“Run a marathon and change your life.” I can honestly say that statement is true!

Check out this awesome write-up from a first time marathoner in our podcast audience. Congrats Katelyn Mann on conquering 26.2!!

“Well I did it, I ran my first marathon!

Yesterday’s Twin Cities Marathon race was beautiful. It was a perfect morning, but the afternoon did get warm in the later miles. The crowds were unbelievable.

People say is a 26.2 mile block party and they are not kidding.

Seeing my family along the course was the best part though. I felt really good for the first 20 miles, but all the hills from 20-23 were hard, and by 23 I was ready to be done.

But I kept a really positive headspace, pushed on and never “hit the wall”. Running up to the Cathedral and looking down the hill was amazing. Running under the big American flag held up by the fire trucks was emotional as I could see the finish line.

When I crossed I could not believe what I had just accomplished and that I crushed my goal time. Being greeted by my family after was heartwarming . . . and then the sore, throbbing legs set in. My “A” goal was 5:15 and I thought that was a long shot but I ended up finishing in 5:07:40 with a basically even split despite the 3 miles of incline from 20-23!

While I may have only decided to run it about 4 months ago, my journey to this point started a year ago. I was burnt out at work and not the wife or mom I wanted to be at home.

I had lost part of myself over the years and decided to make some changes in my life. I started to exercise 4-6 days a week, eat a balanced diet and made the tough decision to look for a new job.

I was fortunate enough to find a job I now love that allows me a much better work life balance and significantly less stress. Through working out I’ve lost 40 lbs and gained energy and confidence I have not had in years.

In the spring I got bored with working out in the basement and decided to go for a run. I had not really ran much over the past 10 years, but it felt good to get out and I wanted to challenge myself in another way which is what lead me to sign up for the marathon.

I had always wanted to run one, but after stopping running and having a kids I had always told myself that I could never do it. Well, I had proven myself wrong a lot over the prior 8 months and done things I never thought I could do, so I figured I had to believe in myself and knew if I dedicated myself to this goal, I could achieved it.

Training for a marathon is not easy, as you all know. I dealt with many issues along the way back pain, foot sprains and achilles issues (mostly due to increasing millage so fast) but I was determined to keep going.

I was getting up at 4:30 during the week to run, going to bed early on Fridays and waking up early on Saturdays for my long runs. I was missing out on social events and time with my family, but I was getting it done and had so much support from my husband and the kids along the way.

Then 5 weeks ago I ended up having unexpected surgery and I thought that was going to be the end. I could not run for a few weeks and was missing crucial mileage increases to my peak week, but I had not come this far to just give up.

I adjusted my plan and expectations and kept pushing forward and my body rewarded me in return. I read up on a million things and listened to endless podcasts to get all the knowledge I needed on fuel, nutrition and hydration so I could succeed.

My first marathon was a huge success and just goes to show if you want something bad enough and put in the work, you can do anything. I doubt it will be my last marathon, but for now I look forward to sleeping a little more and not running in the pitch black. I want to rest and enjoy my accomplishment!

I want to thank Angie and Trevor for creating the MTA podcast. I learned so much from you and the inspirational stories always kept me going, I even listened to one during the race. You always say “run a marathon and change your life” and after yesterday, I can honestly say that statement is true. Thank you!” -Katelyn Mann