One and Done!?!?!

Going into this marathon Alice and I kept saying, "one and done."  She still holds firm to that belief.  I, on the other hand, am not convinced I'm done with marathons. (We'll see what happens on race day ha ha)  I don't know if this "I'll do another marathon" is really just the excitement of my 1st marathon, actually making it through the training so far, doing something I still can't believe I'm doing-successfully, or enjoying this all, but it is my current thought.  While I've had some tough times in my training, I can honestly say I've enjoyed the training process.  In fact, I'm already sad that it's almost over.  It's like Christmas or a vacation....you anticipate and build up to it and then it's gone in the blink of an eye.  Since early June I have tailored my days and activities around this marathon.  When making plans I would think about the run I had that day or the next, but it wasn't an inconvenience, it was a focus for me. 
Like with yoga, it took me a while to really learn to clear my head.  I'm finally in a place where I can be completely void of thought.  When I start a run I get into a zone where I'm completely present in the moment.  I'm not thinking of to-do lists (although I love them), work, etc. I've also learned to really listen to my body and I'm getting good and figuring out what I need and what I can handle.  With my head being clear I'm finding I'm more relaxed and have better form.  Better form has led to fewer injuries and better times.  Prior to being able to clear my head I would finish a run stressed out because I was thinking of a million things, my jaw and shoulders would be tense from everything I was thinking about, and I wouldn't enjoy my runs.  (Don't get me wrong, there are times when I am completely dying on a run and hating every minute-see my post "DNF," but I'm aware of why since I'm paying more attention to myself as a runner)  I never thought I'd say it, but I'm a runner!  (Not one of those weird runners tho ha ha!)
I want to enjoy my last few weeks of training so I'm really trying to stay present in my training (when I'm not running) instead of looking at the end and how I'm sad it's almost done. 
It's funny how my thinking has changed as my training progressed.  In the beginning, training for 18 weeks seemed like a lifetime.  Going on a 14 mile run scared me, now they're "nothing."  Week 15 seemed like a goal I'd never get to and here it is.
I honestly believe if you believe in yourself you can run a marathon.  I can't say it enough....small bites-nobody is asking you to get up one day and run 26.2 miles.  Following a program helped me stay focused and made training foolproof.  Just when you think you can't handle another long run you drop down your mileage for a week and gain back your confidence and then you're fine again!  On my 18 mile run last week I felt amazing!  After it was done, I really thought I could do another 8.2 miles-I never thought I could/would EVER say that when I was starting the training!  Training for this marathon has taught me a lot about myself and what I'm really able to do.  (I won't start getting sentimental yet...but get ready for it when I finish! ha ha)

So as it stands, "One And Done" doesn't look to be true for me.  I kind of have my sights set on The Great Wall Of China Marathon.  We'll see! 

"If you keep it at, one day something which at first appeared impossible will become merely something very difficult indeed." Danny Paradise