Dear 26.2...
This is our 4th time together. I respect you!
You are a challenging distance, even for the most talented of athletes.
In you is enough distance to push my physical limits, to challenge and test my mind as I try to overcome my own body.
I know I will complete you, but with all respect, I also plan to kick your trash!!!
I know there are so many factors to be taken in on race day, and any one of them can influence a race.
I have a goal... marathon in 3:30.
That will be my goal until I reach it... which I will work for this marathon.
Although I do have a time goal, I will feel 100% successful if I finish knowing I gave my all, pushed through the discomfort and just kept running.
It always gets hard at the end, no matter what distance you race.
I want to push through tired and finish strong.
I want to rely on these positive truths...
- I can finish this race strong.
- My body can totally do this!
- I am ok. Take inventory of my body and breath, if I am just tired, I'm ok, keep going!
- Pushing through, when it isn't easy, opens up new realms of possibility. We do things we didn't realize we could.
- I want no regrets at the finish line.
I haven't felt the strongest mentally since the end of summer vacation.
I've wondered if I could race this race. If I could finish, is there any way to duck out of it???
But I have worked on it, did you know you can to mental exercises to get better?
The run I needed was my 22 miler. It went well, I stayed mentally strong, even despite some challenges.
That left me feeling confident I can hit my goals for this race.
And, we are excited for a quick weekend getaway as a family. Matt has been out of town all week! Yea!
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Now some good news and bad news.... (if looking at feet makes you vomit, look away, because mine are not pretty right now...)
The bad news: my feet have got some issues right now. I know the toe bruises are from the shoes I wore to shoot the wedding. The bruising on the ball of my left foot, and swollen toe I am clueless about. It is painful to walk!
The good news: I can still run! It hurts to walk, but when I start running I'm fine. Whew!
I will take care of my feet after the race... promise!
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Last week looked like this:
Monday 12. Posted that here.
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: 5 miles (7:32)
Thursday: 4 miles (7:33)
Friday: rest
Saturday: 8 miles (7:29)
I ran an easy 4 on Monday (7:28 pace), rested yesterday and today I will do a short speed workout.
I'll run again tomorrow (4), take Friday off, then do just a few miles on Saturday.
Wish me luck! :)