Here I sit and type, one week out from my second full marathon. I have completed my last long run for this training cycle and now I am finding my strong. I am super excited to be running the LA Marathon with thousands of other amazing athletes. I have followed my training plan, put in the miles, and my body is now resting and ready to run the race set out before me.
The week leading up to the race has me all sorts of mental and second guessing my ability to run a strong race. I know I am fully capable of running a strong race… but the second guessing of self-doubt is still there. I have been chatting with my friends Tiffany and Yvonne about this a lot lately, and I am learning that now is the time to start mentally preparing my head and heart for this race.
“Sometimes the moments that challenge us the most, define us.”—Deena Kastor, opening line from the movie Spirit of the Marathon
The marathon is not the easiest walk in the park. It takes hours away from your family and hundreds of miles to train to run this race well. This is a defining moment that challenges us… changes us… forces us to dig deep and realize what we can really do.
Come race day, everyone on that starting line has put in the miles, hours, sweat, blisters and tears. We are a family of sorts. We don’t run races to GET a good time… we run races to HAVE a good time. While running we can meet and chat with some amazing athletes, see amazing sights, and experience awesome emotions. Racing and running is all for a good time.
Today I ran my final long run of this training cycle. My training plan had me running 6 miles at GMRP (goal marathon race pace). I decided to head out this morning when there was a break in the rain. It was a gorgeous sunny, mildly warm (mid 60’s) morning. Halfway through my run the wind really kicked up for the next storm. I pushed through mentally preparing the last 3 miles of the marathon… digging deep even when it got hard. You never know it could be raining or super windy come race day.
I felt strong and in control on my run. It is amazing what proper hydration can do for a training run! Ha! I kid… but I totally learned my lesson to not run dehydrated… it is miserable. Running well hydrated is so much easier and more fun!
I mentioned above that I was mentally preparing myself how I would feel on race day. Wanting to quit. Feeling tired. But knowing that I needed to push hard to finish strong.
Andrew Kastor shared in his weekly encouragement email:
On March 9th there will come a time when you have to choose how hard you’re going to push yourself. Some athletes will choose to stop and rest, and others will continue to push through the discomfort, forging ahead to their marathon goals. How strong will you be when the going gets tough? Will you be able to look yourself in the mirror on Sunday afternoon and honestly answer the question, “Did I give it my all?” or “Did I rise to the occasion?” Will you be proud of yourself and your accomplishment? You should be. You should already be proud of yourself for sticking with the training program, getting up early to get your long runs in on the weekends, running in all kinds of weather conditions, because getting this far is a challenge in and of itself… The marathon is merely the reward.
However, it is also a test of will and perseverance. And if you studied hard, if you followed the plan throughout the months, you’re ready to go! You have committed a tremendous amount of time and energy to your marathon goal, so dig deep and do yourself proud. I know you can ace this final exam.
This week I am working on my mental positivity. I am going to ace this final exam called the LA Marathon. I will earn that reward (medal) and potential personal best. Where there is a will… there is a way. I am willing to push myself!
Have you entered to win one of two $150 gift cards to asics.com, yet? You should totally enter!!
Marcia says
I’m excited for you Rachel! Your journey is complete, now go enjoy the fruits of your labor! At a race a few years ago I heard a woman shout “You’ve got this! More than enough!” That more than enough part has stuck with me ever since. We all have, and are, more than enough!
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Very exciting!! Good luck in your marathon. I bet you’ll do awesome – you seem really well prepared!
Yvonne says
HAVE A GOOD TIME 🙂 You will do amazing!
Janice - The Fitness Cheerleader says
Good luck next weekend – you can totally do it!
Linda Tharp says
I just found your blog and I love it! The post on the last long run before the LA Marathon (this weekend…yikes!) caught my attention. I did Surf City the first week of Feb., so no LA for me. But I know how you’re feeling this week, so I just wanted to say good luck and have a terrific time (not time-time; more like fun time!).