Training for a marathon can be one of the most difficult, but rewarding things you've ever done. My first marathon was one of my first road races and the feeling I had when I crossed the finish line I'll remember forever: I did something that once seemed impossible to me. Through the years, I've taken my marathon time from 4:11 to 3:25, using everything I learned as a RRCA and USATF ... Read More
The ability to properly pace a half marathon can sometimes feel elusive. We all know that the smart thing to do is start slower and finish faster. But actually executing that plan is a totally different thing With a full training cycle complete and your adrenaline pumping, it is easy to go hard in the first few miles. You're feeling ready to take down your goal time in record fashion. Fast ... Read More
When I sat down to write this I thought it could go one of two ways: a helpful little essay, maybe even humorous, on the truths of training for a marathon after a baby or a painfully honest state-of-Sarah, a personal account of how things really are right now. At the risk of sounding like I'm complaining I opted for the second. Because, right now, I just need to be honest. In case Instagram makes ... Read More
So you've decided to tackle the marathon, all 26.2 miles of it. But now that you've made the decision to go for it you have to pick a race. Picking a race and signing up are the first step towards tackling a distance that may seem daunting, if not impossible. But being a little choosey when it comes to your first marathon can make the difference between a good experience and one that has you ... Read More
When you think of elite female marathoners from the US, the names that most often come to mind are Joan Benoit Samuelson, Deena Kastor, Kara Goucher or Shalane Flanagan. Not often mentioned is the name of two-time Olympian, Cathy O'Brien. I had the chance to run with Cathy when she joined my running club, the Rochester Runners for our monthly meeting last week (it was cold...and ... Read More
The long run is the cornerstone to any long distance training plan (marathon and half marathon especially). Often times the 'whys' and 'hows' of the long run are ignored with the simple instruction to "run far." There's a bit more to it than just tacking on miles and with fall training plans in full swing, it is the perfect time to dissect the long run. Why Run Long: The long run is ... Read More
A few weeks ago my husband and I were talking about the marathon and my training. "I'm not trying to belittle you past races, but for the first time I actually believe you'll reach your goal. In the past I always hoped you would, but kind of knew that you wouldn't. But this time you've actually done the training." To be honest, it stung a little at first. Prior to Sugarloaf, I had trained ... Read More
The only real way to start my recap of the Sugarloaf Marathon I ran on Sunday is to go back. Back to 2001. I was 18 and in a desperate struggle for my life and well being. I had recently been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and when I wasn't in my freshman-year classes I was sitting in the office of a psychologist or nutritionist or physician trying to work through all of my "issues". It was the ... Read More
Run my race. Quiet the doubt. Believe and be the truth. Finish feeling triumphant. --Sarah ... Read More
Something happened to me this winter when I ran my first snowshoe race. It changed with way I think about racing and subsequently running and my running goals in general. It taught me that I can run by effort and perform infinitely better than when I run based on pace. It's safe to say that prior to this year I've been a slave to pace. I've lived and died (I've felt pretty close to death at the ... Read More
