Fitness Magazine

Maui Marathon: T-27 Days

By Lifeasarunningmom @RunningMom6
Race day is just around the corner and I can't say I am overflowing with joy. Don't get me wrong, I am excited and I want to race but I am also nervous. I have even stated that this race is my nemesis. You can read how I did last year HERE.
The pain of last year is still fresh. Texting my friend saying I am dying is still fresh in my mind. Her words of encouragement still uplifting. The tears as I crossed the finish line and huddled against the wall for a few minutes still sting with the thoughts running through my mind....this is my second slowest marathon ever!
Maui Marathon: T-27 DaysLet's take the Honolulu Marathon out of all of this and just look at this course. Last year was my third time to run it. I have done it each year from my first marathon in 2011. My times have been 4:46:40, 4:36:16, 4:39:46. I have a smart coach who recently pointed out to me that last year my time was only about 3 1/2 minutes off. Oh...in my mind it was so much bigger.
Negative thoughts are powerful and they can take hold of you...myself included. I have been told I am always so positive. Well, sure. I'm positive when I am not beating myself up unnecessarily. I can give into negative thoughts just as well as anyone else but I strive to not let them take hold of me.
Like today. I was at work feeling tired. I could barely hold my eyes open. My head was pounding and I was thinking all kinds of pitiful thoughts until it hit me. Why am I doing this to myself? If I think I am tired, I will feel tired. If I tell myself I will get over it, I will get over it. And I did.

Maui Marathon: T-27 Days

Weekly miles starting 3/3/14

Running is a mental game as well as a physical game. I have been running hard and training well. Do I wish I could do more? Always. Have I done better than ever before? Yes. Am I tired? Yes. And that is okay.
Last week I ran a few less miles than I should have according to my plan. I have no regrets. I was tired and mentally fatigued. I needed to rest. Saturday I ran my long run of 16 miles and realized my dinner the night before was a mistake. I couldn't fuel on my run. I took no gels and drank limited sports drink. Thank goodness I was at home running on the treadmill due to necessary pit stops. It took a lot out of me but I got it done and I am stronger because of it.
T-27 days. Race day is just around the corner. I will focus on getting my mental game in check and I will continue to sneak in some extra go to bed early nights. Sorry dear hubby. I am tired. I need sleep.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful I can run.
Daily Affirmation: My mental game is getting stronger each and every day!

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