The New Jersey marathon is a week and a half away.
That's it.
There is one more weekend in between now and the race. One more long run. A few easy runs. And a lot of crazy.
Crazy? Yes, crazy. In the form of me. I fully admit that I have gone crazy. I've gone crazy fearing-the-marathon style.
Almost 17 weeks into this whole marathon adventure, I'm afraid that my training hasn't been enough. I'm afraid that something will go wrong. I'm afraid that the goal I've set for myself is far too aggressive. I'm afraid I'll implode just feet from the finish line.
I have a case of the Taper Crazies. For sure.
Sane me knows that I followed my training plan, ran my paces, worked hard. Sane me knows that I set my time goal based on recent races times and my level of dedication to reaching my goal. Sane me knows that implosion is highly unlikely -- I could easily slow to a jog, shuffle or walk before I reach the point of implosion.
But crazy me? Crazy me is having a super hard time shaking the fear.
And then I came across this:
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| (http://quote-book.tumblr.com/post/19118063839) |
I'm choosing to believe it.
My marathon fears only mean that I believe those fears are worth overcoming.
I've never set such a grand goal for myself as I have for this marathon. 3:45? That means I have to run 8:35 per mile. Easy enough for a few miles -- heck, I've run a good bit faster than that for 10, 11 and 13.1 mile races -- but 26.2 miles? Can I hold that pace? Without falling apart?
I'll find out soon enough (just a week and a half!).
I'm not going to let my marathon fears stop me from going for it. I mean, after all, what's the worst that can happen? I run slower? I don't reach my goal? I fail?
If I fail, so be it. At least I'll know I went for it.
I'll be telling myself this for the next, oh, 11 or so days!
What fears do you have before big races?
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Felice
10 comments:
You'll do great! The course is gorgeous and the crowds are so welcoming! You're going to love it! I'm so excited for you!
You fail? I think NOT. I believe you will reach your goal but if and only IF there things that come up causing you not to reach your ultimate goal, you still have not failed. NOPE. Rock on strong mamma!!
I am in the same boat - I am running this Saturday and have the exact same goal - 3:45 which would be a big PR. I have done the race pace runs on the training plan for the 10 - 13.1 miles runs and then the tempo/speed run at 20-30 seconds faster for up to 10 miles also. I am nervous but will do everything I can.
Wishing you good luck and looking forward to hearing all about it.
You will rock it! I have been following your training, as I am also training for a marathon(my first) and I am impressed by your multiple 20 milers and your strength. You will do amazing. I cant wait to read how it goes!
Go own that race!!!
You'll do great!!! You're so ready for this!! :)
Good luck!! Can't wait to read all about it! :)
You are gonna do great! :) :)
I'm sure you will do great. You have put in the miles and done all the right things in your training. However, I always get nervous before the big day about the weather, or about odd aches and pains, being sick or getting my period. Thanks for the advice about my first marathon. BTW I ran it in 4:14 and it was a great experience!
You sound normal to me. I was like that for my first half...
Found your site today-- just what I needed! I am a new runner and have my first half marathon in exactly one week! Your site gave me a boost of confidence and lots of excitement for the big day! Good luck with your marathon!!!!
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