SEVEN lessons I learned from training to run 7 marathons, on 7 continents, in 7 days

By Amy Clove

When I first heard about the World Marathon Challenge two years ago I thought it was the craziest, most amazing thing I’d ever heard of — 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days!! What???? Although I was completely captivated by this awesome event, I didn’t think there was any chance I could actually do it I mean, come on– who could seriously consider attempting something like this?? At the time I had only run one marathon in my life, 15 years previously I was also just returning to running after many years off due to chronic pain I barely saw myself as a candidate for one marathon let alone something like this, but I could not get it out of my mind! I pretty much became obsessed with the WMC and watched every video I could find from past years

Finally, with encouragement from the race director, my fitness trainer, and my family I took the leap and signed up!

Training for the WMC has been absolutely life changing It’s one of the most challenging and thrilling things I’ve ever done! It has taken me beyond any perceived limits as I ran more than I ever thought possible I’ve put in 3500 miles prepping for this!

One of the hardest parts of the whole thing was that I thought it was going to be a one year project, but it got stretched into two because the event was delayed twice That second year was so much tougher than the first as I tried to keep the momentum going and maintain the rigors of training I hit a few bumps both physically and mentally, but these setbacks taught me some valuable lessons that I wouldn’t trade Isn’t it always that way?

I’m forever grateful for all the support and care I’ve received on this journey I never could have gotten this far alone It has truly been a team effort!

Your past doesn’t determine your future.

When I signed up for the World Marathon Challenge I was not a marathoner I had run one marathon back in 2005 but then stopped running for almost ten years I had run a few half marathons in recent years but didn’t feel anything close to an athlete who could run back to back marathons . Still, this crazy event captivated me, even waking me up at night! Eventually I knew I had to go for it During the two years I trained for the WMC, I broke a lot of barriers physically and mentally I learned that labels and perceived limits can be excuses not to stretch ourselves . We each have amazing potential and we are meant to change and grow in life You determine who you become!

COMMIT TO CONSISTENCY.

Iowa can be cold, snowy, icy, hot, humid, rainy, or windy– in any combination . I’m pretty sure I’ve run them all! Very rarely did I cancel a run because of weather or any other reason This consistency didn’t happen because of unfailing motivation I love running but there were plenty of mornings when I didn’t feel like going . Because I had committed to the training plan the decision was already made in advance I didn’t ask myself each day if I felt like running or not because it really didn’t matter Over time, two additional things helped make this easier First, I learned that even if I grumbled getting started it almost always felt great once I got going Moving in fresh air is amazing for mental health and I always appreciated the runner's high, particularly in the winter Second, I knew that if I skipped a run without a valid reason I would feel terrible The pain of hard work is never greater than the pain of regret . I had a massive end goal and was determined to do everything I could to be prepared, regardless of how I felt on any particular day

You can’t have it all at the same time, and that’s okay.

Training to run seven marathons in a row was a huge investment of time and energy Besides the hours of running, I spent substantial time on recovery (stretching, foam rolling, sauna, etc .), and supportive care appointments like massage and chiropractic . The rigorous miles required extra sleep including naps and an early bedtime I also had to fit in strength training and make sure my nutrition was on point With three teenage daughters, our family life was in full swing as well . I often felt like I wasn’t keeping up Eventually I realized I needed to say no to extra events, put off projects, and set aside any other hobbies or distractions in order to focus on running I simplified my expectations and reminded myself that this was a temporary season . It was still a consuming time for me, but I felt less overwhelmed when I wasn’t trying to squeeze everything in