It's race week. More specifically race day is TOMORROW. GULP. I've been fighting some major taper crazies the past couple of weeks. I am reliving Ogden in my mind over and over. Training so very hard for a race where I mentally just fell apart. I don't want that to happen again. The thought leaves me a bit terrified. But at this point The Hay's in the Barn! I've done everything I can. I trained smart. 16 weeks and I didn't miss a single run. NOT ONE. 23 Barbell Strength classes were taken in an attempt to make me stronger physically. 7 Yoga classes were taken in an attempt to make me stronger mentally and physically. I didn't start those until the last 6 weeks.
But yet I am still sick with nervousness.
I do not want to fail.
I know that running a marathon at any pace is not considered a failure. But for me, I need a PR. This will be my fourth marathon. Since my first (my current PR) I've ran one for fun and I've run one in an attempt to PR. For 16 weeks I've put my heart and soul into this training. I don't want it to be for nothing.
So here it is, I'm throwing them out there ABC goals:
A. Run a 4:15 or better. This is what I've trained for. Training has gone very well.
B. Just beat 4:21:19. Anything better is a PR. I'll take a PR.
C. Just don't have a heart attack and finish. Enjoy a couple days away with my husband.
The bottom line is that I won't be happy with anything less than a B. If I don't PR then I don't know that I will ever attempt a PR at this distance ever again.
That's the thing with the 26.2 distance, it's painful. SO. INCREDIBLY. painful. When they say if it doesn't hurt then you aren't doing it right, they are on to something. But the bigger challenge is that when it does start to hurt, as I know it will, I need the mental strength to push on and not give up.
2. My Strategy
I have bought my favorite Roctane Gu's. Ogden I made the mistake of sucking down un-caffeinated gels. I lacked energy for sure.
I will run with my favorite caffeinated Nuun. I also feel like these give me great energy.
I will wear my cute red outfit. Because if I look good, I'll feel good.
I will not go out too fast. Another mistake made at Ogden.
I will give it my all on race day.
I will NOT give up.
I will leave NOTHING in the tank.
3. What's next?
Regardless of what happens in Phoenix starting next week I'm pulling my eats together. These past couple of weeks I've been so hungry all the time. I'm reading The Power of Habit. Already I'm thinking about ways that I can change my relationship with food. I have continued to go to my Weight Watcher meetings on Monday's, however I've been steadily gaining rather than losing this past month. I've put back on 5 lbs of the 18 that I lost at the end of last year. So I need to pull it together and drop 15 lbs. I also purchased 21 day fix after being inspired by Fancy Nancy. Hopefully it will arrive early next week. I would like to think that I will document my 21 day experience here on the blog. Might be a fun challenge for me.
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Wish me luck!
I'm off to barf now.
