Two days from now, I’ll be running my second marathon, the Rocket City Marathon, in Huntsville, AL. As you know, I ran my first at Disney just this past January. A life changing experience, the WDW marathon has given me a lifetime of memories and knowledge about what I can do if I assert myself.
So here I am, less than 48 hours until my second marathon. I’ve undergone a sea change in diet, nutrition, attitude, and training. I’ve had a major perspective shift. I’ve learned so much about my mind, my body, and my spirit. Not all of it has been pretty, but nothing ever is, most certainly not life itself. Life is filled with the same ups and downs as running, and perhaps that’s why I love it so.
I feel good going into this race. And I have a few things going for me that I did not have going into the WDW marathon in January:
- Weight. I’ve lost 27.5 pounds (from 231.5 to 204) and feel incredible. My running has improved and I KNOW this will assist my racing and recovery. Eating a healthier diet has been paramount to this growth and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Megan (the Vegan Running Mom) for helping me wean myself from dairy and meat (I’m not totally off them yet, but my consumption of those two items has decreased exponentially, and my weight has come off because of it)
- Rest. Before the WDW race, I had toured the parks for a full 2.5 days before trying to rest the night before the marathon. My endurance suffered from walking miles a day and standing in lines for hours. This time, I’ve had plenty of rest and recovery during my taper.
- Training. My training for WDW was “just finish.” The training for this race has been specific for a time goal and for growth and improvement as a runner. This has made a world of difference in my attitude and conditioning. Again, thanks to Megan for being my coach.
- Experience. Another year of running, with its successes and failures has taught me great lessons about myself and about running. I still consider myself a newbie, but feel so much more knowledgeable about this sport.
- Friends. You, the people who read this blog, or listen to the podcast, or tweet with me on twitter. You mean a lot to me. All of you have inspired me in one way or another and I can only say thanks, and hope to give you something to be proud of when I run.
Rocket City Goal: 5:30 or better
(Disney time was 6:10)
By the way, my goal was to weigh 205 by this race. Today I weighed 204. Still lots to go before I celebrate, but it feels nice reaching a weight goal. I so badly want to hit 199. I haven’t been below 200 since college, more than 20 years ago.
This Running Life 
You are going to do GREAT! DrivingUsDaisy and I will be cheering you on from down here on Mobile Bay!
Good luck man. I can't wait to hear about it. I wish you all the best.
You've worked really hard on so many levels since WDW. That list just confirms what you've accomplished in a short period of time. Enjoy the race – you've earned it! Good luck!
Good luck on Saturday. I'll be thinking about you during my WDW training run. You'll do just fine!
Good luck Gordon. You've come a long way. This is whats its about!
As someone who has worked 3 years to get the courage to finally take on a full marathon, your post spoke to me on so many levels. My goal for my first full (Chicago 2010) is also just to finish. Through running I have also learned self-discovery and it is a wonderful thing. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hope your race went fantastic. Can't wait to hear all about it.
You should be proud of all you've accomplished.
Way to GO on the weight loss and, like slorunnermom, you have also inspired me. My goal for my first (Disney 2010) is also just to finish. Listening to your running evolve over the past year has been such a wonderful source of motivation for me! Can't wait to hear the race report!
Congrats on a great PR. Over a half an hour improvement is incredible. I too cant wait to see the 199 in the scale looking back at me. I am about 210 right now down from 250. We will both get there soon enough. See you at the goofy challenge in 2011.
Congratulations, my friend! A most excellent result for your endeavors!
I hear that you met Susan Stout! She, like yourself, is one of my ultimate heroes! She helped me to find the running path. You assisted me in refining that path! What a great meeting that would have been for me!
Cheers, friend! I tip my hat to you!