[posted on the Houston Running Bloggers discussion board. original author unknown]

The 7 Stages of the Marathon

1 - Ritual

If running isn�t yet a defining daily ritual around which you organize the rest of your life, sometime around three to six months prior to your first marathon it will become so. Here are some tips to get you through those essential long runs each and every week:

If you don�t feel like running, tell yourself you only need to run 10 minutes. Once out there you�ll most likely keep going.

Track your progress. It breaks a huge task into achievable chunks and gives you a little something to celebrate everyday.

The more people you tell about your marathon, the more people you�ll have to support you and the less you�ll want to let them down.

Reward yourself for attaining short-term goals, like a cookie, movie or beer after a particularly hard run.

Your feet become very important to you, treat them to a good pair of shoes.

2 - Shock

The grueling long runs are finally behind you. But now as you pin bib to singlet, you suddenly realize that your distant dream of running a marathon is now a very pressing reality. While waiting for the starter�s gun to go off, keep a few things in mind:

Find a spot in the gathering crowd where you won�t be passed and you won�t have to pass anyone else as the marathon begins.

Talk and joke with the runners around you. Conversation helps to calm nerves and release tension.

Go out slow, unless it�s hot. Then go out slower.

This is not time to introduce new equipment, foods or drinks. Stick with what got you here in the first place.

3 - Denial

You�re fully fueled and you�re thinking maybe this marathon thing isn�t as tough as you thought. Don�t let your euphoric haze distract you from doing all the right things:

People will be passing you. Ignore them. Stick to your plan even if your pace seems leisurely. It won�t seem nearly as leisurely at 20 miles.

Soak up the sights. Distract yourself by trying to pick out famous landmarks along the way.

Concentrate on form and breathing so that as it gets harder later, you can put your body on autopilot.

Keep drinking even if you don�t feel thirsty. Thirst means you�re already partially dehydrated.

4 - Isolation

Some time around 15 miles fatigue and your own determination begin to slowly chip away at your universe until it�s just you, the road and the sound of your feet hitting the pavement. Its time to get down to the business of finishing this marathon:

Concentrate on all the progress you�re made rather than on how much further you have yet to go.

Write your name on your shirt. You can�t imagine how inspiring it is to have people calling your name and cheering you on.

Something as simple as chanting a silly phrase or singing a song can help pass time.

Keep your head up and your eyes focused down the course.

Smile every once in a while, even if you don�t feel like it. Smiling naturally relieves stress and tension.

5 - Despair

In the last few miles your body surrenders fully to the pain and fatigue. You can�t seem to remember what it feels like not to be running. It might not be fun, but these are the times that make the marathon such a life-altering accomplishment.
You�ve prepared your mind and body for this moment for months. Don�t even think about stopping now.

Save a sugary snack or energy bar for the last few miles. When you�re this energy deprived, the effects are surprisingly noticeable.

Ask a friend to stand at about 20 miles . Cheers from someone you know will give you the energy you need to keep you going.

6 - Affirmation

Be prepared for one of the most amazing and inspirational moments of your life. You have finally earned a spot in that select fraternity of individuals who can proudly call themselves marathoners.

Enjoy the moment. There are few experiences as rewarding as this. Make sure you appreciate every second.

Surround yourself with as many friends and family as you can so that they can celebrate this moment with you.

Save the bib number for framing and mounting in a high-traffic area of your home or office.

The thrill and exhilaration can last for weeks; use it as a springboard to start training for your next big goal.

7 - Renewal

London, Boston, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rotterdam, Prague. So many world class marathons, so few months in the year to train. Time to set new goals, make a new training plan and get back out there:

Take at least three or four days off completely after the marathon.

Slowly ease back into your training schedule with a few weeks of easy running to prevent injury.

Keep setting goals for yourself. It�s the surest way to keep you fit and your motivation high.

Applying all you�ve learned from this marathon will make future marathons that much easier and more enjoyable.