Marathon training hurts...a lot.  I don't care what anyone tells you.  As a first time marathoner-in-training, you will experience pain.  I am not sure what I was expecting but I am pretty sure nothing could have prepared me for some of the aches and pains I was going to encounter on the journey to becoming a marathon runner.

The first issue I had was actually with my c-section scar.  Yes, the scars of delivering a baby will apparently haunt me for a lot longer than I bargained.  I began having some excruciating pain radiating from my c-section scar around the time I ran my 14 mile training run.  Before I made it to 18 miles, I had to do something to stop the maddening pain, so I sought the advice and assistance of my chiropractor.  Several painful treatments later and I am not completely pain free but I am doing much better and am forever grateful for my chiropractor's patience and help in getting me closer to the starting line.

The second issue came from my brilliant realization that this is going to be a hilly marathon (probably should have done some research before signing up) and so I thought I should start adding some hills to my training...during my 18 mile training run.  Hmmmm...probably should have added them a little earlier, say 12 miles earlier but better late than never, right?  My calves and Achilles pretty much threatened to file for emancipation after that 18 mile run.  I could barely stand up after sitting for more than a few minutes and don't even get me started on what I looked like getting out of bed in the morning.  Again, some assistance from the chiropractor, much icing, foam rolling and now compression socks during my longer runs and I can actually walk somewhat normal again.

The other issues come and go on such a regular basis they just seem to be part of my life now.  Lower back soreness, achy feet, stiff neck and shoulders, tight hamstrings, occasional sore knees, hip issues, and the list goes on.  Don't get me wrong.  I don't deal with all of these issues everyday (well, not most days) but I am usually experiencing at least one of them at any given time.  The day of my long run, I can barely walk the rest of the day and my husband and kids can't help but make fun of me.  The day after my long run, I walk with a waddle that is reminiscent of being 8 months pregnant.

I was so worried about the amount of pain I was experiencing, I actually googled the words "how much should marathon training hurt."  What I learned is that it does and should hurt and this is all a normal part of the process.  There are many, many others out there suffering just like me.  I also learned that if I do another marathon (not on your life at this point), it might not hurt so much the next time.  The pain goes away but the satisfaction of having finished a marathon doesn't.  We shall just see now, won't we?!?!?