Teachable moments from marathon training

I have been at a loss for a few weeks at what to write so I haven’t posted for a bit.  I have had a lot going on in life and have been concentrating on doing the things I have to do.  I enjoy blogging/writing, but it it fell to the bottom of the list.  I’m back though and still working on my marathon training.  I have found that it is a pretty time demanding activity, more than I thought when I started.  There are a few things I have learned along the way and I want to share a few with you.

1. The treadmill is not the enemy- it’s a bit more boring than running outside, but it is a useful tool when you want to run, but are maybe not feeling the best or can only fit the run in during a time period that is dark (I live in the middle of Vegas and running alone in the dark is not a choice I would make).  Options are important to have when you are taking on big challenges.
2. Calorie restrictions are NOT for marathon training- I tried it, I gained weight; I listened to my friends (the more experienced personal trainer and the dietitians) ate more started stabilizing.  In fact it’s helped me confront an older way of thinking that focuses on restricting rather than focusing on clean eating.  It’s a different and healthier mindset because it uses more of a mindfulness perspective where I have to listen to my body more.
3. Food prep is invaluable during marathon training- I would eat any kind of junk if I didn’t have stuff prepared already and to be honest there have been a few days where I have had some regrettable meals.  Instead of that being a major set back I use it as a learning lesson.
4. Get support- having family around to help out has been vital, I don’t say it often enough, but I really appreciate them and all they have done to help me.  Being surrounded by supportive people can encourage you when you might feel like giving up.
5. I have more strength than I thought- I always held back on my dream to run, I was scared and intimidated by the thought of running that far.  I talk to other people now about running, hearing that some reluctance from them, I smile and say I thought that too.  It takes a certain amount of determination and goal setting to go out there and run an insane amount of miles.  That same determination is going to keep me going on my journey.  I expect that same determination will help me facing other challenges in life.

Each goal we set, each part of our journey in life, should give us teachable moments.  I can’t wait to see what the teachable moment is when I cross the finish line.  What are some of the teachable moments you have had in your fitness journey that you have applied to your life?