We might have thrown our arms up in the air today when we ran across the imaginary marathon finish line.
photo credit: Lora
One tap for today were 13 miles at marathon goal pace. After running my hardest speed workout of the training cycle on Wednesday night, I could feel every single incline on the course. I could also sense that my hardest training runs (10x400s and a 22-miler) had taken it’s toll on my legs.
As per my new usual Sunday routine, I met Lora to run the last ten miles of the marathon course.
The route was challenging. Running up Fifth Avenue to Central Park is one long gradual hill. I finished last week’s 22-miler feeling like anything was possible. Today, I finished this run realizing the enormity of my lofty goal and wondering if I’ve over estimated my abilities.
The final few miles of the run felt serious and focused. The closer we got to the end of the run the more focused and determined we became. In some ways these ten miles (13 total for the day) freaked me out.
After last week’s 22-miler I was feeling more confident than ever, but today’s run left me questioning everything. This can only mean one thing: I need to buckle down and start believing again. These doubts have to be squashed ASAP!
Today’s run also taught me that I really need to take it easy the next two weeks if I want everything to go well. We ran entirely too fast today. That being said my workout commitment for the week is easy:
I will not do any hard workouts. I will stretch, foam roll and begin visualizing a successful race day and race week.
You’re doing great! It’s just the normal mental stuff every runner goes through leading up to race day. If you’ve done the training, you’re ready. Quit worrying and relax. Have fun!
I totally need to take a chill pill. The training is in the bag!
I think you’re ready, Jess. I had similar thoughts of unreadiness. My training had been going so well till I got sick and after a less than stellar 20-miler I was having doubts. But at this point you have to remember (as I have been telling myself!) that it’s all mental. You’ve done the training. One bad run isn’t going to take it away from you. At this point, just enjoy the next 2 weeks. You got this!
Thank you Sam! I hope you’re feeling healthy!
I rarely comment on blogs but i must say you are trully inspiring! I have been reading about your training for some time….and today’s post reminded me of the greatness within us…a quote by TS Elliot summed it up nicely: ” Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out How far one can go.” You will do fantastic!
Aw thank you, Cari! Those are the words I needed to hear!
———> PROFFERS THE ROLLER<———-
😉
We did run that entirely too fast! Agree. But the way I’ve come to terms with it is: maybe that was the way to make 13 miles closely resemble the fatigue we may feel by that point on the course come race day. In any case, we pushed through and managed a fast last mile! We’ve done all the work, time to trust the training. And, time to give our legs a bit of a break 🙂
You’ve got this! You are so lucky to have great friends you’re training with. I trained completely alone and had nobody to “freak out” or be excited with except my own head. Enjoy these last days before the race and all the stretching and foam rolling 🙂
You are *so* ready for this marathon, Jess. You’ve trained hard and logged the miles. It’s tough, but remember to relax and enjoy it–you will kick butt!