I have always enjoyed running alone, and I'm pretty self motivated to get out and hit the pavement or treadmill whenever I need some time to myself. In fact, these days its about the only alone time I get. And I've gotten to enjoy it a lot. Even when I had to wake up at 5am to get my run in before Dave left for work I still would gladly do it. But of course if I have my choice I would rather do it at a more humane hour of the day.
Last October I ran the Nike Women's half marathon for a dear friend who was injured during training. It was one of the best and most exhilarating experiences in my life. It wasn't my first race. I ran the SF Marathon in 2008, but there was something different about this race. At the time I didn't know why but I felt much more success running this half marathon than I did my previous full. I displayed my 13.1 sticker on the bumper with great pride (I never did care to display the previous one). I believe I now know the reason.
In 2008 I trained with Dave, my husband. We embarked on the marathon journey with nothing more than a book as our training guide and a whole lot of motivation. I was the runner; he was not. Prior to this marathon his longest race was a stroll around the block and he would be out of breath. He was my inspiration. We divided the tasks: he would research the running routes and I would prepare our fuel and hydration. We went shoe shopping together; we nursed each other's bumps, bruises, and fallen toe nails. I knew that I could count on him to push me through those last few miles, and even though we often ran in silence, having him next to or nearby me always felt so comforting.
Training for a marathon alone can be very fun, but it comes with many challenges. For starters, I am responsible for researching my own routes, and God only knows I'm not good with directions. I've gotten lost more times than I care to admit. But I create my own routes, and that brings me confidence. I never cut a run short because I get lost. I simply know that if at a half way point I feel lost, I can simply run back the same way.
Running alone also poses many safety issues, especially when I start long runs before sunrise. Some of the most beauiful routes are also the most dangerous (running through vineyards, farm land, or any kind of dirt trail). I make it a point to stay within high traffic areas but they are much less scenic. And then there is the potential risk for injury. Without a running partner one is left to tend to oneself , so a cell phone is always a must! But you have to make sure there is a person on the other end to answer your call. In my case I had a wonderful training angel who came to my rescue more than once, something my husband wasn't in a position to do.
Like last year, tomorrow I will be driving myself to the start line and there will not be a cheerful familiar smile waiting for me at the finish line. But unlike last year, I will not have a running buddy (last year I teamed up with my cousin on race day and I ran with her the first half of the marathon, she ran the full). Also, this year my peanut will not be running with me. I will be running alone but among 24,999 other runners, so in good company after all.
More on the race after tomorrow... wish me luck!
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