Hello my friends, how is your day?
Just last night I went to my little home, and left my parents house that I stayed at because of the bathroom renovation. That’s why I couldn’t post new recipes, but luckily I ran my first marathon that I want to tell you about today.
Last Friday 9th of October, was my first marathon 10 km. It was a great experience, that I intend to make it happen again soon. lets talk about it:
Amman Marathon:
Was organized by an organization called Run Jordan . Their goal is to promote running for leisure, and for a cause, without exclude anyone in the community. All people can participate in races, physically challenged, and visually challenged, young people, old people, and there was a marathon dedicated for kids only 2 weeks ago.
Training:
I had the chance to train with a team called “Run Jordan Road Runners” that I talked about them in this post. Once we did run the “marathon track” that helped me a lot running the marathon, and made the area very familiar. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to attend all sessions, since I have a kid to run after. And believe me that improved my skills, and the race was much easier than I thought.
Nutrition:
Now to be honest, I wasn’t intending seriously to go until 2 weeks before, here what I did.
Before the Race:
Since I wasn’t training for a rank in the marathon, I had my usual diet, but with a little bit increasing the carbohydrates amount. If you are eating healthy with adequate calories (not watching weight and reducing calories) all the time, it won’t be a problem. Therefore, this part was pretty easy for me.
Day of the race:
Again because I thought I would have walk most of the race, I didn’t pay enough attention to what I ate and when.
I had some peanut butter and chocolate on a slice of brown bread, and one shot espresso. Now that was a BIG MISTAKE (except the coffee that made me quite alert)! Even though, it made me feeling full for hours (which was great of course!). It stayed in my stomach, and I felt heavy while I was running.
I should have do either of the following:
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Eat earlier. I had my sandwich 1 hr and half before race. Should have been 2 hrs minimum.
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Choosing other grain, cornmeal, or instant oatmeal. But I would have eat it earlier too.
Don’t underestimate the meal before race like I did!
Hydration:
Since the weather was cool, hydration wasn’t a problem. I felt a bit thirsty after 2 km. It was the first station for water bottles, each one was 20 oz, which was a lot in my opinion. I couldn’t finish it, and regret having it in the first place. My sister (an experienced marathoner) warned me not to drink before 5 km, because really you don’t need it . I felt heavier then before, and start walking fast instead of running, until I gathered my strength again. I had another two sips after 6 km, which was enough to stay strong until the end of the race.
My goal was to improve my fitness, have fun, and push myself off limits. It’s a great feeling when you succeeded. Burning calories was a bonus! And my time was 1 hr 17 minutes, but I forgot to stop the app.
What I did really feel:
After the first 2 km, I was thinking why I’m running, and what I’m proving by running 10 km? I was tired, feeling heavy, and kind of desperate. I spent the next 2 km walking fast.
After the 4 km, the road was a bit easier with a wide slope. I felt better, and start running again.
After 6 km my arms were very sore, and I wanted to stop, but couldn’t betray my sister trust and myself too, so I kept running.
The last 2 km were kind of easy, that I regretted not running very fast!
When I hit the finish line, I opened my arms as much as I can, and felt like a hero!
After the race:
There was an apple and a small bottle of water for everyone (We are talking about 10k runners). It was, fresh, crispy, and sweet. I think it’s not enough, since its only simple sugar, but it was for me actually, and I didn’t feel the need to eat until 2 hours later.
After I got home, I had to hydrate myself more often that day and the day after. And I kept eating a high carbohydrate meals, with good amount of protein of course.
This is our team after we finished marathon
I was intrigued by all the efforts that have been made to make this marathon happens. There were lots of media coverage, cheerleaders, photographers, water stations, and Red Cross employees , and the police too.
I feel that I didn’t push myself enough, and there was 10 minutes where I didn’t do my best, now I’m thinking of the next marathon, I’ll keep you updated!
