My marathon is about 2 days away. I shouldn’t be surprised that most people in my everyday life aren’t even aware that I am racing. Perhaps some of you don’t even know. I’ve really kept it quiet.
Once again, the Amazing Hip took on the task of coaching me. Unlike my training for Chicago, I didn’t have 10 m0nths of training to put towards my race. From the outset, I asked to limit my running to 3 quality days each week and cross-train the rest. Part way through the training season, I re-evaluated my goals further and asked Coach to back the weekly mileage down. In spite of difference, I enter into this race feeling ready. I trained hard and although I do have a few pains in my left side, I am relatively injury-free.
I realize that the amount of energy that I was able to dedicate to my training for this marathon was not optimal for a Boston qualification (BQ) attempt. Still, I do believe in miracles. If the stars were to align I might just go for it and see what happens.
Going into this race, I am relatively relaxed. I’ve taken the pressure off of myself to perform to any previously set standards. This isn’t to say that I don’t have a goal. I would love to finish this race in less than 4 hours. That said, I am mildly optimistic that I might meet that goal, perhaps set a personal record (PR), or even get that BQ I’ve been chasing.
There are factors beyond my control such as…the weather. It’s supposed to rain and that worries me some. Then, there is the fact that none of my family or friends will be out on the course.
Still, if the stars were to align…
Since I haven’t experienced it, I don’t know what a perfect race day is. Maybe it is a rainy day where your family and friends cheer you on from all around the world rather than along the race course. Maybe, on March 1st, someone will put their virtual mouse in the skies over Napa, California and right-click to arrange the stars all in a line just for me.
Maybe, it will finally be my day.
I’ll be sending you “comfortable weather” and “awesome race” vibes all morning Sunday. Have a fabulous run!
You’re in my thoughts!! Here’s to great weather and a star-aligned day! :))
The perfect race doesn’t happen often, but sometimes when you least expect it. A wise old marathon runner once told me that the best predictor of a great race…. is how you feel when you wake up on race day.
Sleep well and race for the stars.
If you tune in to how you feel at the start of the race, you’ll know of what you are capable. have fun! I’ll be thinking about you…
If I lived in California I would be there to cheer you on!
I’ve heard great things about the Napa race from many people.
I don’t know about “perfect” races, I guess they just sort of happen when you least expect it. I’ll be cheering for you from way down here in Southern California.
Go Juls!
:)
We’ve got super crappy weather all weekend, hopefully that will leave some space for super perfect race conditions for you. tAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM WEATHER WISE!
If there something you can’t count on, that’s the weather forecast. And something you CAN count on is there are many people supporting you. You’re going to have a great run! Looking forward to seeing you in the a.m.
Julie, I am going to Nicaragua on Sunday (spring break!) so I won’t be able to track you live, but please know I will be thinking of you all day long. It is a special course, and I know you will have a blast! Say hi to the vineyards for me. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Good luck! look up in the sky and you will see my virtual mouse hovering over you. :)
Best of luck to you tomorrow. I’ll be cheering you on and looking forward to your report.
From 7am to 11am I’ll be sending you fast, healthy thoughts!
anxious to hear how your run went!
Oh wow Juls its the next day! How was it? Hope it was a positive experience for you! Happy recovery and I cant wait to read all about it!
How was it? Can’t wait to hear.