Before I say anything, watch this.
If someone confronts me at the finish line on November 4th with the “You just ran a marathon what are you going to do next???” I’d reply, “Stealing a litter of golden retriever puppies wearing pink berets!!!”
Better than Disney World.
Is it obvious how much I want a puppy and how many times I’ve watched that 12-second clip.
Anywayyy, HEY I haven’t blogged in weeks but I’m here and I’m here with a smorgasbord of thoughts to share. Just about NYCM for today.
Though I’ve known I’d be running this race for a good 18 months when I did my first race towards 9+1, the fact that it’s, like, 12 days away, is so surreal. It’s all really happening. I’m going to be one of the tens of thousands flocking to Staten Island, climbing up and down the Verranzano, following the streets through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, and scaling the final hill up to Taven on the Green. It’s already making me cry happy tears and feel the adrenaline and smile nonstop at the thought of it all. How lucky we are. This is our stage! It’s for us. It’s GONNA BE ME!
And it’s sooooo magic.
I’m excited and feeling ready too.
Even though I don’t think I had the most successful training (will I ever though) because of my tibia drama and the dreaded summer heat, I’m focusing on all of the positive things that happened in my run life this year… a lot of personal enlightenment and rewarding experiences from a lot of hard work and support. I’ve found I love just running… easy when it feels right, hard when it feels right, relaxed approach on regular runs, happy-go-lucky meets go-hard on race days, no Garmin, no training plan. Oops, but it’s worked so well for me that I can’t deny it.
And I’m going to run NYCM with this same spirit I’ve been running with all year.
NYCM is going to be my fiercely positive, fun, comfortable, but gut-to-the-end race. I know it’s a hard course and I’m ready for it not to be easy. But hopefully I’ll have a day much like the Run to Remember Half, which remains my favorite race of all time… not for the PR but for the good feelings I had from beginning to end.
CAN’T WAIT.
But to also be honest – as much as I am excited anticipating NYCM, I’m ready to get the show on the road too!
I’ve run a lot this year… 1,212 miles in 2012 as of 10.21.12 go figure… and I’m just ready to take a break after the marathon and rest and get to do everything that has come second to training and see family and friends I haven’t seen in awhile and not worry about fitting in a run at the end of the work day. Training can take a lot from our normal lives and spending time in other areas of my life that have nothing to do with running is so important to me.
There will definitely be the annual turkey trot and jingle jogs but mostly, rest. I love running and don’t want to lose that by burning out and continuing the pedal-to-the-metal pace. In the three weeks after Chicago last year I ran a half and a 10k… never again. Luckily I got some sense after that and had myself a merry little off season for two whole months.
It was very awesome.
Knowing that I’m going to take a break also makes me really want to give everything I’ve got on November 4th. To make it count… no other day matters any more but race day.
Speaking of making it count. Yesterday came down to the day I HAD to have a good 20+ run. Thankfully, it was a good day and I ran 22 miles in a few minutes over 4 hours (no Garmin of course). The last two miles were pretty great after struggling for a few evil miles. I needed that badly, mostly for mental strength and confidence. It was my longest training run ever and I could really feel how close I was to the marathon.
Now, the plan to hug out the taper is in full effect. Plans include:
- Hydrating, with water
- Upping salt intake
- Eating whole foods
- Resting to the max
- Sleeping more
- De-stressing
- Running low, slow mileage
- Preparing race day details
- Listening to pump-up playlists
- Getting excited to see my NYC friends!!!
- Thinking happy thoughts
And probably picking up some marbles while I’m at it.
Until next time… hopefully sooner rather than later!
Who’s running NYCM or MCM or any other fall marathon or race? Lemme hear ya.
Best of luck in your run!
I ran my first (of two) fall half-marathons this past weekend. I’m enjoying a week off from running–I think they are very important every once in a while!
I love that movie! You’re going to do awesome, I’m sure. You’ve been prepping well and come race day, you’re going to kick butt!
You do so much running, I’m so impressed!! I can totally relate to that feeling that you just want to rest and stop thinking about a marathon haha – you’re so close though and you’re going to do awesome! : )
Good luck in your marathon! I’m sure your hard work will pay off!
SO SOON!! NYC Marathon 2012 – you got this. Boom.
Best of luck! Love reading training updates. Sounds like you’re running for yourself and most of all to have fun!
That’s a fabulous movie and one of my favorite parts [my husband was laughing out loud] :P Congrats on all of your hard work and it’ll definitely pay off, you’re gonna do great!!!
I run the PHX Women’s Half the same day as NYCM! I will be thinking of you all!!
Good luck, girl! I know you will do awesome.
I can’t wait to see you and cheer you on like crazy!!
Wishing you a happy and safe NYCM! I ran the Amica Half here last weekend… 13.1 is plenty for me!
Sounds like you are having some really great training. My marathon training is really ramping up for the California International Marathon which happens the first weekend in December. I’m following a plan that encourages low, quality miles. It’s been totally different from the last time I trained for a marathon (two years ago) but so far I’ve been pretty happy with how I’m improving. I wish you the best of luck with NYCM. Can’t wait to read the race recap. You’ve come really far since your first marathon which gives me hope that I’ll keep improving.
That is soo exciting!!! YOu will have a blast. ENJOY!!
! You’ve so got this!!!
Ill be starting my new job so races might be put on hold..
Christine! So proud of you! You have worked so hard training for the NYCM! I know you will be awesome. Will you please post tracking info?!?
Best of luck with the taper!
xo
F
So excited for you in Sunday….you have such a great attitude, you’re going to rock it no matter your results!
You’re right to have a rest. My big autumn race was a half marathon and I’m in the middle of four weeks of fun-running and it’s good for me. I WANT to train again, but I’m making myself run for fun instead and I think psychologically it’s the right thing to do!! You’ll love the rest!