It's amazing how a few weeks can change feelings about training, about wants and needs when it comes to a run (and others, but lets stay focus on the run). I guess it comes down to the saying: "you want what you can't have". I remember clearly how much I wanted to be done with the long runs, and come to this point in my training, when there is less training, less juggling of schedules, and more free time. Now, when I am running much less (23 miles this past week) and my longest run this past Saturday was only 11 miles, it's hard not to think about and miss the enthusiasm and strong feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing a long run. At the same time, the "extra" time has become a time of fretting over the upcoming race, checking out running websites on the marathon, over analysing every ache and pain...not v productive. I've managed to catch myself and redirect my energy toward work and family, and that has helped put things in perspective, but there are still chunks of time that are not accounted for. Where did that time go?
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The run yesterday was OK. Not spectacular. Legs felt fresh and great. I am confident that they will feel ready to race by next Monday. I stayed on the target (8:23), and ran negative splits, but was happy to be done with the run. I am nursing a cold, so that most likely contributed to the 'low energy" feeling I struggled with during the run. It's interesting, but it seems that every Boston marathon runner I know is struggling with 'something': gi issues, a cold, sleep problems, an injury, irritability, etc.
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This upcoming week I have about 10 miles or so of running, and will swim and bike less, too. I am probably going to stop "boston mania" (aka searching every video and article on line) in the next few days. Logistics are being discussed now: how to get there, pace tat or no and what pace, who to meet at which mile, how to get back home, would a 3 y old be able to handle the marathon craziness, is all in order for my trip to Canada on Tuesday morning after the marathon(this includes a presentation that I am still to write for a conference up there).
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Those running Boston, check out this 2007 Runner's World article on the Boston Marathon course - one of the best I have read.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-379--11717-1-1X2-3,00.html
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7 comments:
Eight days and counting...I know you'll be ready by then. Don't freak out too much about details. I've already resigned myself to not thinking about the course or pacing anymore. Taking care of traveling and accomodations is enough stress.
Take care.
welcome to taper madness, where you take the extra 'free' time and--instead of enjoying yourslef--you worry yourself over any and every little thing you can. I do this for every marathon. you will do great next Monday!
Ah, yes. Taper madness. I remember it well (and have no doubt that I will suffer it all over again in a couple months)! But yay . . . getting close now! Crossing that finish line will be worth all the taper madness in the world. You're going to rock it ;)
good old taper madness :) even though i have been through it a couple times, i know its going to happen again. like you said just try to focus on other things as much as you can. you are going to do GREAT!!!!!
Great article. Thank you!
Boston, here we come!
Good luck, have fun and run hard!!! And ENJOY that section by Wellesley college - sooooo loud :)
best of luck with Boston on Monday. Lowell will be my first marathon. take care and enjoy
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