I was working on finding a good audiobook on iTunes to have on my iPod for my upcoming 29km distance when I realized that the only major run distances I have left before the marathon are this 29km tomorrow and a 35.5km in 2 weeks.
Cue the anxiety attack.
I haven't completed one of my major distance runs yet. My 24km ended up being a 19km because of serious pains in the front of my thigh. A discussion group I've been working that one through with thinks I need to strengthen my abs and butt muscles, so trying to do that. Although I'm also worried that I don't have sufficient time to do the exercises with great effect.
This pain is bad, and stops me from even wanting to walk - but I am hoping the sheer excitement on race day, and the beautiful scenery, will help me push through that pain.
Back to my 19km run though - it was very empowering. Mother Nature threw everything but snow at me that day and I ran the whole thing at a 14.5 min/mile, which is shocking for that distance. I was sure it would have been 16 or 17, but nope! Lots of monster hills that I felt amazing for getting up, heavy winds, rain, sunshine and heat at some points, and of course, my watch dying in the first hour. That made it hard to know how fast I was going!
Jeff had seriously injured his knee on a run before this though and so was unable to go with me. He turned back in the first 500m and came out in the car to wait for me every couple kilometres. That was really motivating for me as I kept pushing myself to get to the car (and get there before he expected me). It was also handy as he carried extra snacks in the car, and when I started to get low on water, I would give him my bottle and he would refill it while I kept running and meet me with it at my next walking break.
In total that day, I was out for just under 3 hours so am aiming for 4 hours tomorrow bare minimum. I'd like to run the full 29km tomorrow, as that would stop my anxiety about finishing the marathon, but if I can at least do 4 hours, I know I can do 5 hours in 2 weeks, and then be able to stay out for at least 6 on marathon day. The last half hour can be adrenaline. I hope.
Trying to get over the anxiety attacks I'm also trying to pick a race to run beforehand - maybe some of you can join me!
The choices are:
November 22nd, Whitby Waterfront. There is a 5k race, 10k race, and 10 mile race that day and as I am scheduled for a 6.5km training run, I would do the 10k race...
November 28th, Hamilton Grey Cup Downhill. This one is apparently a pub sponsored running series that involves free beer after the race and has a 4k or 8k - I'd need the 8k
December 5th, Guelph Santa Shuffle. Of course, these are usually fun races but there is a 5km and I'm scheduled for 8km that day, so it works out well.
Doing one of these races will not only give me some confidence about crossing finish lines, but they will help me to celebrate my accomplishments so far and prepare me for the energy and craziness of race day.
In other news, we received our trip information and will be leaving for Honolulu on December 10th.
I can't believe it's almost here.
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