I can’t believe I am actually going to be at the start line of my TENTH marathon this weekend. I still remember being at the start line of my very first marathon like it was yesterday, it’s hard to believe I have actually finished 9!
Each marathon I run I always learn something new, so here are my 9 lessons from the 9 marathons I have run so far…
I learned that I could run 26.2+ miles. And a tough 26.2+ miles!
#2 California International Marathon
I learned that marathons were definitely were hard and BQing was going to be harder.
I learned that we all have bad days and on those bad days we learn more about our self determination than any other day.
I learned not running for yourself can be more rewarding than running for yourself.
I learned when your heart isn’t into a race, your body won’t be either.
#6 California International Marathon
I learned that when you want something bad enough and work hard enough, it will happen.
I learned that even when things are amazingly beautiful, marathons still hurt.
#8 California International Marathon
I learned to never ever overdress for a marathon.
I learned that some marathons are 100% more about the taking in the experience than the number on the clock.
#10 Big Sur Marathon
We will find out the lesson in 2 short days – lets hope it’s a good lesson!
2 days to go!
You will do amazing this weekend! Good luck to you!
You really are an amazing running inspiration. It’s easy to see your love for running in EVERY post, even if you’re having a bad day. I know I don’t comment all the time, but your posts are my go-to posts when I’m in need of serious inspiration. So thank you.
That is a great way to look at marathons. Sometimes they aren’t the best but we can still learn something even if something doesn’t go our way
Awesome idea for a post and I love your lessons learned, especially # 6.
Good luck on number 10!
Good luck on number 10!!
Thank you for sharing this! I am running my first marathon on Sunday at the Avenue of the Giants…..I am starting to get really nervous for it but trying to remind myself it’s just a run and I just want to finish! Good luck at your 10th!
GOOD LUCK!! I am doing number ONE on Sunday and am quite nervous, so reading about all of yours is quite an inspiration! Enjoy your blog!
10 marathons is a huge milestone!! Make sure you celebrate that and really give yourself an extra pat on the back! Every race definitely teaches you a lesson, and I love to think of races that way as opposed to “what time did I get?” or “why didn’t I PR?” Every race gives you something to take away, and I can’t wait to see what #10 brings you!
i love the lessons!
and what i also love is that the moment you cross a finish line the story seems bigger than life, with all the twists, turns, and details. but through time all of the moments start to melt together and eventually you can sum up the day in a one liner. made me think of the lessons that i’ve learned through my marathons….
good luck this weekend! enjoy the views and take lots of pictures
Have LOVED catching up on all your Boston reports – you did GREAT out there – and I can’t believe you’re doing this this weekend – I’m SO far away from doing another marathon, am in fact home ill – you’re incredible Aron. Inspirational!
Marathon #10 – very impressive!
All great lessons. I especially like #7. Best of luck this weekend. Amazing turnaround time after just doing Boston.
loved the list aron!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow #10. good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! looking forward to the lesson
Oh, what an awesome list! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
I hope you have a blast! Go #10!!
good luck this weekend at big sur! have sooo much fun
i LOVED reading these! good luck this weekend lady! I hope your lesson is that number 10 is the best one yet!
Double digits!!!
Good luck this weekend
I hope you have an awesome run — and enjoy the beautiful course!
Good luck this weekend Aron!
awww i love this! GOOD LUCK ARON!!!! xoxox
Yeah for #10!! Good luck this weekend! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog the past few weeks!
i just learned your #5 marathon lesson! best of luck this weekend you crazy girl
what a great idea! and SO true about the lessons! i think i am going to go read all of your marathon reports while i’m procrastinating from studying this weekend
have a blast at big sur!!
Thanks for linking to all those marathons, they were very interesting to read. Best of luck with this 10th one!
I love the summary and pics of all your marathons! Good luck at Big Sur on Sunday!
I didn’t have a chance to respond to your post yesterday about Chris becoming a firefighter – that is very admirable for him. You always want to try to do something that you love, that is great that he is following his dream.
And especially in the environment we are in in terms of California’s budget – our state is completely idiot. We always seem to have a $20-30 billion deficit every year, and this year will be the worst I think. The politicians have nowhere to go except to cut spending or our state will literally go bankrupt. I love this state and will likely live here all my life, but I wish our politicians could get a clue about budgeting for once, haha
And the first thing I thought of on your post yesterday was Sugarland singing Settlin =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9GMe38MoV4
I just wanted to say, I loved this post. Congrats, have fun.
~savor the run~
Great post! I love that you look at all your marathons as a learning experience.
Good luck on marathon #10!
Good luck, this weekend, Aron! Let’s hope 10′s a charm!
Wow, 10 marathons! Have a great time at Big Sur!
You are amazing!! 10 marathons is such a huge milestone! And I love how you’ve presented a different lesson from each one – I definitely feel like I learn more with each race. I hope #10 is an incredible experience! Good luck tomorrow!!
Good luck with number 10! Have a great time!
Good luck!!! 10 is so impressive! I’m only on 4! Someday I hope I have 10!!
PS it is so crazy you are running so close to Boston! You are such a seasoned runner!
I want to be that strong of a runner too!