I had my last quality run today, 6 miles with 3 @ HMP pace. The weather was beautiful, crisp, and ...chilly! My legs were very stiff during the warm up, but after 3 miles, they did not want to stop! The past few days have been a bit blah....my PC acquired the cyber virus, and for a while I was unable to open any Internet pages (this made me realize how much time I spend on line...for work, too:), I had a "who knows what type bug" (gone now, potentially due to lots of sleep, massive quantities of vit C and garlic, and multiple salt rinses with my netty pot), had a few work deadlines, and my ITB bugged me (what's up with that, I have never had issues with it before). Now all is well, and I am getting excited for the race. The race plan is done, outfit picked, and playlist made (even thinking about it makes me want to run, run, run). Looks like I will be running with Katie (that is, if I can keep up:), hurray!
A few last thoughts before the big day...
1. To the weather - I like cold, I like snow, but can you hold off the rain for the first part of the day?
2. To my legs - you are strong, you are powerful, you can absolutely do it.
3. To my ITband - you better behave, no temper tantrums on race day. Don't make me use the ibuprofen....that would be bad for everyone!
4. To my stomach - I know I was not smart about getting you used to Gus every 40 minutes, like I plan to do during the race. But you can take it. You can adapt. Think of Boston and how good you were! No bathroom stops or nausea, please!
5. To my "private parts" - I know the marathon will be "your first day". There is nothing I can do about that, and I accept it. But don't think I am Uta Pippig...and Baystate is no Boston!
6. To my mind - keep all systems in check, and stick with the plan. Keep it slow the first few miles, don't freak out at how hard those miles are going to feel, remember that we typically get into a flow after 3-5 miles, smile, focus, and enjoy the journey.
8. To pain and suffering - I know we will meet, I expect you. Just don't come too early in the game. Shall we rendezvous at mile 20? Later would be even better, you know!
9. To the marathon - you are important, you are intimidating and thus I respect you! But you are just a marathon and I tougher than you! There!!!!
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18 comments:
This is good stuff, makes me want to get to marathon week - love that little nervous feeling and all the anticipation!
Ana, good luck this weekend. I know you will run well.
You will do great! Maybe its just the IT band thing is just a taper flair up? If it still bugs you after the race, let me know. I have some tools that might really help you!
You are going to be fantastic! Good luck and be strong! And...erhm, good luck w/ the first day!
Great words Ana-Maria. Gosh, I'm still sore from last weekend and you get me fired up to run another one!!!
You sound like you are in such a "good space" for this run. I am sure you will do even better than you could have imagined.
All the best for Sunday at 8am!
Regards, Paul :-)
Master the marathon, you are stronger than she!!I like your stern tone with the IT band, it needs that kind of direction, especially on race day. Be strong, have fun, run fast, YOU'RE READY!
That is the best list! I love it!
You are going to rock this marathon!
Great post. You are ready to do this. All the weird twinges (ITB) is just your body telling you it's aching to run hard!
I know you will conquer this marahton. You have it in you.
Go get it. Good luck and enjoy!
You're going to run great! I'm so excited too! Loved the list. And I wouldn't worry too much about "the first day" thing. Last year at BayState it was my first day too. I don't think it made any difference. Well, I was worried I might have to make a pit stop b/c of it, but it turned out I didn't have to.
All systems are checked and ready for race day! Have a great run!
Awesome! great post! your gonna do great!
Love this post, especially the part about rendezvousing with pain at mile 20. I am just so anxious to hear how it goes for you.
good luck this weekend! i am really looking forward to hearing how well you do!! :) run hard, run strong!
I love #9 . . . it is EXACTLY the right attitude to have going into the race. Wow, I am SO excited that it's finally race weekend for you! I think you're going to KILL it out there! Good luck, Ana-Maria! Run like you mean it, girl! :)
i am SO excited for you and cannot wait to see all your hard training pay off for marathon #2 :) you now know you can run the distance, lets juts see how fast you can get there!!! love this post :)
update us as soon as you can after!!
Fantastic post! Have a great race!
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