Boston Marathon 2010: Locked & Loaded
I've given up any pretense of even pretending to work today. It's not going to happen. Too much angst going on to think about silly things like work.
If I bottom out in the marathon, it's not going to be because I physically wasn't ready. It's going to be because I mentally psyched myself out. Way too much brain chatter going on about the race. I went out this morning for the last 3-mile run. One mile warm-up and 2 miles at race pace of 8:23/mile and I blathered on the entire way. I'm tired. The pace is too fast and it's only 3 miles. My God, I'm not ready. I should rethink my pace. Maybe run the 8:35 pace from Chicago so I feel better during the race. No, it's just the warm-up. I'm always tired the first few miles until I get a rhythm. No, it's a sign. I'm not ready. Stop the negative chatter! Think positive! Imagine yourself crossing the finish line at Boston. No, not limping across crying. Happy thoughts! Happy finish line!"
Before Chicago, I felt strong. Mentally and physically. I was pretty sure I was going to have the run of my life and I did. This time, the self-confidence is low. Very low. And I can't quite figure out why. But I BETTER figure out why before I get to the start or else the mental game will drag me under.
I'm reminding myself of what I felt when I signed up for Boston. It was a freebie. For fun. I knew most everything I like to control before a race (dinner, morning routine, etc. ) would be out the door and I was looking forward to that. I'd just go with the flow and see where I ended up. No pressure. No goals. Just run. Run run, keep running, run some more and boom! Finished.
That's what I need to hold on to. I think this mental chatter is me grappling with finding some measure of control over the race. I also think I'll be a lot happier and enjoy the experience when I just let go and say, "You know what? It is what it is. Let's do this and have fun."
Maybe that will be my new running mantra. "Unclench, Dena. Unclench." ;)
Friday, April 16, 2010 at 9:09 AM | Dena Harris | 12 Comments | Email Article | Share via Digg | Print Article | tagged Boston marathon 2010, FIRST training, Furman training, marathon pace, running the boston marathon in Running
Reader Comments (12)
Good Luck..I'll be thinking about you...just have a blast and the rest will work itself out
Dena,
You'll be great! So proud of you!
Look out, Boston!
Amanda
You have got this in the bag! Your awesome, your well trained, your a RUNNER! Boston is a better race because your coming! Trust and believe in YOU! WE DO! Have fun and we can't wait to hear all about it.
Good Luck Dena! You're going to do great in Boston! We're all so proud of you!
Boston is just one race in a long line of races, literally and otherwise, that you'll run over the course of your lifetime. We're all pulling for you, not so much for your finish time, but for the good time you have doing the race and the memories you take away from it. Good luck, enjoy, and have fun!
Relax, you're good:
http://www.monumentaleffort.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/elevations.jpeg
That is the most wonderful chart I've ever seen.
Just at the expo today! Good luck and trust the training!
you've got this!
Rob - have fun in the 5k on Sunday!
Dena, I have all the confidence in the world in you...and I hardly know you. I can just tell you're going to do great! Enjoy the experience. You'll do..and be...awesome!
We're all pulling for you, and I for one cannot wait to hear the story. And don't spare us the details. I want 'em all!
So proud of you!