This Sunday, I will be running my FIRST FULL marathon! I could not be more excited and nervous at the same time! I know that I am fully capable of covering the entire 26.2 miles. I have put in the miles, sweat and hours of training to accomplish this feat. I know I can do it.
The biggest hang up for me right now are two things: the unknown and my foot ache owie.
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The unknown. I have not run beyond 20 miles. When I did run 20 miles, I ran the Clarksburg Historic Race. I felt strong, steady and fantastic. I even ran a little over a mile after the finish line just to see how things go. I was confident I could run another 10K after that run.
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My foot and the unpredictable ache and owie. The past few weeks (since my amazing 20 miler) my foot has ached and even caused me gasps of pain while running. I believe it is from a shoe malfunction, and have changed it. However, my foot still aches from time to time. It always begins to ache around mile 7. I have been resting and icing (and seeing my chiropractor frequently)… but you never know what will happen come race day!
Even with those two hang-ups of the unknown and my foot ache, I am confident that I will be able to cross the finish line of my first full marathon! I am very excited about this! I have followed the training plan and know that I have the physical and mental capability to succeed.
I mentioned on facebook I wanted to share my game plan for CIM, and someone casually told me to throw it all out. This is my first full and I should just run it and enjoy it. I agree. That is how I will run Sunday. I will treat it like another long run with my girlfriends … and thousands of other crazy runners.
Ultimate Goal – FINISH! Sounds simple and a bit broad, but you never know what can happen out there on race day. My ultimate goal is to finish and cross the finish line of this 26.2 mile journey!
Awesome Goal – Finish… in under 5 hours. I know that I (and my girlfriends who I have been running/training with) are fully capable of this goal. We are all nursing injuries/ailments/sickness and it is our first full marathon, so we don’t really know what to expect.
Amazing – Stars Align and Magic Happens – Goal – I run a strong race. I run a negative split. I run pain free. I have a smile on my face. I love running. I finish around 4:30. Yikes, just typing that makes me nervous.
Honestly, at this point I don’t have any more goals or expectations beyond that. I could share with you my dream finishing time… but at this moment, I am not sure my foot will cooperate with that. Who knows.
I want to run a smart race. I want to have fun with it. I want to enjoy the journey and scenery. I want to remember why I love running… as I am running this race!! I ultimately want to have the desire to run another full marathon… after I cross the finish line! There I said it. Boom!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * Are you running CIM this year? I would love to meet you! ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
CIM Meet up & Tweet Up
When: Saturday at noon
Where: SF Marathon booth at the Expo
Facebook event page
One quick question for all you marathon running pro’s:
It will be CoooOOOooold on Sunday! (The temperature will be in the upper 20’s low 30’s at the start).
What running gear, outfits, or strategies do you use & recommend to stay warm yet not too hot?
I am SO excited for you and to hear how it all turns out!
Excited for you. Agree that “game plan” should be flexible on your first marathon, but it’s good to have a general idea of how you will approach it, which sounds like you have set. The goal is to finish and I think you are well on your way towards that.
Cold weather:
Start line – bring “throw-away” clothes. I’m bringing a XL sweatshirt that I bought for $3 in a clearance section. Ha. I’ll wear it, then ditch it minutes before the start.
Layers – if you are comfortable running in layers, go for it. You can then either hand it off to a friend on the course, or tie it around your waist (if you are comfortable with that). You will warm up during your run, but not significantly enough to rock a singlet or anything. I’ll be rocking a long sleeve shirt.
Accessories – I’m running in a beanie to keep my head warm. If you can keep your ears warm, that’s always a plus. Head band or something will work. Gloves: I’m using em. Calf sleeve: Not planning on pants, but I’ll wear sleeves to keep the legs warm. I’ve used them in the past, so it’s nothing new. Arm warmers: if you are wearing a short sleeve or tank, then YES. You could wear them under a long sleeve as an extra layer. I’ve never done it, but am considering it. I’ll have my hydration pack and wifey on course, so I can always stash or hand em off.
That’s what I got. I havent run long distances in jackets, but have done middle distances in them. As long as they arent too bulky, should be good. Something light-middle to break the wind and give you extra layer. Again, something you can either stash or ditch.
Hope to see you this weekened for a big ol pre-race high five.
As a former Midwesterner (I feel like this give me some cold-weather cred!), here are my cold-weather running tips:
– Remember after you warm up, it’ll feel about 20 degrees warmer, so plan for that temp
– Not sure how early you like to get to the start & what course logistics are, but try to stay inside (and warm) as long as possible (i.e. use hotel bathroom, warm up outside, then stretch in lobby is near start, etc.)
– If the start location doesn’t allow for that, bundle up (as @PavementRunner described). I’m also a fan of the garbage-bag sweater – you’d be surprised how it’ll keep you warm & block wind (plus it’s disposable)
– Try to pick locations along the course to meet people & swap/drop clothing as you warm up/get sweaty
– At the finish, keep moving! Don’t let muscles seize, so walk, stretch & get covered up and/or change clothing as soon as possible
– Remember to hydrate – you might not want to in the cold, but you’ll need it to keep yourself going in the later miles, so force yourself to drink
– Finally, embrace it! Once you stop fighting it, ad work with it – rather than against it – you can direct that energy and brainpower towards focusing on a strong race
Good luck – you will do great & you’ve gotten in solid training. You’re ready to do this. Excited to hear how it goes!
I’ll be running CIM too! I don’t think i’ll be able to make it to the meet up though. getting into town a wee bit later, but i’ll try.
It’s my first full too and those are EXACTLY my goals too. Survive and finish. maybe under 5. miracle 4:30. 🙂 I have been having hamstring issues so that’s my owie.
Best of luck to you! Maybe I’ll see you out there? I’ll be wearing purple bunny ears.
I’m still trying to figure out what to wear too! I did a run this am in my “race attire” and my legs felt alright in my shorts (had long pro compression socks and knee sleeves on) but my face and finger tips (through gloves) were coooooooooold. I am definitely considering throw away layers in the first few miles. we shall see.
you?
Good luck! I have to wear a headband that covers my ears whenever there is the slightest bit of nip in the air, or my ears will kill me and I will develop a pretty rough headache afterwards. I also like to wear a cheap pair of gloves while racing that I don’t mind throwing away once I warm up.
Good luck!! Can’t wait to read about it!
Prayers for you for strength, protection, and joy as you run! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Have an amazing run, Rachel! Take it all in…the first marathon is always super special 🙂