The Big Day

Six months ago I made a decision. A decision that would open a new chapter in my life. I signed up for my first marathon. Ive been running since age 12 and have been told countless times that the marathon is "my event", but until I run my first one, I will never really know.

Marathon training is intense. It requires hard work, dedication, and a great deal of planning. I decided to really start a training plan in June, 16 weeks out. The thing is, I was all alone. For the first time in my life, I was not part of a team, and I have had very few training partners in Boulder. I tried to join a group out here coached by Steve Jones called Boulder Express, but unfortunately, there were no more spots left on it. I tried my best to formulate a loose training plan according to advice from my dad and my college roommate, Mary Dudley. But throughout these whole 16 weeks it has been just that, a loose plan. I have put in the miles, but at times I have felt lost and unmotivated. But I kept trekking onward. Luckily, I have had Dan training for his half ironman and my Chicago marathon debut buddy, Emma Keenan, to keep me going for a few runs here and there. It has been hard to get out there on 20 milers alone. My dad has told me countless stories about how he trained for mostly all his marathons alone. That is great and all, but for me, it’s about having those people there by your side to motivate and push you to be your best.

So am I ready for this debut? Ill be honest with you all that know me and will be watching come Sunday---my ultimate goal is to someday qualify for the Olympic Trials, but it will not be at this Chicago marathon. I have put in the miles throughout the summer, but I have not had the structure to be where I need to be. I have not done all of the mile repeats or enough 20+ mile runs. This is not to sounds negative, but rather realistic. On the plus side, I have improved my regular run pace at altitude to an average of 6:45-7 min miles and have built my weekly mileage back up, but it just has not been the best way to train for the marathon and I know that. When I signed up for Chicago my goal was to run a 3:00 marathon and today my goal remains the same, but I know that even if I don’t get there, I will still have my time to shine in the future.

Yesterday I watched a former training partner of mine, Caitlin Chrisman, run a 2:41 debut marathon and qualify for the trials. It makes me ecstatic for her, and brings back feelings of nostalgia for my teams and groups I have run with along the way. The support that the Charlotte Running Club has shown for each other in the past year is astounding, there should honestly be a story out there on this group. It puts things into perspective for me really. I have watched Caitlin’s dedication, as well as the other group members, and it has made me aware of what it is going to take to get me to the next level.

Ultimately, after Chicago, I would like to try and join the Boulder Express team again, run the Boston Marathon, and make a run at the Trials time. I would not say that this debut at Chicago is a waste for me. It was a true learning experience and ultimately, it will get me out there to try this whole new running event. Throughout it all, I have some amazing Colorado runners and triathletes alike, learned about marathon nutrition and training, and have taken some breathtaking runs in the Rockies. I want to thank you all for your advice, support, and friendship along the way. I especially want to thank, Dan, who was not even a runner before I met him, and now will be there at the finish line supporting me. Emma Keenan, who will also be making her marathon debut and most likely will qualify for the trials, I have loved our Friday morning runs :) Fast Forward Sports, the group I coach with, my athletes and the coaches have supported me more than I would have imagined. Runners Roost of Denver, who has kept me sane and introduced me to some amazing friends on their Weds night runs. The Charlotte Running Club, who even though they are 2000 miles away will always feel like family to me. My former teammates from Chambersburg to Richmond. And most importantly, my dad, who introduced me to this sport at age 12, gave me the good genes, and has been my mentor all along. Come Sunday, when I cross that finish line, I know no matter what the result, I will give it my all, and it will be a success in the end. And I know that someday, I will accomplish my dream of one day getting to the trials. This is just the beginning...