200 Miles of Gravel and Self-Doubt
Before the race
The taper made me restless. I'd done the work — now there was nothing to do but wait, second-guess the forecast, and lay my kit out three times.
Race day
The gun went and the nerves vanished. I settled into rhythm, held my plan through the first third, and let the course come to me.
Highs
Cresting the big climb to a wall of cowbells. For a few minutes I felt unstoppable and completely present.
Lows
The low point hit hard and late — stomach turning, pace bleeding away, the finish feeling impossibly far.
What I learned
Fuel earlier than feels necessary, and trust the training when the doubt arrives. The body had more than the mind believed.
Advice for others
Walk the aid stations, smile at the cameras, and write down how it felt before the memory softens.
Photos
Comments
Jordan Reyes
This had me reliving my own first marathon. The bit about fueling earlier than feels necessary is so true.
Mei Lin
Incredible write-up. The lows section hit hard — thanks for being honest about the rough patch.
Carlos Mendez
Saving this for race week. The advice at the end is gold.