Gachnar's Blog

Yesterday I accomplished a lifelong goal, completing my first marathon. It was an amazing experience, and I'm already looking forward to running another.

For me the marathon was a symbol of completing my journey to get into the kind of shape I want to be in. It's been a long journey, starting back in June of 06. I spent a year losing 140 pounds and then training for the marathon. I started running back in February with a goal of being able to run the 10k by July, which I was easily able to do. I still remember my first 1 mile run. I could barely walk afterwards for 2 days

I have to say it's pretty nice to be standing here, days from my 31st birthday and be able to say I'm in the best shape of my life, and I've accomplished something most people never even attempt.

The race took me almost exactly 4:20 to complete, which ends up being a 10 minute per mile pace. My goal was to finish in under 4 hours, so now I have a goal for the next one. At least next time I will have a better idea of what to expect.

Running up that final hill, with the finish line in sight, my wife cheering me on was one of the best feelings ever, though nearly matched a minute later when I was able to stop running and eat an ice cream bar.

My wife enjoyed the experience of watching so much that she is planning to run a half marathon in May.