Archives for June 15, 2006

I was getting worried as I watched my suitcase overflow more and more throughout the week. I kept remembering things that I needed and adding them to the pile. I actually have a MS Word document that has my marathon packing list, however traveling this far to a marathon adds a bit more complexity to the whole packing ordeal. Somehow, I managed to get all my stuff into my suitcase and a backpack.

I decided not to check either bag to be sure that I would have them. Obsessive? Yes. I put my race clothes, GPS, iPod in the backpack…with the laptop. I wore my running shoes, even though I only *run* in my running shoes until they are officially retired. This was because I couldn’t fit them in the backpack. Why? Well, what if there was no room for my roller-bag and it *had* to be checked. Then suppose they lost the bag. Then what?

My bag was heavy as I had to bring the laptop too. The “blog” you know. It turns out that the hotel has free internet, so if you are one of my few blog readers, then you are in luck.

I’ve gone to the expo already, but will probably be back there tomorrow. I want to take the bus tour of the race course. Then there is the pasta feed.

I made it hear, now I just have to relax and stay healthy until race day.

I like to go into each race with a plan, for how things will play out. It is like playing a game of cards, Monopoly, or chess; it turns out better if you plan ahead. Earlier today, as I sat in Minneapolis airport (for over 3 hours), I drafted my race plan.

In a nutshell:
I want to run a focused, even effort race. I want to finish in less than 3 hours, 50 minutes and be qualified to run the Boston Marathon in 2007. I also want to feel relatively good throughout the race. This “feeling good” would be a product of the hard, consistent training that I have done in these past 6 months.

I imagine seeing the finish line, the clock displaying a qualifying time as I approach and cross. I feel happy, relieved, and (who knows) ecstatic. I?ve done it.

Soon after finishing, I will get to my cell phone, call my family and tell the whole story.

From the start of the day:
I would wake up refreshed, excited, ready to run, and still calm. I eat the food I brought, drink my coffee, do my “business.” I would surely have all of my things for the race ready. I?ve set these out the night before (as always). I?ll wear my run skirt, my red jogbra and red short sleeved shirt. I?ll have my sweat pants & jacket over the top but will leave them with the drop-bag at the start. The weather will be good for running. Cool, but not cold. Not raining, and not to hot.

I?ll be well hydrated, but not too much so. I will empty my bladder prior to the start and be at the start ready to go when the gun goes off. I?ll wear my fuel belt ? stocked with plenty of GU for the entire race, some gummy bears, 2 bottles of cytomax and 2 bottles of MetroMint water. I?ll have my iPod (fully charged) with my BQ Playlist ready to go. The music will fuel me and keep me right on-pace as I run. I will be able to enjoy the music but will also enjoy the spectator?s support. I will hear my family and friends voices right when I need them. It will remind me of their support and I will not be lonely during this race.

Although, I know that my family and friends may have their attention on me, I will not let that affect me on race weekend. I will have separation from the expectations, fears, advice, etc. I will have and keep my space throughout the race. I be present, have amusement, focus, determination, and all of the tools to bring me to that finish line on-time.

I can do this. I am strong. I am powerful. I am determined, confident, and I am well trained.
Boston?here I come.