verbingnouns

Unpredictable

As race day gets closer, all those variables that I’ve worried about for months are coming into play. You would think after 5 months of regular running, I would have all the kinks worked out. But, alas: it’s always something. You never know what the weather is going to be like or how it’s going to affect you. The prediction for this weekend (so far) is a high of 75, low of 61, with a 30% chance of rain. That’s a little warm for my preference, but doable. There are other things to think about that can really make a difference in the run, too, like what I eat all week, the night before, and especially the morning of the race. Who knows how well I’ll sleep the night before? What if the clothes I bring aren’t good for that day’s weather? So many unpredictables…

A few weeks ago, before we did our 18-mile long run, I had the bright idea of going to yoga. Now, I used to go to yoga quite regularly, but due to all the running, I had not been in a while. So I kind of over-did it and was sore afterwards. That, in connection with the 18 miler kind of pushed me over the edge, and I started having some trouble with my calves, and as I’ve tried to compensate for the calf problem, I’ve re-aggravated an existing knee problem. Plus I have a cough/cold. I’m pretty much a disaster. I really don’t know what to do about it other than let it rest the remainder of the week and give it all I’ve got on Saturday and hope for the best. I may need a calendar instead of a time clock, but I keep reminding myself that my goal from the start was just to complete the marathon, not to try to impress anyone with my time. It will be a Personal Record no matter how fast or slow.

I’ve said before that I’m glad I’ve done all this running. It really has been a good learning experience. I’ve learned about discipline, patience, focus, determination, camaraderie, and endurance. That being said: I’m so ready to get this over with. I really am going to try my best. I want to finish strong and be able to be proud of the accomplishment. Maybe someday (a very long time from now), I’ll do the marathon thing again, but for now, I’m looking forward to crossing the finish line and letting my running shoes go on sabbatical. I’m looking forward to getting back into yoga and spin and power pump (and swimming in a few more months). I’m looking forward to just going for a walk or a leisurely jog and not thinking too much about my form or my breathing or my time. I’m looking forward to not planning my week around when I’m going to run. In 26.2 more miles, I’ll have freedom again.