Last week I watched Brittany Runs a Marathon, a film recently released on Amazon Prime. I had seen a few adverts and quite a few of my friends had watched and enjoyed it. To be honest I wasn't sure whether I wanted to watch it, it looked like it was going to be a 'fat girl gets fit and thin and fabulous' story line and that irritated me a bit, because obviously you don't have to be thin to run a marathon. But as we sat down one evening Des suggested we give it a go...and I'm so glad we did!
I really don't want to give any of the plotline away in this post, but it really is a fabulous film! For so many reasons, I could relate to Brittany and her running journey and I felt compelled to write a post about it. So here's my take on some of the key points in the film mixed in with a few of my own experiences!
Some people won't 'get' it
Whether it's the turning down a night out because you need to get your long run in early the next day, or if "it's still weeks until your race, missing one run won't hurt", some of your friends won't understand your commitment to your new hobby. Even years down the line, they might not 'get' that your going for a run because you actually enjoy it.
Some friends will do their best to be supportive...until you're being a "running bore" and saying no to the glass of wine.
While it can be disappointing, don't let this throw you or put you off. Focus on the those who are there, willing you to get over the line! I'm lucky in that the support from my family has been amazing every step of the way throughout my running journey. Unfortunately the same can't be said for some of my friends!
People will make flippant yet offensive comments
As someone who is never going to be the fastest runner, this one is particularly true for me. From the 'not a serious runner' to the jokes about finish times passed off as banter, it can be so disheartening when you put everything you've got into something to then feel like it's being dismissed on some level because you didn't to it quicker.
If being a runner (especially a slower one) teaches you anything, it's resilience...and this can be applied to both the actual running and the thick skin needed for such comments.
Running friends are fabulous
Someone once said to me "nobody ever starts running because they're completely happy with their life". While that sounds a bit harsh, it means that people who run are a special bunch. It makes them completely empathetic and endlessly supportive, I have met some of the best friends I have through my running club...not to mention meeting Des!
Added to this, the conversations you have while trotting along together are often deep, honest and refreshing. You learn a lot about people when you run a lot of miles with them...and you'll find yourself laughing non-stop too!
You'll start to feel indestructible... but you're not
One of the hardest things about being a runner is the forced breaks when illness or injury strikes! You've got through the early stage where you look at more accomplished runners wondering when it gets easier. You realise that it doesn't get easier, you just learn to love it. You start to really really love it, you feel strong and proud and you can't wait to keep pushing yourself.
Then you're struck down, it could a sprain or strain or a case of the flu. In my case it was a drunken mishap which resulted in a soft tissue injury. Whatever it is, you'll be miserable, irritable and generally a bit of a pain in the arse.
But what you also find out at this point is that a week or two on the bench won't mean you'll lose everything you've been working towards. So hang on in there!
There'll be at least one point when it seems impossible
To be honest there are likely to be loads. One run that springs to mind here is at some point in the January/Febrary of my marathon training. I had planned eight miles, scraped myself through to about four then sat on a bench and had a really good cry for a bit. If I couldn't manage eight, how would I ever manage 26.2 in just a couple of months?!
Then there's the actual race! I'm stubborn, so I knew that unless I got injured or took ill then I'd be completing that marathon. But when you're a long way in with a long way to go, your mind plays horrible tricks on you and every mildly negative comment anyone has made dances around in your head.
But you do it, of course you do! Which leads me to my next point...
You will cry
At the film, at your own finishing line, and if you're like me, several times during the race for a little bit afterwards!
I've always been a cryer, I normally get a couple in during a half marathon. Usually it's happy tears with a mild disbelief at what I'm doing/have done. Sometimes it's sad ones, when those negative niggles take over a bit, but the fantastic thing about running (and being surrounded by runners) is that the next supportive pat on the back, kind word of encouragement or just a sideways smile is never far away and always helps to sort you out and get you to the end.
The finish
There's no feeling quite like getting over the finishing line. For me, it's usually a mix of relief, pride and slight disorientation as you stumble over the finish line, collect your medal and scan the crowds for some familiar faces.
Even when I've crossed a line adamant I'm never going to run again, it's not usually too long before I'm searching for the next event to take part in. From the medal collection to the list of cities I've ran in, each race has a story and special memories, and building those quickly becomes addictive.
I'd recommend the film to anyone, whether you run or not. It's a fantastic feel good watch and it's made me think a lot about my own running and the journey from when I first set about this hobby almost five years ago now. I'm still in the process of deciding exactly what my running plans are for 2020 and whether or not I've got another marathon in me...watch this space!
