Mile 19 Tested Me, Crossing the Finish Line Inspired Me: My First Marathon

On November 24, 2024, I completed a marathon in 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 2 seconds…according to the official chip time. My Garmin watch, which states I ran over 27 miles, read 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 11 seconds, but that is a discussion for another time. Either way, I could not be happier with the day. It was a very chilly morning, filled with anxiety. Not about the race, simply over just getting there and making it to the start line with everything I needed such as fuel and an empty bladder. I had discussed the strategy for the race with my coach and I was all set to follow a heart rate–based race, where I focus on heart rate intensity rather than pace. My marathon preparation was not a structured, run-focused block. I have been training for triathlons since May 2024 and just about all my progress regarding endurance can be attributed to my new found passion for cycling. Regardless, I was as ready as I could be, unsure of how it was all going to play out. I would have left Philly happy with anything around a 3:45 marathon. I set out on course, replaying the strategy document in my head. First mile, 7:07…“woah, am I the next Eliud Kipchoge? No. Wait… no.” The next 16 miles went perfectly. I was efficient, my fueling strategy was dialed, and my legs felt strong. After so many uphill and downhill stints over those 16 miles, by mile 19, I felt fatigue in my legs that was unfamiliar and quite debilitating. It became extremely difficult to hold my heart rate at 155 simply because my quads were so tired. Mile 19 tested me and basically every mile after was the same story until about mile 24. In a surprising turn of events, I found a second wind. I was able to get my heart rate up to the prescribed intensity and my legs started turning over at 180 steps per minute. I left Philly inspired, proud of where my current endurance levels were physically and mentally. But I still had one question, where did that second wind come from? How was I able to endure those last few miles at a blazing speed when I thought my race was over at mile 19? Was it the crowd (shout out to Philly fans)? The thought of finally crossing the line? What happens in the brain in those moments that allows you to squeeze out those last drips of energy reserves in endurance sports? It is an interesting topic to explore and I will report back with some findings. For now, my first marathon is in the books and I can say with confidence there are more on the horizon.