Embracing the Journey

Running a marathon is a feat that many aspire to, and on October 6, 2024, I had the opportunity to turn that aspiration into reality at the Guthrie Wineglass Marathon in Corning, NY. My motivation to sign up stemmed from a running group I formed with a friend; it gave us a reason to lace up our shoes and hit the pavement with purpose.

As race day approached, I found myself filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Having faced several injuries, including knee and hip pain, I made a conscious effort to take it easy in the days leading up to the race. I wanted to ensure I was refreshed and strong on the big day. During training, these injuries had discouraged me; running was no longer enjoyable, and my marathon preparation felt compromised. However, I forced myself to rest and gradually built a pre-run routine that included dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and drills to keep my body primed for the miles ahead.

On race day, I kept things consistent, following my usual pre-race rituals. I focused on my dynamic stretches, foam rolled my legs, and enjoyed a carb-rich breakfast to fuel my run. As I stood at the starting line, I felt great, energized by the large crowd of runners and the supportive atmosphere. My plan was to maintain an 8-minute, 55-second pace per mile. However, I started a bit faster than intended, with my first 19 laps clocking in under that pace, including 15 of those under 8:50/mile.

The thrill of the race kept my spirits high for the first half, fueled by the energy of fellow runners, cheering spectators, and knowing my family was out there waiting for me at certain checkpoints. I focused on maintaining good running form and keeping my nutrition and hydration on point. Mentally, I was solid until around mile 17. That’s when I began battling the urge to walk. It was a constant struggle between the voice telling me to give in and the determination to keep going for my cheering family.

As I approached mile 20, the excitement of the race started to fade, and maintaining my pace became increasingly difficult. My mile splits began to slow, and I found myself negotiating with my inner voice: “Just walk; it’s okay,” versus “Do not walk; you are not a quitter.” I reminded myself that I was doing this for my family, and to get through it, I focused on taking it mile by mile. Each mile became a small victory, and this strategy kept me moving forward.

In the final stretch, something incredible happened. I managed to dig deep and pick up my pace. I crossed the finish line feeling exhilarated, overwhelmed by the cheers of the crowd and the sight of my family. After battling injuries and doubts, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment. All I wanted was to find my kids and hug them.

Post-race, I celebrated with my family, sharing hugs and smiles while enjoying some snacks from the tent. I also met up with my training partner, and we reflected on our experiences, relishing the moment of achievement together.

Looking back, the most rewarding aspect of my marathon journey was not just the race itself, but the entire process leading up to it. Showing up daily to train—despite the cold and snow of winter and the challenges of summer travel—taught me invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of having a plan and structuring my days with clear goals, whether related to running or my career. This commitment helped me navigate tough moments and realize that there are great rewards on the other side of perseverance.

For anyone considering their first marathon, my advice is simple: give yourself time. Plan for a year out and ease into your running. Develop a solid base, incorporate speed work early, and don’t forget pre- and post-run care. Sleep is crucial! If you find a running partner, ensure you stick to a pace that works for both of you, as pushing too hard can lead to injuries.

Looking ahead, I plan to run another marathon—though I haven’t set a date yet. My focus is on becoming more efficient at faster paces to improve my time.

In closing, I encourage everyone to enjoy every moment of their running journey. Approach it with the mindset of “I want to do this,” rather than “I have to do this.” The more we focus on the process rather than the outcome, the better prepared we will be.

So, what is a goal you are putting off, and how can we make it a reality?

~ James

(585) 683.2775 | [email protected] | https://james-reyes.kw.com/