I got this

With just 3 days to go until I'll be running through the streets of Philadelphia, I'm feeling many different emotions. I'm excited to get another shot at the marathon, and I'm confident I had a great training cycle, but mostly I'm anxious and nervous at this point. I've been trying to keep busy and focus on other things, but my mind always ends up thinking of what's to come.

I had a good week of training last week, which helped calm my nerves temporarily. I had a couple of workouts to do and a long run on Sunday, but overall my mileage greatly decreased.

November 10 - 16

Monday: Rest.

Tuesday: 6 x 800 @ 10k pace. I averaged around 7:45 pace. Total = 6.5 miles with warm up and cool down.

Wednesday: 40 min easy, which ended up being about 4.2 miles. I keep my easy runs very easy, especially at this point.

crazy morning fog and a pond full of geese

Thursday: Rest. I had to move Thursday's run to Friday because I had to be at work at 5:30am and had an interview right after, which left no time to run.

Friday: 6 mile tempo between marathon and half marathon pace. This has been my nemesis. For some reason I have always struggled with the tempo miles. Looking back I think it's because I build it up so much in my head, which causes me to tighten up right away and struggle. I really think it's been more mental than anything else. So, obviously I was a little nervous going in to this, but I was also determined to get it done. I've been doing a lot of mile repeats and 2 x mile this cycle, so I knew I could do it. I needed to prove it to myself. I was able to stay calm by thinking of all that I've done leading up to this workout. I got through all 6 miles right on pace averaging 8:30/mile. Nailed it.

Saturday: 30 min easy, 3.2 miles

Sunday: 14 mile long run. 10 miles easy + 4 @ MP. I felt great during the easy miles, but my legs felt a little heavy during those at marathon pace.

last long run before Philly!

Total Miles = 36.6

This week I had one final workout on Tuesday, which consisted of 2 miles @ MP, 2 miles @ 10 sec faster than MP, 1 mile at HMP. This workout went very well. I hit all my paces and felt strong throughout. Now, it's all easy runs from here on out until Sunday. 

I don't think I could get tired of this

Some final thoughts... 

I'm not really sure how to describe how I'm feeling. I feel more on edge this time around. I'm not really sure why that is. Maybe it has something to do with my last marathon experience. Or maybe it's because I know deep down I'm capable of so much more. My ultimate goal this time around remains the same. I want to finish this marathon feeling good about my experience. That wasn't the case after the last two because I put so much pressure on a time goal. Of course, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to cross that finish line less than 4hrs after I start. 

Deep breaths. It's almost go time. 

thank you Amanda for this amazing card!