Kaitlyn is a guest blogger who is writing for 42.2 for the 2016 marathon training season. She will be writing monthly blogs, updating us on the ups and downs of her journey from 0 to 42.2.

By Kaitlyn Fulton

Marathon training has enhanced my life in so many different ways.

It’s kind of funny that I even made the decision to join the marathon training program in the first place. I sort of decided on a whim with not much thought about how time consuming and challenging it would be. I had a feeling deep down that pushed me to sign up, which was telling me that now was the time to chase this lingering dream of mine. Looking back, I find it interesting that not knowing anyone in the group didn’t stop me from joining. I guess at that point, I was focusing on who I wanted to be and how I would get there and signing up for the marathon team meant I was taking a step in the right direction.

Marathon training has added so much richness to my life. Here are a few things it has given me:

  1. Purpose: Training for a marathon has given me a reason to get out of bed – specifically on Saturday mornings when I would typically sleep a good portion of the morning away. It has also given me a huge sense of accomplishment and makes me feel very proud. It has made me more conscious about the foods I eat and the impact that they have on my body. I can say from experience that Dad’s chocolate chip cookies don’t help me crush my running goals.
  2. Friendship: In the marathon program, I have met and become friends with so many talented, kind individuals. Conquering incredible goals with this group is something I won’t ever forget.
  3. Focus: Throughout the marathon training season, I have found myself being able to focus much better at work and school than previously. Before training, I would be lost an hour into a 3-hour class. Now I can pay attention to the full 3-hour lectures and remember most of what I learned!
  4. Time Management Skills: Over the course of the program I have learned how to fit work, school and training together. It’s funny how you can make something fit in your schedule if you really want to.
  5. The Opportunity to Travel: Throughout training, I have been able to be a tourist in my own city and outside of it. Calgary has an extensive network of good running trails that I didn’t even know existed until this program. In regards to travelling outside the city limits, I attended a race in Kamloops (Half Marathon) and was able to tour all around the area and towns on the drive! Soon, I will be heading to Dublin, Ireland!
  6. The Desire to Chase my Dreams: This experience as a whole has taught me how important it is to chase my desires and dreams and how fulfilling it can be to finally be to be working towards living them.

Sitting at approximately a month out from the race, and having completed the longest training run of the season, I cannot be more grateful about how my life has changed over the past 7 months. I am nervous and excited for the real day at the end of October – where I get to put all of my hard work to the test.

A few weeks ago the team completed a four-hour run, which is the longest of the season. It can be a struggle both physically and mentally, when is when having great coaches and running partners comes in very handy. In this photo Kaitlyn, Erin and Abhi (L-R) put their feet up after the run. In the cover image for the post Kaitlyn, myself and Linda (L-R) have a little fun after about three hours on the trail. – Justina
A few weeks ago the team completed a four-hour run, which is the longest of the season. It can be a struggle both physically and mentally, which is when having great coaches and running partners comes in very handy. In this photo Kaitlyn, Erin and Abhi (L-R) put their feet up after the run. In the cover image for the post Kaitlyn, myself and Linda (L-R) have a little fun after about three hours on the trail. – Justina