So, the Boston Marathon is right around the corner. We are less than 2 weeks from race day!! We know you have all been training hard, putting in the miles, and are getting to rock those 26.2 miles.
Let's be honest though. Marathon training is HARD. We all have our own struggles and obstacles to overcome. It's not easy, but that's why we challenge ourselves to do it. But, some of us have more to overcome than others. Our friend Sara, an amazing runner, wife, and new mom, had her work cut out for herself getting ready to train for this year's Boston Marathon. But, we want you to hear Sara's story in her own words. Heads up though, it is amazing and truly inspiring. Sara, you are one incredible lady! Read Sara's story below:
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Hi there!
My name is Sara and I am a wife, new mom, runner, and blogger over at Running Wife.
I’m so excited to be a part of the BOSTONrabbit team for this year’s Boston Marathon! You see this marathon holds a really special place in my heart this year, but for you to truly understand why I have to share my story.
In December of 2014 I qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon. It was a task that even a year before I had thought would never happen. I worked really hard for almost a year (coming back from a femoral stress fracture) and was able to cut over 1 hour and 9 minutes off my marathon PR in one cycle to qualify. It was the most amazing feeling and I couldn’t wait to run.
As I approached the 2016 Boston Marathon I was ecstatic. I decided to go into the marathon without a time goal and to just enjoy it. I trained as hard as I could but as the marathon approached my body was not responding. I was struggling to get through runs, I couldn’t hold even paces that used to be easy, and I was beyond frustrated. I had no idea what was going on with my body. 3 weeks before I was supposed to be toeing the start line in Boston I was given some wonderful news – my husband and I were expecting our first child! I was thankful I was able to figure out what was going on with me and I was so excited to start our family.
I made the hard decision to not run that year even though it had been my dream for so long. I was only 7 weeks pregnant and I didn’t feel comfortable at the time to tackle the marathon distance. I still went that year to cheer on my husband (who finished top 50!) but I was still aching for that chance to run it myself.
As we started to figure things out I quickly realized I’d have another chance. In October of 2016 I ran the Chicago Marathon (before I got pregnant) and was able to quality for 2017. I was due in December so that means I’d have 4 months to get ready after giving birth. It was a big task but I knew if I stayed focused and kept my body strong I could do it.
I ran through 36 weeks of my pregnancy. I did the best I could to keep my endurance up and focus on the prize. Without a doubt running helped to keep me strong and ready to give birth to our son, Easton, on 12/1/16.
I was able to start running again 4 weeks postpartum and officially began marathon training 12 weeks before Boston. This training cycle has been unlike any other – lots of treadmill running during the early weeks, lots of stroller running in the later weeks, and a lot of patience and determination. I’ve had to learn to listen to my body much more and focus on the smaller things.
While it hasn’t always been easy and there have been more times that I’d like to admit where I almost wanted to throw in the towel, I know without a doubt that this will be the most rewarding marathon. Not only will it be my first Boston Marathon but I will have my sweet son and husband waiting for me at the finish. Even though I know a PR won’t be in the cards for me I plan to go and enjoy very single second, even the most painful ones!
My goal through my blog and my story is to help empower women to truly believe in themselves and to go after their biggest dreams!
I look forward to April 17th in so many ways and I cannot wait to experience Boston!
