I won’t sugar coat it…running 18 miles by yourself is crazy and has its ups and downs (literally). The thought of conquering 18 miles still gives me anxiety, but it’s a necessary evil of marathon training. Regardless of the anxiety, I did it and I had many laughable thoughts along the way. I thought I would chronicle those funny thoughts so you can know what it’s like to run alongside me. 
Pre-run: “I’m not sure that I can physically do this…No Natalie! You can do it. It’s just mind over matter. Okay, let’s do this.”
Mile 1: “Wow, I feel great. That rest day really paid off. My legs feel like they have been resting for a week.”
Mile 2: “I’m hot. I should’ve listened to Bill and worn shorts instead of pants. I think I’m going to run home and change.”
Mile 3 (after a change of clothes): “My legs feel so cool and free! Shorts is definitely the way to go today. Now it’s time to start my run over and I get to start with 2 miles under my belt. Yes!”
Mile 4: “Why are my calves burning already?! Kill me.”
Mile 5: “Okay, time to run the Queesboro Bridge. You can do this. Use your hips instead of your calves… because they hurt so much right now.”
Mile 6: “Weeeeee. Running downhill is so fun! I’m so fast. Imagine if I was this fast all the time. Wait, that guy just passed me. How is he that fast?! Ugh.”
Mile 7: “I love Central Park. No matter how many times I go there, it still feels exciting.”
Mile 7.5: “Why are there so many freakin’ tourists in Central Park?! Seriously, get out of the way! I am just one tiny person trying to run in a straight line. This shouldn’t be so difficult.”
Mile 8-10: “Why do these miles feel easier than the first few miles? My legs feel so good right now. I think I can do this 18 miler.”
Mile 11: “I am SOOO hungry that I think my stomach might eat itself. Why didn’t I bring an extra shot block? I still have another hour to run and I don’t have any food. Omg, why did I think of that? Should I stop and buy pretzels? No because then I have to stop and eat them and I just want to go home. I think I can power through this and order a really big dinner. I can totally have fries for dinner.”
Mile 12: “This freakin bridge again.”
Mile 13: “Weeeee.”
Mile 14: “My stomach is so pissed at me right now. What if I stop at the next mile and order Seamless? Then it will be waiting for me when I get home. Yes, that’s a great idea. I’m a genius.”
Mile 15: “I’m totally ordering  a veggie burger and fries. Yes, I would like to add cheese to that. Thank you. Healthy, smhealthy. I definitely need to bring two shot blocks next time”
Mile 16: “I really hope the Seamless doesn’t get there before I do. This is really motivating me to run the last few miles quickly. I really just can’t wait to eat.”
Mile 17: “Should I text Bill and ask him to put out an ice pack for me? No, if I stop, I’m pretty sure my legs will collapse and he’ll have to come scoop me up off this sidewalk. Just don’t stop moving.”
Mile 18: “I did it!! Now, where’s my burger and fries?”
Wow! As someone who is NOT a runner, I am so impressed. As an aside, about an hour into yoga I often find myself planning my next meal 🙂
I do that during EVERY workout. It’s a curse haha
So funny! 🙂
Thanks!
awesome… i would have undoubtedly skipped from mile .25 straight to the burger. 🙂
I considered that, but I don’t think that would help with the marathon haha
Mile 18–yay for priorities! <3 I'm always thinking of my next meal! 😛
Haha same here!
lololol Love this! awesome job on those 18 miles. I am always thinking what I’m going to eat when I’m finished too haha
Umm, me too!!! It’s pretty much ALL I think about.
These all ring too true! I think about the burger and beer waiting for me at the end!
Glad to know I’m not alone!
I just discovered this post and was laughing out loud – so funny! I’m always planning what I’ll eat later. Usually I dream of a goat cheese & turkey sandwich on the grainiest bread I can find, loaded with veggies. But I often never have goat cheese or turkey at home, so I do PB&J instead 😉
Hahaha that sounds delicious. I don’t have French fries at home, but I definitely order them!
By the way, I also think of blog posts when I run (which are never actually typed up…sigh. I need a brain-to-laptop device).
Oh yes! I do this too, and on the subway. I try to put a note in my iPhone when it’s a really good idea.