Weird to sit down and think about the past year, which has felt like 20 years fit into one. It wasn’t what anyone planned, but overall I really cannot complain since I still have my health, job, family, etc. The year started out with so much hope and large goals and the year will end that way planning for next year.

Its been a while since I have recapped a race. Quite honestly, there wasn’t much to recap last year. Houston had started out being a marathon, because the plan all along was to be healthy at Boston and then run a very big PR at the Marine Corp Marathon. And if I was close, Houston would be the last chance. It all seems so laughable now after how the year went – that was my original plan. Hey you have to dream big!

I don’t really know where to start with this recap, as its been years in the making. Everyone has a different Boston story on how they get there, but all come with their own set of difficulties. Long story short, I’ve been signed up 3 times and this is the first time I got to the line. The way I got to the line this cycle was anything but grand. If this cycle happened with any other training cycle, I would have scrapped it. But how do you scrap Boston? You can’t, especially with how long it took me to get there.

Does this photo look like I’m wearing shorts that are too small? Does it look like my a** is hanging out? Because apparently all of the above is true. According to a woman body shaming and bullying me from behind her computer screen.

I will preface this by saying I am in no way saying this is the best way to do it! Everyone is different, I just found what works for me, so I wanted to share with everyone who has been asking how I did it. We all need to remember that everyone is different and what works for some, doesn’t for others.

So its definitely been a whirlwind since the marathon on Saturday, but I have tried to remember everything as best I could to get it all out here for your reading pleasure. I am thrilled how the race went, especially with the travel prior to me heading out west. I was at a conference in Boston Monday – Wednesday before and that can always throw your schedule off.

In signing up for this race, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew it was running up a ski mountain in NH, but I figured my enjoyment of hills would suit me fine. I decided to throw it into the beginning of my marathon training because it would give me the opportunity to go up to NH and that great state has a special place in my heart

So after my 130 half in March, I set my sights on a sub 130 in June at the San Diego RnR half. I knew I was more than capable, but at the same time I wanted to be smart and not train for the actual race per say with a plan. Miami was a disappointment and I decided to take on a fall marathon to hit my goal. I wanted to have this training be fun, but also solid that I could hit my time goal. So I set out to run around 30 miles a week on average and take my gym classes 2-3 times a week to supplement my lower training miles.

I’ve been asked what I think caused me to run a 19 minute marathon PR (24 minute Boston PR)…. I took some time to think about it and here’s what I’ve come up with:

Monday, August 16th (FYI long blog post ahead)

Starting in Wave 2 at 10:25am

My alarm went off at 7:15am. I checked my Fitbit app and I had slept for 6hrs 36min. I knew falling asleep would be hard due to the excitement of this day! In preparation for the race I averaged an hour more sleep per night for two weeks leading up to the race. Upon getting up I checked the weather, no change. It was going to be a wet, windy and cold day!

We were each sent 123Fre skincare set which is a 3 step routine that includes Purify Me facial cleanser, Revive Me anti-aging serum, and Protect Me SPF 30 moisturizer. I have been using the products for over a month now and have noticed a big difference in my skin. Full transparency, I am usually pretty bad at sticking to particular brands or products when it comes to my face.

This race was a total shot in the dark. I knew I wanted to run it, but to be honest, after the Miami Marathon, I wasn’t really following a plan. Next thing I knew it was the week before the race and my longest runs were two 8 milers. So I went for a 12 miler and a leap of faith that I didn’t lose too much from my marathon training. I did do a lot more strength training, and I really do think that was the key for this race.

We are super excited to be included as guests on Strong Runner Chicks podcast! Here is a link to Ashley’s – click here for episode 23. Don’t miss Katie’s if you haven’t listened yet… Katie was featured in January click here for episode 14.

It really is true – after you spend so much time focused on a marathon you feel a loss afterwards. Sure you just completed a MARATHON, but what do you do with all the free time? In the months leading up to it so much time was spent training, mentally preparing, and just overall thinking about the race – then one day its over.

So I kind of put off writing this because I was disappointed. I felt like I let myself down and everyone that was pulling for me. But now that I am two weeks out, I am feeling better about it and happy that I was able to BQ. 8 months prior to the race I was still on crutches, so I would say that is a win! Anyway, below you can some insights on how I felt leading up to the race, throughout and the end! I also used this picture at mile 25 because it ain’t pretty, but its real. Woof!

Anyone who has run a marathon knows, the last week leading up to it can have you feeling kind of lost. The work has been done, you are in serious taper mode, and you are doing everything possible to avoid a freak accident. This will be my third marathon, so I am by no means an expert on pre-race rituals, but here are some things I have found helpful and try to remember the week leading up to the big race.