5 Things I learned Running a Marathon

And it happened!

I wanted to write this last week but honestly apart from work I used the rest of my time to sleep.

I ran the LA Marathon and it was so much more than anything I expected it to be. It was hard, fun, exciting, painful, inspiring, joyful, extremely emotional, challenging, energizing and yes I’m going to run again next year!

As I was getting closer to the finish line, in tears from joy, I had 2 things in my mind; I can’t wait to do this again next year and I so badly want to have pizza 🙂which I did have afterwards.

For now I’m still  in recovery mode, just started working out this week and as soon as my legs give me the green light I’ll start running.

For those of you who hate running or not into it as much, you may think, she’s crazy or what’s all the fuss about, and I hear you, but let me tell you, the experience was about so much more than just running.
Here are the 5 things I learned as I was running through the beautiful neighborhoods of Los Angeles: 

1- YES you can:
The experience was proof that you can do anything, you are capable of anything, you just have to make a decision, then commit to your word and put one foot in front of the other.
Running a marathon was a dream for me, and there was a time in my life where I thought maybe I’ll never be able to do it…
But I did and so can you, so do the thing that you’ve been dreaming to do forever, decide and you’re halfway there, trust yourself.

2- Slow down but never stop:
One thing became super clear very early on, that the streets of Los Angeles are way more challenging that I thought. The uphills and downhills were popping out of nowhere and you really had to be strategic on how you pace yourself so you can actually keep going. So the best choice for me was to slow down as much as I needed, when I needed, so I could keep going. As I crossed the 15 mile mark I knew if I stop I won’t be able to start again, so I didn’t…

And it made me think of how one chooses to move through life… There will always be uphills and scary downhills, the road is never smooth, flat and easy, but it doesn’t mean you give up, it doesn't mean you stop, you just slow down, gather your energy and keep going and you better believe you will make it to the finish line, the goal, the destination.

3- The Kindness of strangers:
My heart feels so full knowing that there’s so much goodness in a world that seems so dark and scary these days. The crowd was in the street as we started at 7 am. They were cheering every single runner, they would look you in the eyes, when you made eye contact to tell you got this and you can do it. Many people had stations set up in front of their homes, playing music, offering fresh fruits and water to runners. 

When you get so much love and support from a total stranger that has nothing to gain from you, and just wants you to succeed, your heart grows multiple times.
There’s good in the world, trust in others and their goodness.

4- That voice in your head:
I mean it’s always there, isn’t it? But when you’re running 26.2 miles = 42.165 KM it can be very loud, telling you I can’t do this, what was I thinking, I’m too tired etc…
And here is the opportunity to build that very critical mind muscle while your leg muscles are doubling in size from inflammation 🙂

Here is the greatest chance to hear it, acknowledge it, take a deep breath and say; yes you're right I’m tired but I keep going anyway, I was born to do this, I worked my whole life for this, I can do this, I’m doing this! 

5- Your magnificent human body:
I’m still in awe of my body, its resilience and strength and the ability to carry me through 26.2 miles. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve been in awe of my body for a long time, I know how incredible this creation is, how magical and powerful and capable it is, I mean it pulled through cancer, but I have a whole new level of respect for it.
You don’t have to run a marathon to realize how amazing your body is, although I highly recommend it, but please take my word for it, love your body, know that it's the most precious thing you have, love it like your life depends on it, because it does.

All that to say, yes crossing that finish line and being received by amazing friends was amazing, I started crying after I passed mile 25 and couldn’t control my tears. It was a level of happiness I’ve never experienced before, but not only because I was about to cross the finish line but also because the journey was truly priceless. 

As always, if you’d like more support nourishing your body and building a strong and healthy foundation, email me directly: info@nousahsalimi.com
Much love,
Nousha