NWM Recap

I apologize for the delay, but I have been so insanely tired lately my days have consisted of work, eat, sleep and repeat. This weekend was one of the best experiences of my life and I wanted to share with you how wonderful marathons can be, especially since Nike puts on a darn good show. So here’s how it all went down.

After months of training I get major butterflies starting about the week before. The runs are slowly declining and all I can think about it the big day. I ran a couple of 3 milers last week to make sure I was prepared, but also to be sure my body was not sore in any way. I started carbo loading the day before, where I had plain pasta and some wheat bread for dinner. Plenty of rest was key, as that was quite the challenge because of the excitement of the next day.

5am wake-up call, and not too happy about that. But got up excited and ready to go. Eating breakfast is important and setting my stuff out the night before made it easy to get out the door. I don’t take much with me, just my iPhone with music, armband and gu-gel (2 packs full of energy). I loaded up on coffee and light breakfast and we were out the door. Getting dropped off at the start line was easy peasy but anticipating the start was getting me quite anxious!

Then we were off. The excitement of the whole experience kind of takes you away and before I knew it I was at the finish line. It was shocking to me that I didn’t need to stop one bit to rest, I was so in the zone that my speed continued to amaze me. Training definitely pays off, so if you are running a half or full marathon, the more you train the easier it is! I never think I have trained enough, and always seem to doubt myself but reality sets in when you are on the course.

The cheer stations were wonderful, and people with signs rooting you on the whole way was fantastic.This is such a mental game. “Mind over muscle” was the best quote I heard that day. I found myself pushing to run faster and also thinking about what was waiting for me at the finish line. Besides that little blue Tiffany’s box, it just so happened that it was my boyfriend and I’s anniversary. I honestly kept telling myself “He is at the finish line, the faster you get there the faster you get to celebrate (and stop running!)” Remember, it’s all a mind game!

Luckily I made it across the finish line feeling great, below are my stats:

Name	Residence	Bib #	Time	Chip	Pace	Category	Cat. Place	5km Split	10km Split	15km Split
JENNA PARDINI	SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US	4483	02:09:26	02:04:57	9:33	F25-29	463/3861	00:28:51	00:58:41	01:30:32

My advice to you if you are training or want to train for a half or full marathon: you can do it! Anyone can do it! It is such a wonderful accomplishment to come across the finish line and know that you worked so hard to get there. Time does not matter, its you versus you. You can do anything you set your mind to and if that is running a marathon than get to training. Start running a couple of miles and work your way up to long distance. You have to start somewhere and no one starts running 13.1 miles after your first week. My first NWM was last year and it was tough for me! I had never ran an organized run before in my life. It was not easy, let me tell you. But there were other people there that shared the same journey. The more races you do, the faster and more comfortable you get. Next time I want to push myself for a better time, and even better after that. It will be a continuous challenge for me, but challenging yourself is so important and something I am very passionate about.

Nike puts on such an awesome event. The pre-race expo was fabulous with lots of fun stuff going on in Union Square. They then have music, and stretching instructors to get you going pre-race and the finish line party is so much fun. Not to mention you are running for an awesome cause and everyone is thrilled to be a part of it.  I think I am still on a little high from all of the excitement! So my suggestion: put your Nikes on and just do it!!

{ If you have any marathon training questions, please feel free to ask. I am happy to help you a much as possible. :)}