This morning’s long(ish) run saw week 15 of marathon training come to an end. This time next week (hopefully!) I’ll be able to say I’m a marathon runner.
Looking back, it feels like no time since I was making the decision to enter the Loch Ness Marathon instead of the Great Scottish Run (half marathon). A snap decision, that’s led me on a journey of discovery.
As I prepare mentally for next weekend, I know that I’ve done the training. I haven’t missed a single session, not even a strength or core workout. That discipline was always something I prided myself on during my bike racing career, and I’m glad that it’s continued as I’ve ventured off the bike.
I might not be the most physically gifted athlete, but you won’t find many that are more committed. I was always mentally tough on the bike – we’ll find out next weekend if that’s also transferred to my running.
Whilst I’m getting excited for the race, I’m not putting too much importance on the outcome. My goal is to finish and to enjoy the experience. 6 months ago I never imagined running a marathon, so I want to savour the day. I’m sure there will be ups & downs, I’ll be challenged physically & mentally, but I know that I’ve given myself every opportunity to do well.
I’ve also now got the next couple of blocks in my training calendar. I’ll be doing Greg McMillan’s marathon recovery plan to help my body recover and ease back into running again. Then I’ve got an 8 week base training block that will take me through to mid-December.
That might seem crazy to you, but to me it’s one of my ways of dealing with race day – It’s never been about the destination, it’s all about the journey.
This week in numbers:
Miles run – 31.5 (about 1/3 less than usual – definitely taper time!)
Time on my feet – 4:39:43
Wishing you the best of luck next weekend.
Thanks Paula!
I am so glad you made that last minute decision for the marathon! I know you will do great. : )
How was your long run this morning?
Quick correction on my comment… I am glad you made the ‘snap’ decision for the marathon! : )
Yeah, I just thought,’why not just do it!’ 🙂
Can you remind me of the mantras you use when it gets hard in a race pls?
If I am in a really tough spot, I use ‘Just keep running’ because it is all I can will myself to think at that moment. I also use ‘feeling good feeling great’ (taken from my kids martial arts class. Let’s see… ‘I’ve got this’. ‘Let’s go’. Those are the main ones and they are simple enough to remember during the race. : )
Just found the comment I left on Cat’s post where you commented ‘stealing those for my 22 miler’. ‘I am strong. I’ve got this’ and the martial arts mantra were the two I mentioned! : )
Wonderful, thank you! I’ve written them down this time….
It was good thanks. A little GI distress meant a couple of enforced stops (!), but otherwise felt really good 🙂
Long journey for a long run: all the best on the day, you know you’ve put in the effort and discipline, all that remains is to adapt to whatever the conditions might be on the day and enjoy it. It’s 26.2 on the day but as you said, the culmination of the journey is far more than that!
Really looking forward to it now, thanks!
Ali is the marathon on Saturday or Sunday? I have to know exactly when to be sending you my good juju!! Ah man, I’m just so excited–you’ve worked so hard. I know it’s not about the destination but I think you’re still going to arrive at something pretty special next weekend. Can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Thanks Cat for all your positive support so far! It’s Sunday morning, 10am UK time. Excited!
I’m looking forward to standing on the start line with you next week! Think about how you want the marathon to be, how you want your run to feel like, how you want those last 50-100m to be then go make it happen 🙂
Looking forward to it Steve! See you there 🙂
See you at the start! She and I are taking that same Loch boat cruise you mentioned, btw. Earlier in the week though! Time to rest up!
Enjoy your time in Scotland!
Good luck! Can’t wait to here how your race treats you!