Dear 26.2...

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!
-----------------------------------------------------

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!

-----------------------------------------------------------
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! :)