“Aiming for the marathon is a task of sorts which can include terrific highs and lows.” -Bill Rodgers
Opinion
By: Shlomo Fishman
Capital Recreation is in business to make recreation accessible to all. I am not here to tell you the what, the who, and the when. I am here to support and encourage your positive behaviors. I am a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) breaking down barriers to leisure and recreation participation. This blog is here as a tool to spread my personal thoughts and ideas. But most of all, to create community!
Last weekend I traveled to Cincinnati Ohio to participate in the Flying Pig Marathon. Yes, you read correctly. The Flying Pig Marathon on Sunday October 31, 2021. Let me share some my experiences here. As you know I enjoy running. I enjoy getting outside. I enjoy having fun while pushing my upper limits to be my personal best in all domains. One way I do this, is through running and specifically the marathon.
I find the marathon to be the perfect distance to test grit, mettle, and commitment. It also forces you via the act of training to be committed, focused, and willing to make sacrifices. Finally, once you make it to the start line it tests your determination, patience, and attention to detail. All things which can be applicable in all areas of life. If I can have fun while working on these traits. It is a win-win scenario!
It all started with the cancelation of the 2021 Marine Corps Marathon. I was registered and was planning to run it for the 3rd time. However, this year was not to be. I let a few days go by before frantically realizing that I wasn’t running the local marathon. What do I do? Do I not run a marathon? Do I run one virtually? I had many thoughts and feelings and wasn’t sure what to do. I decided to Google ‘marathons on October 31, 2021.’ In the search results I saw the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati Ohio. I have family there and it was not too far if I wanted to drive. After some conversation with the greater powers to be, I got the all clear if I wanted to go. I signed up.
4:30am Sunday October 31, 2021. Wake up, clear the crust from my eyes it is marathon day! After a few minutes of procrastination, I am up and moving. First things first, breakfast must be had. One slice of toast with almond butter, banana, and 6 ounces of black coffee – with sips of water along the way. Sticking to routine and my plan I head out the door by 5:30am. Rule of thumb for self. When in an unfamiliar city or place, leave yourself ample time. It will reduce stress and anxiety.
7:00am. I am downtown in the vicinity of Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals. The weather if fair and cool with temps in the low to mid 40’s with a slight breeze. Cool enough to run hard but not freeze. It was ideal. I take care of business, complete at 10-minute easy run warm-up, a few strides, and dynamic stretches. All systems checked and ready to go!
7:25am. I squeeze myself into corral A. National Anthem, a few announcements, and we are off and running on time by 7:30am. Now, it is time to put my plan into action. Go out easy in the first half, then do my best to bring it home strong in the second half. So, phrases to self were, easy does it, enjoy the ride, and find a pack. Check, check, and check. Through the first few miles and eventually till halfway I was tucked in nicely with a group of four, keeping it smooth and feeling easy. The miles and time flew by!
Into the second half we all turned up the pace just slightly. I was feeling good and was ready to bring on the heat! From mile 13 through 19 I was steadily increasing the pace and was in a strong frame of mind. My body was feeling good and fueling was going as planned. So – keep it going! Note, at mile 14 and 16 the two others that I was with both increased the pace. I was now running alone. However, I was sticking to my plan. Back to mile 19/20 where I decided to make my move to the finish line. I was flat!! My legs had nothing. I felt depleted. Still 6 miles to go! It was me giving 100% while feeling like I was in gear 1. Just spinning in place. No good. Many thoughts were flying through my head. The good, bad, and the ugly.
Every day I make a commitment to give it my best, which included the way I talk and think about self in the moment. Over the course of the next half mile, I mentally reset. Control the controllables I kept telling myself. Keep up the cadence, eyes up the road, and a smile on my face. I knew I was not going to get a new marathon personal best, but I wasn’t going to let myself not have my personal best for the day! This meant not giving in. But rather giving it everything that I have. There was no way that I was going to be any less than 100% for the moment. It was about adapting to the moment in front of me. Shifting my mindset to stay positive and giving it everything I have got. I finished strong and injury-free. What more can I ask for.
I am happy. I am satisfied. I know that was my best for the day. There is always another run, another race, and another day. Now for some downtime and the long-awaited rest and recovery!!
I always love hearing from you and your personal journey. Share your moments of growth and success on social media using the hashtag #shlomotrained
Until next time – peace, and virtual fist bump going your way!
Capital Recreation 