These photos are at various stages of the Marathon- can you see how much we were enjoying ourselves?
Thinking about it now, I think we both just felt the day had finally arrived, we'd done all that we could, so lets go and enjoy this once in a life time experience (it can only be your first once).
Since May our focus was to finish a marathon on Aug 23. We trained week in week out slowly increasing the distance, we prepared mentally with exercises from the book (see below), we nurtured our bodies with good nutrition, regular massages and plenty of rest.
So there was nothing left to do but run on the day and achieve our goal.
We accepted we had done all that we could do with the knowledge we had gained to that moment. From our training experience and particularly when we hit the longer distances, we knew how important the mental attitude or spirit was. On our training journey we learnt alot about our bodies, about fatigue and about where the mind can go.
Yes you do have to do the physical training- your legs need to be able to run the distance but on the day, I realised a Marathon is all about your MINDSET.
So how did we learn all this? The book - The Non Runners Marathon Trainer - this book is based upon a highly successful marathon class offered by the Uni of Northern Iowa. The class has been offered 5 times over 10years and all but one student has finished the marathon. This is with approx 200 people, many who had absolutely no running background.
This book provides a 16 week, 4 days a week workout plan. The emphasis is on the psychological aspects of endurance activities. "You don't have to love to run - you don't even have to like it - but you do have to realise that you are capable of more than you have ever thought possible." the book states.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SOMEBODY ELSE CROSSING THE FINISH LINE. YOU CAN BE A MARATHONER!
So what's the GGG Plan? I have just order copies of this book which will be available soon for members to borrow for two weeks, at a time. Initially I would encourage those even remotely considering to take a book home and read it. Remembering at this stage, its only about reading the book to see why you might consider - its not about making a final decision.
Then in December I propose that we have an information night where Kerry and I will share and explain more about what would be involved and expected to partake in our Marathon Class. Then come January 2010 you must make the final decision.
Aiming for either the Gold Coast Marathon in July 2010 or Sydney Marathon, Sept 2010, your choice.
