5 Things I Learned Training for a Marathon // I'm off to RUN RICHMOND!

Y'all it is OFFICIAL. I'm headed to Richmond for the marathon!!!! cue nerves and excitement and anxiousness and every emotion ever

I am so excited that this weekend has FINALLY arrived.  I signed up on May 17th and have been thinking about it ever since. I've not only run a lot but I've learned a lot.
5 things I learned while training for Richmond:
one :: training is time consuming I definitely didn't stick to my training plan as well as I could (or probably should) have, but to be honest there just isn't enough time in the day! If I weren't in school or working then I would have no trouble but, alas, that is life.  Long runs took a lot out of my weekends, too, between prepping/running/recovering. Sundays were pretty exhausting.
two :: training is expensive Once you get into the meat of the training and running really long runs then you need to invest in some fuel. I don't know how many trips I made to buy Gu...the smarter thing to do would have been to buy it online in bulk but did I think of that before this week? No I did not.
three :: training is the real race Yes, race day is going to be great and that is the ultimate "goal" in this whole scenario, but I truly feel that training and logging all of the miles is the true test.  The race is the reward for all of the hard training.  For example, going out on that 20 miler by myself when all I wanted to do was lay on the couch and watch food network...that was the true test for me! Getting my butt out of the door. I wish I had gotten a medal for that.
four :: training requires equipment Asking for a Garmin for graduation was the best decision ever.  I could not have done this training without it (well, I could have, but it wouldn't have been as simple) and I am so grateful for high-tech gadgets we have these days.  Even if I do feel silly sometimes standing at the end of my driveway waiting to locate satellites, I am so thankful to have something to keep me on pace.  Now, if I can only remember to search for a satellite wayyyy in advance of the starting gun, I will be happy :) worst nightmare...   five :: training is not possible without support I could not have trained for this marathon without the support of my friends, family, and supporters on my blog/twitter/instagram.  I have received so much encouragement from everyone and that is what will get me to the finish line.  Knowing that there are people who believe in me. I also could not have done my 18 miler or 20 miler without Steven & my mama! The best pit crew there is. Lastly, I wouldn't be doing this race if it weren't for my big brother.  He not only was the one to sign me up, but he's running it too and I am SO proud of him.  He ran his first half in March and is gearing up for the full on Saturday with me. He's a champion.

I've learned soooooooo much more than this, such as Tri Berry is the only good Gu flavor and no matter how big my knees look Pro Compression socks are my friend, but that's all I have to share today. Even though training was tough, I don't regret a single moment. I'm ready to RUN RICHMOND!

Off to run 26.2!! follow me on instagram to stay in the loop: @sarah_ryan3