The pain started to sear as I crept into the unknown territory of +30kms, my legs cramped into rocklike formations and only then did I scold myself for going out too fast too soon. I’d held the 4:00 balloon marker off for a full 28kms but as I watched him glide effortlessly into the distance I reached for the salt tabs, the energy gels and I picked up my big girl britches and gave myself a pep talk.
I had decided to run my first marathon, not just because I’ve always liked running, but because I’ve been going through a bit of a metamorphosis over the past few years and the personification of this was to literally do the things I thought I wasn’t good enough to do, like run a full marathon.
It’s taken a fair amount of effort, a bunch of training and a whole new mindset to be able to do this, but I did it. I reached that 30km point, the point that I had trained to and looked into the landscape of the next gruelling 12kms to come. Instead of giving in and walking, I told myself “No, you are not walking, you are NOT giving up, you can do this”. So I did. I slowed my pace back to something more manageable, I was sitting on my hips and so I fixed my posture, leant forward slightly and relaxed my shoulders. One step after the other I continued on. Finding an escape from the cramp through my music I sang out loud, not caring what others thought of me… Alright Now from Free came on and I bellowed it out, one chap even telling me that I had a cracking song on. He was right I did and it fuelled my desire to complete this beast.
With the help from Kev and the kids on course (they were everywhere), the guidance from my coach Toby and the goodwill and energy (plus snakes) from the crowd I got on with it.
As I rounded the last turn marker at picnic point, I knew I was on the home straight. Just then, the 4:15 pacer trotted alongside me, so I stuck to him like an elastic band (I’d say glue but really he did get away from me a tad). I kept him in my sights and set myself up for a 4:15 finish.
The final runway that leads to the finish shute was before me and I picked up the pace, ignoring the searing pain in my quads, brushing off the fact that the band-aid I had on my foot had started to peel off and was digging into my bruised toes, I got back into my stride. The barriers drew closer either side, people lined the street, the cheering was palpable. I passed some girlfriends cheering me on, I said to them “I did it” and I choked up a bit. I had done it. My pace quickened as I thundered down the finisher chute. Easily picking Kev and the kids from the crowd I ran over to my amazing family who had supported me on the whole marathon journey, through training and as they cycled up and back (covering 30kms) to be there to cheer me on throughout the whole event and kissed Kev and high fived my boys, their support had meant so much.
I crossed the line at 4:15.25. I, Angie Hammond was a marathon runner. I had done it. Another big-ticket goal kicked into space. Yes it was hard, yes there were times when I didn’t feel like training, yes I made mistakes on the run, yes I was fuelled by the thought of ice-cold beer at the finish and YES I had done it. Proud is an understatement. I’m bloody stoked with myself.
See somethings are hard, some things hurt, some things take effort, but unless you get your head into the right space it won’t work out. Positive self-talk is crucial to your success. If you don’t believe you can do it – why should anyone else.
So set your goals, make a plan, stick to it, stay positive and dig in and get it done
Your toes might hurt after and you may walk like a tin man for a few days – but it’s so worth it.
