I ran 26 miles the other day
My fellow runners and I lined up bright & early with our pace groups. All along the 13 mile trail, we sipped water & Gatorade from paper cups. At the finish line, there were balloons, cheering friends, and pancakes. I even got a medal.
But it wasn’t a race. There was no National Anthem. No timing chips or official clock. To be honest, I only have a vague idea of how long the run took us – but with bathroom breaks and photo opps…well, it’s safe to say that none of us would’ve qualified for Boston that day.
On February 23, I’m running the 26.2 with Donna. It will be my second official marathon. And apart from the extra 2 tenths of a mile, I’ll run the same 26 miles that I ran during my training run. Hopefully I’ll run them a bit faster. There won’t be 10 minute bathroom breaks or chocolate covered pretzels to celebrate the halfway point. But 26 miles is 26 miles – right?
So here’s my question. Does it have to be an “official marathon” to be considered a marathon? Or does any 26 mile run count as a marathon? Will I be running my second marathon or my fourth?
I’d love to know your thoughts!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
I think that I wouldn’t put the run on a “races” page or anything, but I’d definitely say that you ran a marathon! Because…you did 🙂 Nice work!
sharon says
Thanks! That’s how I think of it too…I think. 🙂 26 miles is kind of nuts either way. Haha.
Leah Ugelow says
Shar lovey, I have never done this before, writing in a blog, ( i think). I am tremendously proud of you. and love you much. Grandma 2/9/14
sharon says
Hi Grandma!!! You did it perfectly. 🙂 I love you too! xoxo
Kim says
If someone asked me, I’d tell them I ran a marathon over the weekend! Nice job!
sharon says
Thanks! I know it’s silly, but it’s one of those things that I feel awkward about. I’m kind of an awkward girl in general though, so no surprise. 🙂
Michele C. says
Um, if I could finish 26 miles, I’d consider it a marathon, official or unofficial!!!!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
sharon says
Thanks! Stick with your Galloway training and you will. So serious. The longest I’d run before I started training for the marathon was 10 miles, but that was a rarity. My typical run was 3 miles or less. Hey, maybe we can find a half marathon to run together during our next blog conference! 🙂
Mom says
I am so proud of you!!!!!
sharon says
<3
Ami says
I agree – 4 marathons, 2 official races. And regardless of what they are officially called, you’re amazing for running them!
sharon says
So when are we going to run that half marathon together? 🙂
Brianne says
I would say you’ve run 4 marathons! You’ve run in 2 marathon races, but 4 marathons. You should be really proud of yourself for all of the running you’ve ever done. I’m really proud of you! Xoxo
sharon says
Thanks! The girls think that it only counts if there’s a medal. So if you’re going by their rules, I guess I’m coming up on #4. 🙂
theexsaffa says
just running is a marathon, do you remember when you started? How far did 3mile feel? You determine how far you run and what a marathon is in your world:)
sharon says
I like that. I remember when I couldn’t run a mile. This morning I ran a quick, easy six. Our accomplishments belong to us, so I guess we can only judge our own. 🙂