It took me some time to break away from identifying as a sprinter and hurdler. The hurdles were where I found the most success during my competitive days in high school and college. I was convinced my frame was built for speed. Transitioning to endurance events would only lead to injury. Afterall, I had evidence for this when I developed IT-band syndrome during my short stint with the X-Country team. 

Fast forward a bunch of years, and I finally caved. I have the Upper Valley Running Club to thank (blame?) for this! When I first joined a couple years ago, a friend invited me to complete a string of 10k’s as part of the Upper Valley Running Series. (Sure!) Then, why don’t we both do the half-marathon in Concord, NH as well? It’s part of the NH Grand Prix, and we will get a free singlet if we do that and a couple more. (OK! All that sounds good - Thank you, Nadia!). Now, here I am, two years later – full-on training mode for my first marathon.

With a combination of excitement and trepidation, I first had to figure out which one to do. I liked the idea of running one in my home state during its most beautiful time of year – fall. I would have the entire summer to train, which would certainly be sufficient. I had recently completed a trail half-marathon in Stowe at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. Should I go for the full next year? Hmmm… even the half was brutal. Trail running is a different animal than road running. Then, there is also, of course, the New York City Marathon in November.  Not in Vermont, obviously, but it is the world’s most famous, and certainly the biggest. It is also a place that has a rich history for me. After working out a few logistics, I settled on the Champlain Islands Marathon in South Hero, Vermont on Oct. 20. Perfect. A flat course. Sanctioned. Only two hours from here and just before the leaves begin to drop. No lottery; no qualifying time. Registration - done. 

Next up, training plan. I Google’d a bunch and saw a common structure – the gradual progression, increase in mileage, two rest days, speed day, long-slow-day. Taper just before the race. Got it. The big question was the time. Would I set a goal time for myself? What would be my goal for this race? After much reflection and several conversations, I settled on two main goals: (1) stay healthy (2) enjoy the process enough to want to run another one. So far, I am on track!

As I write this, the marathon is just shy of four weeks away.  I hit two big mileage days – one was a 17 miler up and around Jericho Road through Hartford. It was so fun to see a part of Vermont that I had never seen. Right in my backyard, more rolling hills and wide open farmland. I saw no other runners but several other bikers tackling those long and grueling hills. I told at least 6 people about my run as soon as I had done it. It felt so good to reach that kind of mileage.  Two weeks later – 20 miles! A gorgeous 10 mile out and back from Sutherland, Vermont to Equinox Hotel in Manchester, Vermont. Donning my new Osprey hydration pack and consuming 3 power gels (BPN Go Gel mixed berry) during my run, it felt amazing. My sister and her partner greeted me on their bikes as I approached the driveway. “You look great!” “You don’t even look tired!” “I can’t believe you did 20 miles!” I don’t do it for the praise, but it certainly feels good.

I thought about waiting until after the big day was over before I wrote about it. But with the monthly newsletters beckoning, and the joy of hitting such big miles, I had to share the experience now. Afterall, it’s always about the journey, not the destination.