Ok, race day is a few days away and today was the first day when my scatter/taper-brained self had difficulty concentrating on work all day. I took out the race map and my pace strategy over lunch and went crazy with a highlighter and several different color pens. Yes, I do that. But only for really important things like marathons. Sue me.
I was sitting there just looking at my target paces for each segment of the course and thinking, “Really? Is that right? Can I run that pace that late in the race?”. And quickly, I turned my attention away from those thoughts. Because, yes, I CAN run those paces. I’ve been in full training mode for at least 16 weeks and it would be silly to doubt my abilities at this point. I’ve proven it to myself day in and day out. Now, it’s just time to show others what I can do.
Last week, I was distracted by a big event, my twin sister’s wedding. At the time, the wedding prep and the marathon thoughts seemed like too much to handle. My body and mind felt sluggish and I started to get sniffly. Yep, I was congested and had a cold just two days before the wedding. But by the time I arrived at the salon on the big day, I was feeling back to normal (thanks to lots and lots of Airborne and Nuun!) . The day was gorgeous and the ceremony & reception were so “Lindsey and Nick”. I blubbered through my Maid of Honor speech like a fool, drank delicious beer, danced to 500 Miles by the Proclaimers played by an Irish rock band, and ate pizza at a bar until it closed at 2 AM with my family. I relished in those tiny moments. Ya know, moments like my dad lighting my sister’s celebratory cigar outside the reception. Now THAT is something you don’t see everyday!
All of a sudden, the night was over and we were heading to bed. It’s amazing how quickly a big day can go by if you just float your way through it.
I think next weekend is going to be just like that. I’ve been thinking about this darn marathon for 4+ months and I’m going to hustle, fight, and float through Sunday morning just like I’ve done all summer along the Chicago lakefront. I might have a different version of this story post-race, but for now, this is the one I’m going with.
If you want to track me during the race, you can register here! My Bib # is F735.
-J
We Wander And Ponder 
Nothing wrong with getting detailed about the pacing. The marathon takes so much time and preparation through months of training that it makes sense to spend a fair amount of time planning for the race. You have put in the work and your training has gone very well and I know that you can hold the pace after mile 20. The weather should be favorable and let’s just hope that it is not windy so that is one less thing to worry about. I know that all of us on DailyMile will be rooting for you and are excited to see your great results.
Good luck.
David P.
I have been having so much trouble concentrating at work this week! All I can think about is the marathon, what to wear, where to tell my family to spectate, how to plan out my nutrition. Sorry, boss! 🙂 Good luck this weekend!! You are going to do so awesome! Can’t wait to read your race report.
You will have a great race on Sunday! I know it!
Good luck this weekend, how exciting! I have never seen that race tracker thing…I will have to see if they do that for NYC, pretty awesome. 4 months of hard work, time to let your body takeover!
I love the idea of floating through an experience that requires persistence and determination. I have a similar key phrase that I think of when I feel I’m struggling, which is “Let it be easy.” Not that our challenges have to be easy, but we can ease our minds and bodies through those times. Well done – loved reading this!