Race Week

If you had asked me after I finished my first marathon in the fall of 2007 if I would run another one, I probably would have laughed in your face.  Actually, I think my response may have been that I would be sticking to half marathons, because they were long enough to be a challenge, but not long enough to kill you.  Apparently I thought the marathon was a death sentence.  Fast forward 6 years to October, 2013, and I was ready to give the marathon  another shot.  I had high hopes of breaking 4hrs, but it just wasn't in the cards for me that day.  This time around, I was already thinking of my next marathon before I crossed the finish line.  I learned so much that day, and I knew I was capable of more than what the time on the clock said.  

Now, seven months later, I find myself at the start of another marathon race week.  The butterflies have started.  The thoughts of excitement, followed by oh crap this is happening have flooded my mind.  I feel ready, and confident based on my training, but refuse to forget what a beast he marathon is, and respect it for that.

Goal: Finish under 4 hrs.

Plan: To run my own race.  

In the fall I made the mistake of running with a friend, who was going to try to pace me to a sub 4hr finish.  She is a much fast runner than me, and instead of just trying to finish sub 4 she was aiming for closer to 3:50.  It's like I almost forgot just how long a marathon is, and even though I felt great! in the first half...I still had a whole second half to go.  It didn't end well.  I think because of that disaster, I have a better understanding and appreciation of the marathon distance, as well as what my body is capable of.  A few of my friends are running this race, Lori is running the full marathon, and 3 of my friends are running it as a relay.  My friend, Mary, told me recently she had the option of running the first half or the second half, and asked if I would like company at the start (the 2 other girls are running the second half).  I told her that I would love the company at the start, but as soon as we crossed that starting line, I would be focused on myself.  I ran Boston's Run to Remember last May with Mary, and she likes to go out fast and pass as many people as possible at the start.  We agreed this time there would be no weaving for me.  I will remain focused on the end result.

Hydration:  This is a big concern for me.  I sweat.  A lot.  Because of that, I need to drink a lot while running long distances.  Obviously, that increases when it's warm.  The weather for Sunday as of now, says 76 and sunny.  That's warm.  I can't decide if I want to carry my handheld water bottle or rely on the water stops.  I've been looking at the course and it looks like we will run by the start and finish area 3 times throughout the race.  This is comforting because I can have Ryan, who will be there to cheer me on, have multiple water bottles ready to go.  

looks like we pass through this area around mile 3, 9, and 15

Fuel: This is another concern of mine.  I usually bring shot blocks with me during my training runs, and those work well.  However, in the fall I remember getting to mile 18 or so and feeling like I needed more than just the shot blocks.  I got to a water stop that also had bananas and ended up eating one because I desperately felt like I needed something.  I'm thinking of brining a picky bar to have available to eat if I feel like I need more than the shot blocks again.  Picky bars are easy on my stomach, and easy to digest.  I think it would be great mid-race fuel if needed.  

Mantra: I am strong. I am capable. I believe.      

Last weekend I ran Ragnar Cape Cod.  I was nervous that it could potentially impact my training in a negative way.  I was wrong.  The relay gave me confidence that my legs can still run when both physically and mentally tired.  I was both motivated and inspired by my teammates, which is something you can't get from multiple months of training (mostly) on your own.  The way I felt after that weekend was the inspiration for my first mantra.  

I am strong. I am capable. I believe. 

This week I'll be trying to relax, recover, and hydrate as much as possible.  Tapering is always fun (umm no) but with an upcoming move to Boston, I have plenty to do to keep me busy.  I'm coming for you, Vermont.  Bring it on. 

If you want to track me, you can do so here.  I am number 3071.  

Tell me, have you done the VT City Marathon??  What did you think?