Post Amsterdam Marathon Feedback

I did it! I managed to complete my first marathon. I knew it would be hard, but had no idea HOW hard it would be. In training runs, I felt great and confident. Two minutes before the start, I felt amazing and pumped up. Two minutes into the race though, my little world came crashing down. My legs were instantly heavy and sore. My mp3 player stopped working so no music for me. All of a sudden my mind was playing tricks and all I wanted to do, was quit. For the life of me I couldn't convince myself that I'm supposed to be enjoying it. Ok ok, I will stop complaining now. I'm unbelievably happy that I went through this now so I can know what it feels like to have a very bad day out on the road. But more importantly, how to push through and not give up!! What a fantastic experience!

Research 101 - the basics. Where do I start?

Born to Run – Christopher McDougall

Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss, and  a  Record-Setting Run Across America  - Marshall Ulrich

 Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner – Dean Karnazes

After some research (did someone say hours? ;-)), I've narrowed down my reading material to the above 3 books. All three are interesting and helpful in their own way. Some key points stick out: even without experience, consistency is a key for success. Even without the appropriate running background, proper research and preparation can get you through the toughest of conditions. And most of all, what is key in all three these books is that the mental preparation for endurance events will carry you through 95% of your race, and physial preparation will account for 5%. It doesn't mean you don't have to physically be prepared and have the right gear, but a combination of body and mind is completely key. OK, time to get off the couch....or better yet....time to visualize me getting off the couch.