A wonderful run to end a long season of long runs!
I read Coach David's "Secrets of Marathoning" that he posted beforehand a million times to understand what I needed to do on this 21mile, mock race run. I HAD to be at 13:10-13:25 instead of 13:45+ if I had any chance of making it back in time for the seminar. I knew I could go the distance, I wanted to know at what pace I could.
Felecia, one of the fastest Chicago runners from our group, gave me a book before the start "Running Within", and told me to focus on the positive. That was my mantra throughout.
Everyone took off the first 2 miles! But once I warmed up, and by catching some flat/downhill action, I caught up with the group. I took my nutrition as planned, I took my water breaks with efficiency. The first 17 miles were a breeze, and then the next 2 needed a little more focus, the last 2 miles hurt more to walk than run, but it was amazing how calm I was and did not panic when that mental wall started creeping up on me.
When things got tough, I remembered to use my power words - "Relax" "Form" "Glide". I took an extra walk break if needed to catch my breath. I closed my eyes for a fleeting second mid-run (maybe not the best idea) to remember the things that brought a smile and warmth to me. These are the things that are going to get me through the toughest 6.2 miles I've ever done!
Yes, I did make it back in time for the seminar. Everyone was gathered around, and Coach David had just started when I waltzed in. Hilarious to have everyone cheer me on. And even more hilarious to find that I couldn't get that goofy grin off my face for the next 30 minutes :)
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