I CAN do it

I am : TAPER

I must report with a little more than mild satisfaction that my 14-miler on saturday went very well. I decided that with only 2 weeks to go until the marathon, this isn't the time to be messing around. I'm going to do everything by the book. I've met someone known only as "Herb" on the BFFM message board that I frequent who is quite experienced in marathon running and ultrarunning. He has analyzes my schedule and results and makes suggestions. I'm looking forward to his advice for the coming two weeks.

Anyway, back to not messing around: for the last couple of months I have been going on my long runs alone, starting later in the day. On saturday I returned to the running group, starting bright and early. It was great. The weather was nice and cool, I had good company which helped to pass the time. We had a nice easy warm up which turned into a solid pace (which turned out to be a smidgeon slower than 8min/mile). We stopped for water and stretching. Nothing fancy. Very nice. The marathon is in two weeks and I am now tapering my runs to rest up for the big day. This week will be less mileage than last week, and the week of the 25th will be very low mileage. I will have 3 days completely off before the 2nd, so my body will be rested and primed. I'm not yet able to say that I am *ready* for the marathon, for my mind and body are still coming down from the bruising I gave them over the past 4 months. But, I am fit enough to finish once I am healed.

My biggest challenge will be the mental aspect. I know how to train my body, at least, I know thousands of exercises, routines, splits, lifts, paces, mileages, etc...which groove the body. Harder than any of these is mental training, and yet, its most crucial. It involves a firm and unwavering belief in yourself, your abilities, and your body. Doubt, unfortunately, is like sand. It gets everywhere, and once it gets in, its quite difficult to remove. A seed of doubt was planted in my mind on Sept. 10, and I am currently in the process of expunging that seed. The good part about mental training is that it can be done at any time, at any place, so...indulge me as I knock out a couple sets:

1. I CAN do it.
2. I CAN do it.
3. I CAN do it.

I'll be spending the next two weeks in "sleep preparation" as well. This means that I'll be going to be at the same time as I'll be going to bed on the 1st (9:45pm) and waking up at the same time as I'll be waking on the 2nd (6:00am). Every day. I want my body to be completely at ease on the morning of Oct. 2, and this will ensure that. So...sorry if people want to do stuff late on Fridays/Saturdays, but I just won't be able to join you. I hope everyone understands. James and Tyler have volunteered already to *pace* my progress during the marathon; to supply me with the gels and water-concoctions I need so that I don't have to carry them. Thanks in advance fellas! As time gets closwer I'll post a spectators guide for anyone who thinks they'll want to watch a sweaty and exhausted Alex run. Have a nice week everyone!

Miles Since 4/23/05: 591

posted by Lord Alex @ 5:50 AM