Half the Battle

T minus 17 days! Let the countdown begin.
After the amazing 19 miler, I was on cloud nine. Our next run was a brief 12 miles, however, I was in Monterey for my boyfriend's TNT triathlon. I should mention how incredibly in awe and proud I am of him. He swam like a fish, kranked on his bike, and ran...well, maybe a little like I do. Needless to say he was humbled by the experience, but he has definitely caught the race bug! After watching the race (and spending the afternoon at happy hour with his parents) I was determined to get my run in. I scoped out a bike path earlier in the day, and set out for a late afternoon run. Unfortunately I wasn't fully prepared. I forgot my handheld bottle, and had to tote a huge gatorade bottle (it definitely slowed me down...hee-hee) but it was nice to be running in a different location. My route stretched for about 5 miles north of Monterey to Sand City. Only downside, pretty lonely. It started to get dark and cold, so I headed back to finish 9.5 miles. Still a pretty good run!
Last weekend we ran 18 miles, and the Nike marathoners on my team departed from the Long Beach Marathoners that are racing the weekend before us. We had different distances and turnarounds, and naturally I ended up passing the Nike turn around. Luckily I had only gone maybe a quarter of a mile past before someone alerted me. That was when I became painfully aware of the mental struggle. Just going a tiny bit further than I needed to almost completely defeated me. It wasn't one of my better runs, that is for sure. I even ran the first three miles with burning shins. I clearly recall the relief I felt (and cry I shouted out) when the pain finally subsided. Just another reminder that I am not living up to my promise of stretching more. I'm glad that run is behind me now.
But this won't end on a sad note. I made it through our 20+ mile run. I revisited the beloved Library Hill again. Man, I love that thing (crazy, right?) I calculated that it's about half a mile long and I think ascends some 250 feet. Something about getting to the top after a steady climb is SO rewarding.
I started my run with the early group, and ended up leading the way. It was a lot different knowing I was out front. I almost felt fear the whole time thinking about when our fastest runner would catch up to me. I definitely missed seeing people coming back from the turnaround exclaiming the helpful and encouraging, "you're almost there!" The turnaround was a sign in Portugese Bend that states "Constant Land Movement" and felt a LOT farther than it actually was! When I reached it, I had to run all the way up and touch the darn thing. About a mile in on the way back (somewhere around 13 miles) I passed by the fast one! It was amusing seeing the faster runners faces as my tortise pace cruised by them. From then on, I awaited the front to catch up to me...and it pushed me along pretty well. She caught up to me at the aid station around 17 miles or so (a LOT later than I expected, maybe I'm not TOO slow) and she jogged with me for about a millisecond before darting off. She is FAST. I chased her for as long as I could. Just so you know, long legs do not mean a faster runner, that is for sure. I read in triathlete magazine, that shorter, faster turnovers (the amount of time it takes for your front leg to move back, and then forward again) are much more efficient than longer strides. It's something I've been working on. :)
It's nice to say that my body felt great postrun, aside from the expected tight quads and calves. But it almost makes me feel as if I did not push hard enough. Unfortunately, that will remain to be seen come race day.
Up next, the lovely taper runs. 12 miles this weekend, then a refreshing 6 miles the weekend after. It's hard to relax and rest. Inside I am jumbled with anxiety about the race. But one less weight on my mind: I've done the seemingly impossible, with your help, and have raised my goal of $3200 for blood cancer research. Actually, I've even raised a little more, which speaks volumes to me, that you continue to give in hopes of finding a cure.
I'm staring down the last few weeks of my training, which entails less running and more resting (THANK GOODNESS!) It won't be long before I will be waking rediculously early to pound the pavement and tackle the hills in San Francisco. I don't feel ready yet. I know a HUGE mental struggle still awaits me. It's funny to think that physically, I know I am capable, and the only thing holding me back will be my brain. A salute to all of you who have succeeded in endurance running. I know that the wall I have to get over still exists on my race route (probably somewhere around mile 17... :)
Wish me luck!