Monday, March 23, 2009

five weeks to 'M' day...

Just writing the title sort of grounded me. Five weeks, only FIVE WEEKS to my first marathon. All the struggle of training for previous marathons only to get hurt, the heartbreak of all it all, finally I'm going to reach my goal. I hope anyway, as long as my body holds up.

I took it easy last week, I skipped runs like no ones bidness, but I had no choice. I was down with the sinus junk and it wiped me out. I was wiped out period. I was pretty frustrated, beating myself up over missing my runs. But I woke up this morning feeling fabulous, no aches and pains for the first time in three weeks, no exhaustion. I feel really good today, I think the rest was worth it.

So instead of beating myself up, I'm moving on with a positive outlook. The thought of working all week, teaching class in the evening and training in between doesn't seem so daunting this week. In fact, I'm looking forward to pushing ahead and making some stuff happen. Because on top of all that, we are finishing up some home projects thanks to a little appraisal looming over us in two short weeks. More on that later.

I have major fears setting in about the marathon, I'm worried I will be far slower than my goal time of four hours, after the lax training and a slow 20-miler. I'm worried my body will fail or I'll get hurt in the next five weeks. I'm concerned I haven't done enough speed or hill work. But I can't let that stop me.... pressing on.

I have to run six miles tonight between work and teaching. I have to head to the gym for my run, currently the land of oz is in a tornado watch.The thought of a tornado wouldn't keep me from running outside, the climate over the city doesn't really allow for a tornado touch down anyway, so I feel safe no matter what. It's just the current 40 mph wind gusts that I fear! Cheers to a happy running week!

9 comments:

Aron said...

dont worry too much about your time goal for this one... seriously, crossing the finish line for your first marathon is something that never can be replaced, esp after the battles you have gone through. just look forward to that day, be excited and know that no matter what your time is you will be a marathoner!! thats the best part :)

Marci said...

I agree with Aron, focus on finishing. That will be the biggest accomplishement!

aNd! said...

Aww, I miss the tornado watches! I love the air right before one hits and the thunderstorms too that continue to rumble through the night and into the morning. I know that's horrible right because they are so devastating to some places/people. The desert microbursts and monsoon season just aren't the same! As far as the marathon goes I am sure you will do fine as it sounds like you have put in the training so don't beat yourself up for missing a few runs. Part of training is listening to your body and letting it recover when it needs to.

RunningLaur said...

I agree with aron (she's a pro at this and all). Once you're in the race you'll know what's right. Just listen, and be proud of doing the race - it's a major feat!

Oz Runner said...

yeah it was sooooo windy today....i ran this morning and the wind was pretty much just pushing me around on the streets around here.....good luck with these last few weeks of training..

IzzyBubbles said...

Umm, yeah - I wouldn't have run in that wind yesterday, either!! I'm placing all my time bets on the wind in OKC - if it's windy like it has been the last two weekends, I figure all bets are off on the time and I'll be happy just to survive without a major crying meltdown on the side of the course. If it's not windy, well...we'll see. I think you'll be fine on your time, I really do -you're running pretty fast in training so far, except when I'm holding you back. :)

californiameaghan said...

how is one supposed to set ones clock if it is noon on a monday and the test tornado sirens arent going off???? i asked soemone out here if they had earthquake sirens and they looked at me like i was a nutter.

J said...

I have been recently going through a hip flexor strain. It was painful when I would sprint but I could do long runs just fine. I realized while healing from this injury that sometimes after long runs I had pain in my hips and that it probably was my hip flexor. its worth looking up the symptoms online and seeing if they are similar to yours.

X-Country2 said...

Cute blog! :o)

I agree that finishing your first marathon is a major accomplishment. The time will come, but focus on the finish like for the first. (It's a pretty amazing feeling.)