Today is a Free Topic.
When you are training for a marathon, is there anything else to talk about?
When I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, it was my first marathon.
I said I was ONE and DONE!!
And I meant it (at the time…)
I mean (besides the training miles and the last 6 miles of the race), I really enjoyed the experience. And it was practically perfect.
- I loosely followed a training plan but got those long runs done.
- I got support on those runs from my running friends.
- Due to my job, I had free hotel rooms for race weekend.
- I shared the NYC marathon experience with friends (Lacey, my roommate and Cari, fellow blogger.)
- My tennis friends came down and cheered me on (at mile 18).
- The weather was PERFECT!!
- I met my finish time goal (in daylight and under 5:30).
- I felt fine after the race (zero pain.)
I explained my reasons for repeating this experience in these two posts: https://wp.me/pel7R-i3n and https://wp.me/pel7R-i3Y
Now that I’m halfway through my training, I can reflect on the differences and challenges between my first and second attempt at the marathon distance.
- I am four years older.
Yes, age does matter.
- I haven’t completed as many long races as I used to due to breaking my foot in February.
I’m recovered but will have completed only 3 half marathons this year (as opposed to 9 last year.)
- Most of my local running friends are not running this race until 2024.
Hopefully, I will not be in NYC solo running this race.
- My poor feet!! Since then, I’ve had painful bunion, neuroma and hammertoe issues.
It’s all not doom and gloom.
- I qualified already for 2024.
I can do it again and make amends. lol
- I am much more relaxed regarding the logistics of the race.
IOW, been there, done that.
- I am mostly working from home so am better able to fit in my weekday runs.
I had been traveling during the crucial training weeks last time.
- I have been doing strength training several times a week.
Thanks to my gym membership.
- So far, I am following the Higdon Novice 1 Plan.
so far… not sure if I will be able to continue those mid-week long runs…
- I am more confident in my ability to finish 26.2 miles.
Happy Running! Have you run more than one marathon? If so, was there anything you did differently? Please share.

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.
I’m also linking up here:
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris
































































































