This is champ stuff! Very well done!
We train physically for the marathon but the real challenge is mentally. In my 10 years of marathon running, I only had 3 marathons that were just physically / no mental challenge.
Like you describe, the cramps especially that early in the race, is very very rough: it can feel like your knees lock / can’t bent them anymore.
That you decided to finish regardless of the pain is just one big victory!
What makes me personally so addicted to marathons is exactly this … It is supposed to be hard and when you get to the worst point in the race you decided what type of person you are.
Forget the time, you decided to beat the distance regardless of any injury. You can 100% be proud of yourself
Thanks! At first, I felt disappointed. I really trained hard for this marathon. I didn't think external factors could affect my performance so much. But as you say, it's not just a physical issue. My mind wasn't 100% focused on training, and that affected me. On the other hand, that same mindset got me to the finish line. But that's history. We'll see what challenges next year brings.
Thank you for stopping by.