Monday, January 23, 2017

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!







28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Celebratory beer at the finish line?? Is it a date? :)

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  2. I love how positive and excited you are! So happy for you to be looking forward to such a fun event. Love the Morgan Freeman poster!

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    Replies
    1. I try to be happy everyday, so that definitely shines through I think. It's easier to smile than to frown.

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  3. You've got this! I look forward to following your training because my last two marathons I've been injured. I want to see how someone else does it right. ;)

    And I haven't registered for Grandma's yet but I do have lodging so one step closer... lol

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    Replies
    1. I don't know about "right", But I'm sure going to try! :)

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  4. Yes. Definitely within reach. All the best going for it!

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  5. Staying injury free and listening to your body is key. I do agree that it will help that you know the course. You got this! Look forward to watching your progress

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  6. Mindset is so important! You can do this!!

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  7. Go get it! The marathon is so very mental! I know you can do this!

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  8. Oh, wow, runs like that don't happen all the time, but when they do, they make all the other runs worth it! Sounds like you have a great plan for nailing your goal.

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    Replies
    1. I'm going to work extra hard at this one for sure!

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  9. Good luck it sounds that you are definitely ready!

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  10. I try not to compare my pace with others because y'all are all so fast! I've lost so much of my speed due to my heart issues and heart rate training. I am sure you will achieve your 4 hour goal! I look forward to following your training!

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  11. Sub 4 is well within reach! You got this!

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  12. There is nothing better then having an awesome training run like you did! Way to go! Sounds like you have a great plan for your sub 4 hour!
    I'm planning to run a little less this year to avoid the many injuries that seem to happen to me.

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  13. Looks like a great goal and there's no doubt you can achieve it!

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  14. Awesome game plan! However, you probably will be running solo (or at least without my constant chatter to keep you entertained) because I probably will not be running Grandma's at that pace LOL I will celebrate with you at the finish line, though!!

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    Replies
    1. Come on Kimberly! Kick it in... I'd love to here your chatter! :) But, absolutely beer at the finish!

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  15. You can definitely get your goal especially with that great half marathon time. Hopefully you stay injury free!!!

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  16. The body achieves what the mind believes! Best of luck to you!

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