Positivity

5 hrs: 00 mins: 16 seconds. 

It's a significant number.  A number I think about often. 

A number that sometimes I'd like to forget.  

It's a number that makes me proud. 

When I think about my first Grandma's Marathon in 2016, I am flooded with emotion.  Mostly good emotion and happy memories.  But, I often contemplate the "what ifs."  What if I hadn't been injured?  What if I wasn't forced to take 7 weeks off? What if I had done more long runs?  What if it hadn't been in the 80's on race day? What if I would have worked harder on my nutrition? 

This past month, I have been working hard researching a marathon training plan that is tailored specifically for me.   Because, in the end, this race is just for me.  No one else.  Much like my first marathon training plan, my goal is still a 4:00:00 finish time.  To be honest,  I KNOW  I can accomplish this goal.  Self doubt does sometimes take over.  I'm working on squashing that self doubt.   

I have compiled my 4-month training plan to include specific workouts where I maximize my training.   Except this time, I'm only running 4 days per week  - hopefully to minimize injury.  Only 4 days per week will require that I make my training runs count; making sure I include a combination of hills, sprints, easy, and long, marathon-pace runs. 

This go around,  I definitely feel that I'm more ready.  I'm smarter.  More patient.  More consistent. And,  to be honest,  I'm looking forward to this marathon more than the first time.  I have an advantage now that I didn't before.  I know this course.  I know what to expect.  I know how to train. Just look at how beautiful it is!  Note to self:  Pay more attention to the beauty that is Grandma's Marathon! 

My goal is to stay injury-free and to train smarter, not harder.  I have 16 weeks to prove my potential! 

Let's fast forward to today's run.  OMG!  It.was.FANTASTIC!! 

Previously, my 9:30 paces were requiring effort.  My motivation was dipping.  I have been envious of everyone else's paces.  Everyone else's training.  And... in the running and blogging world we can't compare ourselves to anyone... yet I was?!?  But why?   We are there to support each other - which by the way is SO awesome! 

Today, my stars aligned and I believed for the first time in a LONG time that I really can get my 4 hour goal time!  The weather,  minus a few crazy black ice patches, was amazing!  32 degrees felt warm and fantastic!  I started my first mile with a 9:36 and from that point on just took off.  My final mile was a 7:55 and believe it or not, I felt like I was flying.  My breathing was on point, my legs felt light and fresh.  I was on top of the world!

After my run today,  I almost cried.  The feeling of fresh air in my lungs was undeniable.  That crazy runners high after a good performance had me almost skipping!  Most of all, I realized that I can do it.  My goal is not too crazy. It's not way out in "left-field."  I know I can do it and today I realized I am capable of great things! 

Here's the numbers - I'm fairly analytical and needed a plan tailored to my specific needs. 

Half PR - 1:53:45

10K PR- 52:25

5K PR - 23:33 

Based on previous history - a 4 hour time is within reach.  You better believe I'm coming for it! Grandma's Marathon - you better be waiting.  Here.I.COME!