Marathon 3 Recap: Just Get it Done

Marathon 3 Recap: Sometimes You Just Got To Get It Done

There will be many marathons this year where the mindset is simply, “just get it done.” Let’s face it—running 26.2 miles on a Saturday or Sunday morning is no walk in the park, especially during the winter months. While Boise has been fortunate with relatively mild weather this year, Marathon 3 started on a brisk 19-degree morning at 6:45 am. It was dark, cold, and my mindset wasn’t in its usual positive groove as I kicked off the run. The first five miles were all about grit—putting my head down and pushing through.

But something about running toward the sunrise always shifts my perspective. Around the hour mark, my usual optimism surfaced. My legs loosened up, my body found its rhythm, and suddenly, the run felt manageable—even enjoyable. Running toward the sunrise felt spiritual, a reminder that sometimes you need to push through the tough moments to reach the beauty waiting on the other side.

The Course

This marathon started at my doorstep. After winding through some side streets, I made my way west on State Street, turned up Glendale and then turned onto Hill Road toward the Optimist Soccer Complex. Following a quick bathroom stop, I continued north on Horseshoe Bend toward Eagle Bike Park, then west on Floating Feather. I passed Eagle Junior High and Eagle High before finding my way into downtown Eagle and onto the Greenbelt. As I hit a dirt trail connected to the Greenbelt, the sun rose in full view—a perfect moment to soak in the peace and joy of running.

After the first six miles of mental battle, the rest of the run went smoothly. I settled into a solid rhythm and clipped away the miles. Though I’m not chasing specific paces for most of these marathons, this time I allowed myself to pick up the pace toward the end, knowing I’d have a weekend off from marathoning. My last seven miles were strong: 7:55, 7:35, 7:38, 7:33, 7:39, 7:24, 7:17. I finished with a moving time of 3:32 and an average pace of 8:05/mile—feeling good about a strong effort.

Recovery and Training Balance

Running three marathons in three weeks is no small feat, and my body definitely feels it. While I’m not injured, I’m sore and tired. Recovery is critical right now, and I’m leaning into rest while still maintaining fitness. Today, I knocked out a 9-mile run with some surges, which felt good to shake out the legs and get the engine running again.

Balancing marathon recovery with training is tricky. Too much intensity risks injury, but doing too little could lead to a decline in fitness, even with bi-weekly marathons. I need to maintain a robust aerobic base and continue stimulating my higher-end energy systems without overdoing it. It’s a constant adjustment—a learning process in real time. I listen to my body, adapt when needed, and take extra recovery days as necessary. This is truly a work in progress.

Gratitude and Momentum

So far, InspireKidz has raised close to $3,000, and we’ve got exciting collaborations underway. A special shoutout to Megan and Alex at Fleet Feet Sports in Meridian, who hooked me up with new running shoes, gels, socks, water bottles, and other gear. Their generosity is humbling, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.

Marathon 4 is on deck for next weekend. Until then, it’s all about recovery, preparation, and continuing to build momentum for the journey ahead. Thank you for your support and encouragement as we take on this audacious goal of 25 marathons in 2025. Every step forward is one step closer to making a difference for kids in our community.

Learn more about InspireKidz or donate to our mission on our GoFundMe page. 

Thank you for believing in what we’re building together.

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