Final thoughts for Philly

November 17, 2010

I haven’t posted for a couple of weeks, and it’s not because I’ve had nothing on my mind. I’ve basically been trying to keep my head clear for Philly this Sunday.

taper madness

At times, I decide to myself to have no goals and just run by feel and see what I got. At other times, I’m wondering if I can break 3 hours this year. Then I realize I’m actually foolish to think I can do sub 3:00 at this point. In all honesty, I don’t know what pace to target, but I’m thinking a range from 6:51 to 7:05. A big fear I have is going too fast too soon and blowing up.

My training has gone great and I have never worked as hard for a race as I did this one. But what always makes me mentally vested in the marathon is the 3 weeks of tapering. Not running how I would like, or skipping races in order to taper for example is, in a way, harder than the training.

In fact, my taper has not gone so well. Things don’t always feel as fresh as I think they should for a taper. I did 4 miles today at a pace I wish to do the marathon and it started out great, but by the end my legs were feeling tired. I’m not sure what to make of it. Would I pull through it if I had to go longer? Did they seem tired because I’m not used to the feeling of running further than 5 miles anymore? Did I push too hard during the taper and not reap the benefits of it? That’s the stuff that drives me crazy. The over analyzing of everything during the taper.

But when I take a step back and think about what I did during training, I can’t see how I can’t do well this Sunday. And even if I don’t do well, what do I really lose? A short-term goal of a PR is only a means to an end for me. I’ll be doing plenty more of these, and have had plenty of success (and failures) so far to make this just another race amongst many.

The only thing I really fear though is having another sleepless night the night before. That, or coming down with a cold in the next day or so… the same cold everyone around me on the train, and in work has had for the past few weeks.

Just three days to go… I can’t wait!

Lindsay
Nov 18, 2010 @ 10:01:49

Great post (and photo BTW). I hear ya on the challenge of tapering! If I can encourage you to just keep focused on the positive and give yourself permission to rest! I have viewed the tapering process as just another part of the training. This mindset has taken away any guilt that might come with “taking it easy.” I ran 2 miles this morning and I must admit, it was hard to stop. I was feeling great! However, this is my first full marathon and I have chosen to trust in my training plan and testimonies of others. I have chosen to believe that tapering and allowing myself to rest will make this Sunday a great experience! Like you, I have done everything I can to get ready…now it’s time to sit back (literally and figuratively) and enjoy the fruits of our labors!

Have a fabulous race day and enjoy yourself!!!!! I know I will!

herb
Nov 18, 2010 @ 10:57:50

That’s a great attitude Lindsay, and I really like your perspective on tapering and having faith in the training. I agree with it completely.

Thanks for the comment and good luck to you on Sunday!

Lauren
Nov 18, 2010 @ 17:18:35

Love how honest you are. It’s so strange running a marathon (I’m running Philly also). You just never know how your body will do that day. But like you a Lindsey point out, I guess it’s just about having a little faith that your body will fall in old and good ways, and make you proud!!

herb
Nov 18, 2010 @ 21:36:13

I agree Lauren. There are a lot of variables when racing a marathon, but if it wasn’t a challenge, would it be worth doing?

Best of luck in your race!

carla
Nov 19, 2010 @ 11:09:56

i placed a bet that you’ll run 6:50′s seriously, tho, i think you won’t have any trouble maintaining your target pace, esp if it’s a fast course (i know nothing about philly).