Marathon Training Update: 1 Week Out

Marathon Training Update: 1 Week Out // The Speckled Palate

My heart has been in Boston this morning, and I’ve been thinking of what transpired last year, how the city has rallied and how the runners are being cheered on throughout the storied course.

It’s overwhelming, emotional and inspiring.

In the aftermath of the bombings last year, a friend and I discussed running the Boston Marathon together. That was the first time I ever contemplated running a full marathon seriously… and a little more than a year later, I’ll be lining up for my first one.

While I’m not in Boston today, I think it would be an incredible experience.

And watching this coverage and these athletes perform has inevitably got me thinking about my own marathon, which starts bright and early this Sunday morning.

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    Running, for me, started off as a semi-last minute weight loss move before my wedding. Unsurprisingly, I lost no weight, but I continued running after I got married, completing my first three half marathons within a year.

    In the years since, running has become a refuge. It’s made me comfortable with the silence and being in my own head for hours on end. It makes me listen to my body. And it is a way for me to challenge myself and feel strong.

    Now, I’m not an elite athlete. I won’t be finishing in the 2-hour range. (Which, let’s be real, is jaw-dropping and ridiculously, amazingly athletic.) But I will be finishing my race as strongly as I can. And that, in and of itself, is a huge feat for someone who couldn’t run a mile when she first started and for someone who proclaimed she “hated” running because basketball ruined distance work for her in high school.

    I’ve come a long way, and for that, I am incredibly proud.

    Thousands of runners will line up in Oklahoma City, and I’m honored to be among them. The running community is such an strong, supportive and encouraging group, as evidenced by Boston, and when I think about Sunday morning, I can’t think of a place I would rather be.

    We are all different speeds. We’re from different places. We have different backgrounds. But we’re all runners. And that is more than enough to unite us all and bring us all together.

    I will be carrying this knowledge with me through my 26.2. While I know it’s not going to be easy, and it will definitely be an emotional journey, I cannot wait to get started.

    Other running-related posts: That time I decided to train for and actually RUN a half marathonSunday Snippets: The Rouge-Orleans Edition33 Things Y’all Didn’t KnowSunday Snippets: The Belated Beach Edition / Fitness Goals, Eating Well and a 10-Day Challenge Review / Sunday Snippets: The #glitter200/Ragnar SoCal RecapRunner Food: An IntroductionMarathon Training Update: 3 Weeks Out / Race Recap: OKC Memorial Marathon

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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    12 Comments

    1. I read somewhere that so many people have intentions to run a marathon and then are derailed by lack of training, injury, or loss of motivation – so much so, that the act of making it to the starting line is something awesome in of itself. Trust your training, best of luck, and KICK ASS!

      1. Karen, that doesn’t surprise me! I’ve been lucky in this training process, as I haven’t been derailed by any major injuries or lack of training, but making it to the starting line and feeling like I can actually DO it? It’s a pretty phenomenal feeling. Thank you so much! Trusting in the work I’ve put in and hoping for the best this weekend! I appreciate the support!

    2. This is a beautiful post. I can’t begin to tell you how running has influenced my life. I have achieved personal milestones as new friendships have blossomed. It’s been a remarkable journey. Sounds like you are more than prepared. Let’s hope weather and circumstances are on your side, so you run across that finish line with a smile on your face!

      1. Thanks so much, Nilsa! Isn’t it incredible how something like running can influence so much? It really is an amazing journey, when you look at it as a whole, and it’s always so exciting and encouraging speaking to other runners about it. Thank you! Fingers crossed for the weather and circumstances to fall into place Sunday!

    3. Good luck to you. I admire you for running. This Boston thing is so upsetting, yet I think they have made a great triumph from the horror.
      Thanks for stopping by my blog! Good to find you, too!

      1. Leslie Anne, thank you so much! I agree with you about the Boston bombings being so upsetting, but the athletes and the entire city rallying to triumph over the horror of last year. It’s incredible how something so horrifying can bring a city and people to overcome obstacles together.

      1. Thanks, Coach! I might not be “fast,” but I’ll be faster than I was four months ago… and that, in itself, is pretty darn amazing to me.

    4. I am so proud of you Erin! I have shared your blog with many others, simply because of the inspiration you are – YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

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