Monday, February 7, 2011

Taper Madness and a Day of Reckoning

It's hard to believe, but I'm less than 6 days away from toeing the line at the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham. It's strange how I've come to this place in my race preparation, and I find myself feeling...well, different about the upcoming race this Sunday.

As far as training and prep is concerned, it's all good. I'm still in good condition from the Disney marathon a few weeks ago. I've managed to keep my mileage base up around the 40 miles per week range, and I'm confident that I haven't lost anything at all in the interim. From the perspective on being able to run a Disney-comparable race in Birmingham, I'm confident in my ability to run a sub 3:45:00 marathon this Sunday. But my strong desire is to shave my performance goal down to a sub 3:40:00 marathon, and that is simply going to require a much more rigorous effort on my part this Sunday.

I don't have anything to lose by going for broke on race day. I've already set a PR this season, and if I fail miserably on Sunday, I can live with it. But, I don't handle failing very well, and I really (and I mean REALLY) want a sub 3:40:00. I think that is the thing that keeps coming back to me; HOW badly do I want it, and how much suffering am I willing to endure to get it?

Right now, I'm willing to endure a lot. I'm trying to get my "A game" mindset rolling, and my body will follow along with it. But for the first time in a couple of years, I am finding myself confronting the fact that my desired goal is going to cost me something. Since I don't run races for "fun", each one has to be at full effort. And for me, I know confidence is going to be absolutely crucial this time around.

I'd better set a course PR, that's for sure!
So, the bottom line for Sunday: 

CASH or CRASH...

I'm going to achieve one of the two in stellar fashion.

7 comments:

  1. Good luck - I know you can do it.

    It's tough, because you know that conditions are going to have to be perfect, you're going to need all your confidence, and you have to leave it all out there on the road.

    Get the appropriate rest this week, hydrate right, eat right and give it all you got!

    YOU CAN DO IT!

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  2. My last half marathon I wanted a sub 2:00, but unfortunately I got sick the Thursday before the race with strep. I still raced, but didn' t do as well as I hoped. My next half is in 2 weeks... I had strep last week so JUST maybe I will get my sub 2:00!!! Im training for my first full this year, any advice on training??? Mind over Body!! You can do it!!!

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  3. I'm sure you are ready to achieve your goal. All the best!

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  4. Good luck - I look forward to your race report. I'm thinking about either this one, or Rocket City in Alabama next year.

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  5. Good luck - I can't wait to hear the details.

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