Friday, September 05, 2008

Feels Like the First Time?

Seeing as how I'm less than a month away from my marathon, now is the time for me to find random stuff to freak out about.

Currently on my mind? What if I don't love my second baby as much as I love the first one?

Running my first marathon was a life-changing experience. As the days drew closer to race day, I had a feeling of absolute euphoria. I had worked so hard and had run distances that I had never run before. Before I even ran a step of the race itself, I felt like I had already won.

And after I crossed the finish line with 26.2 miles behind me? Wow. I felt like I could do absolutely anything.

Will finishing my second marathon not be such a big deal? This time around, I don't have that lingering doubt about whether or not I can really run that far - I know I can. I've done it before, and I've trained for it. Will crossing the finish line be ho-hum? Or is every single marathon an exciting, passionate experience?

These questions are not rhetorical, you guys.

12 comments:

Eurogirl said...

You're running a marathon while pregnant with your second baby? You *are* a super woman! :)

tfh said...

I'm not the one to ask.

But if we're working with metaphors, I would say each one is unique and special in its own way. I suspect you're going to feel damned proud to finish your second, because you could have stopped at one but you didn't.

And hopefully, like giving birth, the second one is easier. :)

Marcy said...

If it's anything like kids, yes there is enough love for both of them :-) But you still want to sucker punch them in the face when the going gets tough :P

Midwest said...

Ack! No actual baby! Just metaphorical babies!

Julie said...

Ooh! Ooh! Me! Me!

My first was like yours: life-changing and new.

My second, we don't talk about (I was neither prepared mentally nor physically and it was a nightmare).

My third was a fantastic experience, but in a different way than the first. I'd trained better for it and didn't have the "falling apart -- slightly or dramatically -- at mile 19" issues I had with the first two. In fact, I was too conservative, if anything. But I crossed the finish line feeling like I'd gotten a lot closer to mastering the distance.

Plus running it as a total blast, as I was more confident -- and a lot faster), which I can't say about the first two.

Laura said...

I know I've only done five so far, but I feel like no matter how many you do, each one is special and you won't forget it. I have no idea how I'm going to find the space in my brain for 51 marathons once I do all the states (plus Calgary), but I feel like I'll remember them all.

Aileen said...

I think it'll still be a big deal for you, because it's still a marathon! Not that I think you won't finish it, but so much can happen in those 26.2 miles that finishing or finishing well is never a guarantee! You will rock this one, no doubt :)

newsjunkie said...

I have yet to run my second full marathon (that comes on Oct 26) but I just completed my second half marathon (or trisko as you call it) and it was just as awesome as the first one. No, it wasn't the farthest I've ever run, and my time wasn't all that great due to heat and humidity (but it WAS better than last year), but it was just FUN. I was at mile 10 and saw one of my TNT coaches, and I was like "yeah it's hot and humid and I'm slacking a bit." She said, "Sandy, you're about to complete a half marathon. 13.1 miles. How can you say you're slacking?!"

I think you'll love your second marathon just as much as the first. Maybe even more!

Nat said...

I adore Marcy's comment.

The second one was harder in some respects because I knew what to expect. But it was as rewarding and you get to see people give you that nod of respect...

This second one felt like mine.

Kent said...

Yes but this one you get the added benefit of smoking me, so there certainly will be joy to be had this time around as well. Good luck in your final training long run tomorrow.

Unknown said...

Boy, this post woke me up. "Betsy's pregnant? Yowza!" Then I got it.

I've run 4 marathons (my 5th will be tomorrow) and I love each one for different reasons. But I definitely think your first is the most special.

Anonymous said...

You freaked me out there for a minute! Especially after the losing 5 lbs while running post. That probably would be bad during a pregnancy.