The Ebb and Flow of Marathon Training

The Kaua'i Marathon is just around the proverbial corner and taper is quickly approaching. This training cycle has been a challenge as I faced more health issues. My colds were turning into nasty sinus infections resulting in me needing antibiotics and/or breathing treatments. Needless to say, that impacted my training and my long runs didn't get as long as soon as I initially wanted them. This had me concerned and I went into summer letting my mom know I was going to run long in Texas this year when we visited. And I did. My long run grew well in Texas and my running there made me feel much better about my training. A happiness that continued on until last weekend when I fell short of what I hoped to do due to irritability and other energy level related issues. But the happiness is returning...I hope.
And this brings me to the focus of this post. Marathon training has high's and low's. Energy up's and down's. Great runs. Bad runs. So-so runs. Fast runs. Slow runs. Easy runs. Long runs. I give up runs in which you don't give up and find yourself runs. There is a little bit of everything and throughout it all, I run on motivated by the deeper reason of why I run. To learn more about that check out #mywhykauai for why I am running my upcoming marathon. Having a clear understanding of your own why can help balance the emotional roller coaster of marathon training.
Plus, good fuel. I keep an eye on what I fuel my body with while running and between runs. Don't get me wrong. I am not perfect. I love sugary treats here and there and since I am dairy free, I make them myself and that keeps them harder to turn to. Win-win for me! I also focus on hydration continuously and always have water by my side. On my run, that water is made better with SOS Rehydrate. By the way, you can enter to win some today.
For those training for your first marathon, or contemplating one, expect to feel a whole range of emotions and runs. It is all going to be okay. Trust yourself and be realistic. Don't beat yourself up as you are embarking on a big journey and every step of the journey matters. It isn't just about race day. That is the icing on the cake. It is about what you do each and every moment up to race day and after you cross that finish line. And that can be an emotional roller coaster too. I have cheered, cried from happiness, cried from disappointment, etc.
Marathons are 26.2 miles of discovery. You will dig deep and find parts of yourself you never knew existed. Yes, I learn something new about me during each marathon. You want to start race day feeling good about yourself so don't let negative self talk get in the way. You will have bad training days. That is normal and perfectly acceptable. Do not let them weigh you down. Look at the up's, the happy runs, the accomplishments, the moments you found your strong, and remember those when you feel challenged in life both on and off the course.
For those marathoners out there, what is your advice, lessons learned, etc? I would love to hear them.

Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for both the happy runs and the tough runs that I have finished.

Daily Bible Verse: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ~ 1 Peter 4:12-13