Then and Now: Celebrating 10 Years of Marathon Running

I cannot believe it’s been ten years since my first marathon. When I think about those ten years and all that’s transpired in my running life, a few thoughts come to mind (besides I feel old).

 

In the last ten years, I have undoubtedly evolved in how I train and race. (Check out the posts I’ve written on what I’ve learned from training and marathoning). Because of that, I’ve managed to cut my personal record down by 54 minutes since that very first marathon. But that’s only a part of it. My mentality has evolved: How I cope with disappointment, how I stay motivated to strive for new goals. How I view myself as a runner. How running has become a substantial part of my identity as a human.

 

Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have described myself as a runner, but as a person who runs.  I signed up for a marathon just to try it out. To try a new challenge and see if I could do it. I had no idea that a bona fide runner lived inside me and that I had just awoken her. I had no idea that I had started a cascade of events that would shape me into the person and the athlete that I am today.

 

I look back at the very first post I wrote in this blog. I said “no matter what stage in my life I’m at, running will always provide that refuge. That place where I feel completely untouchable.” Those words are still true, and now I would extend that sentiment. Running is not just my escape from the external, challenging parts of the world, but a way that I connect with the internal – and yes sometimes challenging – parts of myself. It is my form of meditation, my me time.

 

So to celebrate and reflect on all that I’ve accomplished, and all the ways I have evolved as a runner over the past ten years, I signed up to be a part of the Baltimore Running Festival once again. Where it all started. Of course all events were virtual this year, which opened up the opportunity for new races, including the 26.2 Challenge – leaving it up to the runner when and how they want to complete 26.2 miles. I chose to split it up over two days and run two half marathons in a row.

On the first day, I had some fun with it and started out by running a course that spelled out “10 years”. It was a lot more difficult than I thought! One wrong turn and I would have messed the whole thing up! After that I ran the rest on my favorite, go-to route along the waterfront in my neighborhood. Both days were beautiful, clear, fall days. I ran at a comfortable pace, and my legs and lungs felt powerful and strong. I didn’t feel pressure to be or do anything other than run. I ran for the runner I was ten years ago; resolving to tackle new challenges. I ran for the runner I am now; embracing my identity and all the progress I've made. I ran for the runner I will be in ten more years; whoever that runner turns out to be.