T-3 Days

Well. It's coming.... whether I like it or not. I feel like I'm strapped into a roller coaster that's just taking off and there is nothing I can do but just endure it. Except... that I'm beyond thrilled to be on this ride.

Source

At this point in marathon training, everything in my life is on autopilot and my brain is constantly stuck on the race. My heart starts pounding and my palms start sweating every time I think about Saturday. Just a little nervous over here.
Despite the miles upon miles (upon miles) of training, the confidence I had last weekend after finishing 20, and the determination I have in my heart to finish, I'll admit, I am freaking out a little (lot).

As far as that 20 miler- it went pretty great! Yes. It was hard. Probably more mentally hard than anything but I did it. And I know if I can do that, without the support of spectators and my personal fan base (yeah, I'm talking to you Cory and Mom- you better bring obnoxious signs and choreographed cheers), I can run a marathon.

The one thing that I learned from that run was that every mile (after about 14) I had to anticipate ups and downs. One minute I was be soaring, feeling on top of the world, and the very next it would be a struggle to pick up my feet. This happened on and off, again and again and again. I just had to keep in mind that the struggle would end and that it would come again; which seemed to help.
I felt great after the run and was on my feet most of the day. Sunday I felt awesome and Monday I was bouncing with energy. I had a great 5 mile run Monday night and a perfect 8 miler Tuesday. I couldn't understand how I felt so great... then came Wednesday.

I woke up early for strength training and headed to the gym before work. After doing a few arm exercises, I stood up from the cable pull-down machine... and there it was. My lower back felt like it had 1,000 knives in it. I was all too familiar with this pain and immediately knew it wasn't good. I gently tried to stretch it out, which only made the pain worse. Being dramatic, I immediately jumped to conclusions thinking I wouldn't be able to race and my life would be over.

I made an appointment with the chiropractor for that night. He looked at my x-rays and said I had some strained muscles on the lower left side (From what, I have no idea. Thanks for rebelling against me body.) He did some work on my back and then hooked me up with some shock therapy, told me to ice regularly and come back Friday. He did give me the "okay" to run Thursday, as long as there was no pain.

Well Thursday's run went alright. I was wayyy too in tune with my back that it made the run drag on and I just felt exhausted. My usual easy pace was killing me. I think I went to bed at 8pm that night. My entire body ached and all I wanted to do was sleep (the 20 miles decided to catch up to me I guess) Same thing with Friday, I was just worn down. I went back to the chiro Friday and he did some more shock therapy, which helped loosen my back a lot.

I ran 8 Saturday (last long run!) and felt okay, except that the "easy" pace was exhausting me. I think my body was just tired from the back pain, the long runs and life in general. I took it easy Sunday and went back to the doc yesterday for more treatment. My back's starting to feel better, but it's taking it's sweet time and a tole on my confidence. I know that regardless of the condition I'm in, I'm running. No questions there.

Besides the back issues, I'm starting to get (really) excited. I just want to be out there running! This week's mileage is very light, which is nice after all the weeks of training.

Tomorrow starts the process of carb loading. I've done a lot of research on the proper way to do this, which, btw is supposed to prevent you from hitting the wall in the higher miles of the race. The key to this is not eating more than normal, but just replacing your normal calories with 80% from complex carbs. I'm trying to eat as close to normal as possible, to prevent any unwanted stomach issues... so we'll see how this goes.

The countdown is on!!! Have a great week!

PS-

Do it. I did.

I don't go looking for hills, but when I come to one, I run it.

Happy Monday!! Hope your week has started off great!

Remember when I said last week that I was just going to run this weekend's Rocktoberfest Half for fun and not for time? I should know myself better than that.

When the gun went off at a blustery (read, freezing) 7:40am start time, I took off hoping to bring home a new PR. The first few miles were scary, which is normal for me. At that point, I can't quite get a "feel" for the race and there are a lot of uncertainties, insecurities and questions.

What if I can't keep up with my friends?
What if I get hurt along the way?
How will I feel?
What if something unexpected happens?
What if I can't do this????

Those brain demons tried to work their magic on my confidence, but by mile 4, we parted ways and I told them to kiss it. I think I had a smile on my face from that point until I crossed the finish line. I waved to spectators, high-fived little kids, thanked all the officers and volunteers and really tried to take in the beautiful Charlotte scenery.

When the race started, it was around 40 degrees. I wore my Nike Tempos, a short sleeve DriFit tee, and a long sleeve tee over top with cheap gloves that I threw away around mile 3. I also wore my Nathan hydration belt, which I wish I could propose marriage to...once you go Nathan, you don't go back. (...sorry for that lame attempt to be funny, it's Monday). Having the availability of water at all times is not only a confidence booster but also gave me the freedom to take water when I needed it, and not waiting for a water stop. I took a Vanilla Gu at mile 6, one Chomp at mile 10 and one Chomp at mile 12... Did I mention the last 4 miles of this race were UPhill?? It was gruesome. I was banking on those being my fastest, which was not the case.

In fact, the entire race was massively hilly. I think I ran less than one combined total mile of flat road... which may be the reason I cannot walk today. I took another ice bath last night and have been stretching/rolling my legs but they are still in pain.

The race ended up being a little long (13.22 instead of 13.1) and that extra .12 added about a minute to my time (bummer...) but overall I am very happy with how I did! According to my Garmin, I finished in 2:05:21, which is a PR of 38 seconds. I'll take it, given I have done no speed training and was planning on an easy day!


Just finished! :) Everyone did GREAT! Pat (beside me on the end) even got 2nd place in her age group!!


Plus I got a sweet new medal to add to my collection and a third Half under my belt. 3 Halfs ( or it is halves??) so far this year! woo hoooo! Can't wait to bring home the big medal in 3 weeks!!!! (ho-ly shit.)