My Marathon Timeline

This is going to sound very strange, but I have never followed a strict "plan" when training for marathons. This is not to say I didn't train. I did. It just wasn't always very purposeful or thought out. Allow me to explain...

My first marathon was Harrisburg, 2006. I did most of my long runs with Team in Training and followed whatever long run schedule they used. As for mid week runs? I barely ran at all. I used the elliptical most mornings. Granted, I had a running base, so I was still able to do the weekend runs. I bet you are wondering why I eliptical-ed my way to the start line? I was afraid I would get sick of running! It is funny when I look back and of course I would not suggest this training method for ANYONE! I finished in 4:26:54.

Wet but happy! I was running a freaking marathon!
Yes, that's a cotton zip up hoodie...

After my first marathon, I was dead set on running another. I was a little bit hooked. I did the Keybank Vermont City Marathon in 2007 and the Flying Pig in 2008. I don't remember much of my training for these races. I definitely ran more this time and shaved about 34 minutes off my time. (Vermont was a 3:53 and Flying Pig was 3:56... but the course was long due to a fire so after they adjusted our times, I got a 3:53 again!) I didn't have goals for either of these races. I just wanted to finish.

This is the only picture of my running Vermont that exists! I'm in the blue. And I wore the race shirt on race day. THE HORROR!

Having fun at the Flying Pig!
I wore the race shirt on race day for this one, too! It's under my green long sleeve. I pitched that long sleeve. I still miss it. That was a nice color.

It was some point in the summer before Philly, 2008 that I decided I wanted to BQ. This would be my first official marathon goal. A lot of my running friends were attending organized speed sessions each week so I went too. I was a little skeptical that I would actually get faster, but after about six weeks, I did notice a difference! I ran Philly with no Garmin- just a pace band around my wrist. I knocked 15 minutes off my time by doing weekly speed sessions and BQ'ed with 64 seconds to spare!

My friend Chris and I just BQ'ed!
Yes, it hurt. There were cramps, tears, and THE WALL.

Boston was next, and the plan was to run with some friends and to run for FUN. I ran long on the weekends and short during the week. I didn't follow a set plan, but did the obligatory 20 miler about 3 weeks before the race. We ran a 4:25:32 in Boston by taking our grand old time, taking pictures and soaking it all in.

With my pals being silly at the top of Heartbreak Hill!

I ran Baltimore in 2009 with the same type of training I usually did... long on the weekend and whatever I felt like during the week. I had no goals for the race, but somehow clocked in at a 3:53... again!!!! This was my third 3:53 in 6 marathons! I really think 3:53 is my "la la la" marathon where I'm just running for fun, but not stopping to take pictures and being pokey like that.

I went to this race alone, so no pictures exist. Here's a picture of my medal instead!

After Baltimore, I went to the DARK SIDE..... TRAIL RUNNING!!!! I did a couple ultras and again I followed a training plan for the weekends. Lots of double runs- 20 milers on Saturday and 12 milers on Sunday. I vowed I would never run a road marathon again unless I wanted to qualify for Boston.

Crossing the finish line with my friend Anne at the Bull Run 50 miler. Can you believe I did not chafe at all from the waist pack?

In the summer of 2012, I overhauled my whole philosophy on food and exercise. I was getting into a disordered eating and exercise spiral. It was horrible and it started ruling my life. How did I make this huge overhaul? I started lifting. Lifting was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. By lifting more and running LESS, I got a lot faster! 

I still loved running and would do long runs on the weekend. I had a hilly 9 miler and a hilly 15 miler that I would do on alternating weekends. After running these routes for about a month and a half, I noticed I was getting significantly faster! One day when I ran the 15 miler, I had averaged 8 minute miles. Since it was really hilly and I was still hitting that pace, I realized I was probably in shape to PR in the marathon distance. I signed up for Harrisburg about a month before the race. I did a 20 miler at MP on the course 3 weeks before the race. I nailed it and even had more left in the tank. The stars aligned on race day, and I ran my current PR: 3:28:07.

Mile 24. GAME FACE!!!

I love this pic because my face is like, "Did I just do that!!!!!???"

About 2.5 months before Boston 2014, I had knee surgery. I was in no shape to race a marathon and I wasn't even sure if I was in shape to run a marathon! I trained to run/walk the thing and made it to the starting line feeling good. It was rough, but I had a great time, took pictures, hit the wall at Mile 11 (HAHAHAHA!) and made it to the finish line in 4:16:41.

Look who I met on the course! I had to take a picture to show my students! Certain things give an elementary teacher street cred. Running Boston? No. Meeting Big Bird? YES!

There you have it! 2014 was the last time I ran a marathon!

One thing I noticed while doing this short little marathon timeline, is not only did I never really follow a strict plan, but out of my 8 marathons, I only ever had a GOAL for two of them- and that goal was to PR/BQ. I still think it's funny I ran a 3:53 three times.

Via is up next, and this is the first time I am following a really strict PLAN, not just a weekend long run schedule. I love it! I love that my runs have a purpose. This will also be just the third marathon that I actually have a goal for. And once again that goal is big. Go big or go home!!!

Have you run any of these races?
Do you set a goal for every race?
Do you like following loose training plans or strict ones?
Did you ever run the exact time in more than one race?