Notes from the Finish Line (and my Dining Table)
Reflections on the first 26.2, post-race anxiety spirals, and the rituals maintaining my sanity.
I Ran My First Marathon—Here’s What I Learned
Hi friends, I'm back, I promise. I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus post-marathon, recovering from my first training block and soaking in the experience (and all the carbs).
It’s often said that if you need a reminder of the good in humanity, go spectate a marathon. And truer words have never been spoken. The vibes were immaculate in LA on race day. From the other runners to the spectators, the kindness, excitement, and genuine encouragement were a breath of fresh air, especially in contrast to the constant stream of bad news and doomscrolling we’ve all been swimming in.
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Rookie Mistakes
I made the rookie mistake I swore I wouldn’t make my entire training block: changing up my gear on race day. I swapped out my running vest for a belt and handheld water bottle combo that felt more minimal but ended up backfiring. I actually felt great until about mile 20... and then I slammed face-first into the infamous wall. The “bonking out” I was determined to avoid caught up to me in that final 6-mile stretch.
Suddenly my trusted Gu flavors made me want to puke, and I realized I had grossly underestimated the mental mind f*ck of the final 6 miles. To make things even spicier, those miles are split on the same street, so while my tank was nearing empty, I was watching runners on the opposite side heading to the finish line while I suffered through waves of nausea and jealousy.
But I made it. I hit my main goal: finishing without injury. I just missed my time goal of finishing in under 5 hours (I crossed at 5:11), but I still felt an overwhelming wave of pride and accomplishment. That said, my brain immediately shifted into critique mode: What could I have done better? Where did I mess up my fueling strategy? I didn’t know a running belt could chafe my back this badly.
Anyone with a history in sports or a competitive streak knows that mental spiral well. But here’s what I’m working on:
Letting pride take up space, even when progress isn’t perfect.
I tell clients often that they are allowed to enjoy something without being the best at it. Meanwhile, I’m out here beating myself up for not being the same varsity track athlete I was when I was 17. Instead of rushing to the next goal or nitpicking every mistake, I’m learning to slow down and actually enjoy the process. The journey: the early mornings, the long runs, the playlists (and audiobooks), the sore muscles, is where the transformation lives. And sometimes the biggest win is simply sticking with yourself when things get hard. So What’s Next?
Well, it didn’t take long for me to “catch the bug.” About a week after the race, I found myself obsessively thinking about how I’d do things differently next time… so I made it official and signed up for the Long Beach Marathon this October. This time I’m aiming for a sub-5-hour finish on a much flatter course, and I’m excited to train smarter and kinder.
Things I’m Hyperfixated on Right Now
Screen Time Limits
I’ve been capping social media to 50 minutes a day (looking to actually go lower) and no scrolling after 6 PM. The difference in my mental health has been so real. I’m more intentional with what I consume, and I’ve also noticed I don’t waste time “hate-watching” or engaging with content that I know will leave me dysregulated. If I only have 50 minutes, I want to make it count.
Pinterest as a Scroll Replacement
Instead of doomscrolling, I’ve been vibing out on Pinterest. Mood boards, vision collages, and outfit inspiration are way more relaxing. Bonus: no comment sections.
Meal Prepping
Between workouts, getting my kiddo off to school, and back-to-back sessions with clients, my weekdays are packed. Taking time over the weekend to prep breakfast and dinners has been a game-changer. It’s helped me stick to eating at home, buy only what I need, and lower my grocery bill, which is clutch in this economy.
For My Fellow Therapists 💻🧠
To my therapist fam: We picked quite a time in history to be doing this work, huh? Holding space for our clients while also navigating the world as humans, many of us with our own marginalized identities, is exhausting on a good day. In this political and social climate? Whew.
That’s why tending to yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, a survival strategy. Here are a few shifts I’ve made that help me feel a little more grounded in the day-to-day:
✨ Aesthetic Clacky Keyboard
I treated myself to a cute mechanical keyboard with creamy clicky sounds and fun backlighting. Does it cure anxiety? No. Does it make finishing notes feel 200% more satisfying? Absolutely yes. Find it here if you’re in the market for a new one, too.
🧦 Sensory + Somatic Work Boundaries
Working from home has its perks, but it also makes it really easy to blur the line between you and work. I’ve been creating mini rituals to help my body understand when I’m “off duty.” For me, that looks like changing into off-work house slippers, lighting a candle, and switching my lighting to something dim and cozy after sessions. It’s small, but it makes a difference.
📅 Scheduling With My Real Capacity
Here’s your permission slip to stop scheduling from a place of guilt. If you’re tired, overbooked, or burned out, the best thing you can do for your clients and yourself is to honor your actual capacity. I’ve been practicing setting firmer boundaries around my hours and learning to tolerate the discomfort that comes with saying “no” or offering the next available spot next week. The scarcity mindset or the fear of letting our clients down may creep in (honestly, this topic deserves a post of its own), but in the long run, it’s better for everyone if you prioritize honoring your limits.
That’s All for Now
Thanks for being here and letting me share this new chapter. Whether you're also in a marathon season (literal or metaphorical), navigating burnout, or just trying to take better care of yourself, you’re not alone.
If you want more of this blend of running, therapy, and cultural musings in your inbox, hit that subscribe button. I plan to be sharing a longform post at least monthly for now. And if something resonated, feel free to drop a comment or share this post; I’d love to hear what’s helping you lately, too.
Til next time,
Christine
Yes!! So proud of you!
I’m insanely proud of you!