Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Taper Madness & Marathon Plans

With the Columbus Marathon 4 days away, I've been (obviously) thinking a lot lately about the race. This taper madness always lets self-doubt creep into my head. The past couple weeks have been a roller coaster of highs & lows, I went on vacation & got engaged but then a few days later, my Grandma passed away. To be honest, my heart really isn't into this upcoming race. I know my training was sub-par and for the first time, I feel like my endurance isn't where it should be. I only did two 20 milers and a couple 17 milers. Granted, I did more tempo runs & speedwork but I'm not sure that will translate into a PR in a 26.2 mi race. The most important thing right now though is that I'm injury-free and will actually be at the starting line on Sunday morning. Even though I feel slightly undertrained, I guess it's better to get to the starting line undertrained than be overtrained and not even get to the starting line.

So what are my goals for the race? My first goal is to not stop and walk. Yes, I'm being serious. I had to stop a few times on both of my 20 milers this training cycle, partly due to poor nutrition before my runs and partly due to mentally giving up. My ultimate goal for the race would be to break 3:30 and I'd be thrilled to PR and run under 3:34, but I'd also be happy qualifying for Boston for the 3rd time.

2 comments:

Bethany said...

I'm sorry to hear about your Grandma...that and all of the happy emotions you've been experiencing can definitely have an impact on your training. Hang in there; you can do it! Can't wait to hear about your results and experience on Monday.

Anonymous said...

so sorry to hear about your grandma! ((hugs))

i think that you're going to surprise yourself at the marathon. as hard as emotions can make training i think that they'll fuel you to go very well this weekend :)

go get that 3:30! (it's my goal for whatever marathon i do next but i want to live vicariously through you!)