Marathon Training: Week 19
Introduction: I’m running my final 20 miler on Saturday. As excited as I’ve been about my full, I’m also getting increasingly nervous!
Monday: 5 miles.
I had to hit the treadmill this morning (or the dreadmill, as some call it), because it was raining and altogether miserable outside. This was my first time on a treadmill in ages because I usually try to avoid it by all means possible. Ordinarily, this would put me in a sour mood, but it’s Christmas Eve! And I saw a lot of old friends at the YMCA during my workout, including a few old running buddies.
Tuesday: 8 miles.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I ran 8 miles with my brother this morning to start the day. I fully intend to use this as an excuse to eat everything in sight. That’s how it works, right? (Shhh…)
Wednesday: Rest.
Thursday: 8 miles.
Friday: Rest.
I took today off to make sure that I’m pumped up and ready to give my 20 miler all I’ve got tomorrow morning. I’m a little nervous about how it will go, after a two-week hiatus from long runs.
Saturday: I. DID. IT.
I finished my 20, and I’m feeling on top of the world. Taper. Time. Y’all.
Sunday: Rest.
I’d intended to run my Friday workout today, but I physically could not move. This past month hasn’t exactly been the best reflection of my dedication to running, but I’m ready to embrace a taper and cruise until the marathon.
Total: 41 miles.
Conclusion: I started to bonk on Saturday at around the 17th mile. Part of me worries how the extra six miles will affect me on race day, but this is my first marathon, so I’m going to focus on mentally preparing myself and maintaining a steady pace when the day comes.
I think that what I’m enjoying most about this journal and about marathon training is that it forces me to be honest with you, as well as with myself. I’m not an Olympic or elite runner. I’m just an ordinary, EveryRunner, who gets injured, has imperfect training days, and sometimes sleeps through alarms. I love running, and I devote more dedication, motivation, and drive to my running than to anything else in my life. As marathon training goes on, however, I’ve noticed my body and mind beginning to fight against one another. I think it’s important to share this struggle because this struggle is the epitome of marathon running. It’s difficult, which is what makes it so worth it.