’s a complete experience. From the training runs to the expo to the race itself to the recovery.

I have so glad that I had friends to share it all.

I am so happy that I chose to run NYC as my first ’cause I believe that there is no other like it.

The mind controls the legs.

I was so afraid during the second half of the race that I was injured that I could barely run.  My back…my quad, my ankle. I’ll never run again, I thought.

But yet I was not injured. I felt fine the next day.

I’m not diappointed in my finish time…but geez.. if only I didn’t listen to my brain.

Everyone prepares and recovers differently.

I was worried that I didn’t do longer runs mid-week. They were on the plan but my job got in the way of the plan and so I kept them all short.

Many runners recommended that I rest after the race. One even said that she took a month off from running after her first marathon.

But my legs felt great. So I ran a 15k a week after.

Just follow your gut asnd do what works for you.

It’s worth the pain.

Yes, it hurt….it hurt a lot.

No regrets.

For a millisecond I considered running NYCM 2020.

It’s not because I think the marathon was responsible for my foot pain.

But because I feel so fortunate to have have run 6 halfs and a full without any foot pain.

What if it happened during my marathon training or even worse during the race?

Not worth the chance…