Lately, I’ll be sitting at work, at home or at a restaurant with friends when suddenly I get a flash of anxiety. This reality enters my thoughts: “In about two weeks I’m going to run a marathon…26.2 miles…all at once.”
Yes, you could say that I am getting a little nervous about my impending marathon. I have dreams that I don’t wake up in time on marathon day or that I’m missing one shoe at the start line. Most of all, I’m worried that I’m not prepared. Especially since I haven’t run more than 20 miles.
In fact, the most I have run is 19 miles. I’m worried that not going over the 20-mile mark will increase my chances of hitting the wall during the race. Most training programs say you shouldn’t run more than 23 miles during your training. My plan was to run a 21-miler, however, when I attempted this feat a couple things went wrong.
First of all, I was up late the night before. A few of my friends graduated from college, so I went to a few parties and barbeques. I didn’t get into bed until 12:30 a.m. So naturally, staying up late made it difficult to get up in the morning and I didn’t get started on my run until 7:30 a.m. (I was hoping to start at 6 a.m.).
That Sunday turned out to be the worst day to start late. When I set out to run, the temperature was already warm. However, I thought I was prepared with a camelback, a flask of Gatorade (yes, I put it in a flask…it didn’t have anything to hold it in), and hard candies.
I started on the East side of town and ran down the valley into Mesilla. I soon noticed a group of walkers blocking the path and pointing into the air. I didn’t pay much attention and quickly passed the group. About 30 minutes later when I was coming back down the trail, there was an older couple doing the same thing. This time I decided to stop and ask them what they were looking at. The couple was extremely friendly and pointed to an adult and baby owl in the tree branches above. Honestly, this made my day because the owl is my favorite animal.
As I continued down the path I started to get extremely overheated. This was by far one of the hottest days in awhile. I had to stop numerous times for water and Gatorade. I even changed up my course a little to find shade under trees — and this was all before 10 a.m. By the time I hit 15 miles, I really could not stand the heat anymore. So, I stopped and went home.
Last night, I got a late start on my run. (But I have a good excuse…it was the season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy”). I started my run at 9:45 p.m. on a stomach full of pasta. (And for all you worriers out there — mainly my parents — I WAS carrying protection). Since I was running in the dark, I decided not to bring my iPod. Surprisingly, it was one of the best runs I’ve had in awhile, even with a full stomach and without music. I ran six miles and kept a consistent pace of 8:35-minute miles. And even more surprising was the pace felt like a light jog. When I finished the run I wasn’t out of breath and knew that I could go on for longer.
As I get closer to my marathon date and my distance runs begin to taper, I think about things I should have done differently. I think that I should have trained harder or longer, that I should have eaten more healthy food, that I shouldn't have spent all those late nights at the bar. These thoughts especially enter my mind when I remember the interview I had with a 65-year-old NMSU professor who is currently training for his 107th marathon. He runs seven days a week, which adds up to about 60 miles per week. I definitely didn’t run that much.
Even though I’m freaking out that I won’t be able to finish the race…I know that I will. If it takes me six hours I am going to finish that marathon!
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3 comments:
“The wall” is very real. The so-called runner’s high can often carry a runner to new distances that the body isn’t ready for. The danger is you could go from a 20 mile run to having your body give up on you after less than a mile the next time out.
I wouldn't worry about finishing the race if I were you. I think your most daunting challenge is going to be the heat and humidity, staying hydrated, and making it through the droves of people that will most likely be there. I also think that your pace may be something to think about and to concentrate on. As anxious and nervous as you are and are going to be, you will want to race off of the starting line and get underway. I can't stress enough how important it will be to pace yourself and to run at your comfortable pace. Even if that pace is slower than you expect, stay with it and you will have no problem finishing. With all of the bands and other entertainment that will be around, you may also have an easier time running than you think. Good music is a great distraction, especially when your body is telling you to stop!! Plus you will be in beautiful California with your friends and family. With all of the support, training, and desire that you have, you are going to do very well in the race. I am anxious to hear how you do! Can't wait to read about your exoerience! Keep it up Jenn, you are almost there!
You go girl! You're going to do great.
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