Tatyana McFadden competes in the 800-meter race at the ParAthletics Grand Prix on May 30, 2015 in Nottwil, Switzerland.
It’s been said that marathons are 10-percent physical and 90-percent mental. If there’s anyone who can vouch for that, it’s Tatyana McFadden. The four-time Paralympian has mastered both the physical and mental aspects of the marathon.
She is the first person of either gender, able-bodied or wheelchair, to win the grand slam of four world marathon majors in a calendar year. In fact, the last time the 11-time Paralympic medalist did not win a marathon she entered was in April 2012, completing two grand slams in that time and is now halfway to her third.
The one accolade missing from McFadden’s resume is a Paralympic medal in the marathon. The 26-year-old will compete in the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials for Marathon this weekend in Chicago, part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, in hopes of earning a spot on her fifth Paralympic team and moving one step closer to her third grand slam and, potentially, a Paralympic marathon medal.
McFadden shared with TeamUSA.org the 26 thoughts that typically go through her mind during a 26.2-mile marathon.
Mile 1: It’s go time!
Mile 2: Have a good start
Mile 3: Get with the lead pack
Mile 4: Relax
Mile 5: Stay focused
Mile 6: Have fun
Mile 7: Time to sprint
Mile 8: OK, relax again
Mile 9: I’m almost halfway
Mile 10: Watch the potholes
Mile 11: I’m having fun!
Mile 12: Not exhausted yet…
Mile 13: Only halfway there
Mile 14: I’m getting hungry
Mile 15: Water yet?
Mile 16: Stay relaxed
Mile 17: Have fun
Mile 18: I wonder what’s for breakfast…
Mile 19: Bacon sounds great
Mile 20: OK, my arms are a bit tired
Mile 21: I’m almost done
Mile 22: I trained for this
Mile 23: I feel accomplished
Mile 24: I’m so excited
Mile 25: Water??
Mile 26: YES. Finished.
