Last Double Digit Run

…have I done enough? What if I skipped one too many mid-week mid-distance runs? What if I die? What if I hit 20 miles and I collapse? What if I DNF?

Oh well. I’m not one to live the what if life. There are so many what ifs that if you dwell on them you go through life never satisfied and always wondering and wanting more. I did what I could and if it wasn’t enough I will do more and better next time. I think it was Mel-Tall Mom who played the optimist what if game with me when I was trying to decide not to go for a PR in the Mercer Half. “What if I don’t make it? What if it is really hard and hilly? What if I try and fail?” And her reply, “What if you do make it? What if you PR on your birthday? What if all your hard work pays off?” So for all the pessimist out there, if you must play the what if game, play it positively.

What if I run an awesome marathon? What if I finish in 4:30 like I would like to? What if I soak in the experience and love it? What if I can’t wait to register for another? SO what if I am tired and my legs are sore? What if it is just what I need right now, to show me I am strong enough? What if it changes my life?

I was emailing with a good friend of mine from grad school who is a marathoner. She was giving me some race day advice and I will share some of that with you all. I hope she doesn’t mind (I should give a disclaimer to all my friends that any correspondence we have could be used in my blog).

“…the first marathon is the hardest because there are unknowns...how will I feel throughout the race? Can I really do this?!?...but you will do great! I always found it good to break down the race into segments...first 10 miles...then the half...then 20...and then dedicate those last 6 miles to different people to keep you going.”

I will be working on my dedications in the next couple of days. I love this idea! She goes on to say:

“Mantras are great too. My favs are: ‘Embrace each step. The run is yours.’ or ‘keep on keepin' on’, or the little engine that could ‘I think I can I think I can’ (but deep down inside KNOW you can!) Have fun and take in the crowd. Make friends with those you are running with. It helps!”

So to my friend, THANK YOU! I am making my race day plan and your advice is welcomed any day!

Yesterday I ran 12 miles with my Running Consultant. It was a good run and a little faster than I had planned on going, but in all it was a good confidence booster….for a half marathon. I’m not sure what it means for me and my full in only 12 Days!!!! we will see!

Stats:

12 miles: 1:46.29

Fastest mile: 8:25

Mile closest to my 10 min/mile marathon pace (like that positive spin?): 9:36**

**and this in only becasue my Running Consultant just had to go in and get a drink where his wife works....thanks RC for adding about 45 seconds to our time....

Today I am grateful for:

Awesome friends!

Sunshine!

Sleeping in until 7 AM!

Taper!!!