Tuesday, September 15, 2009

12 days

Just 12 days to go. I've waited almost a year to redeem myself after marathon # 1 and here it is, 12 days away. I feel a combination of excitement and anxiety. Mostly, I'm ready to complete this journey.

Our coach recently sent out a great email after many of us reported a strong run at the track.

Besides the good conditions, I think the other thing at work here is the cumulative affect of the last 3 months+ of training. There is no doubt whatsoever that we are all a lot stronger and faster than we were back in June and July. I think its important to step-back for a moment to reflect on this and take satisfaction from what we have achieved. As I've mentioned before, it's about the journey, not the destination. What happens on race day is usually just a logical extension of what has transpired in the months leading up to that day. There are no guarantees on race day. Things can happen: untimely illness, unfavourable weather conditions, etc., BUT it is not a random event. Every time you have good training sessions, you increase the likelihood of having a strong run on race day. In the final analysis, that is what we can control: how well prepared we are and how likely we are to reach our goals. So, enjoy the satisfaction that you felt from last night's workout and remember what I told you last week: your strongest runs/workouts are the true indications of your potential as a runner!


I think it's really important to acknowledge what has already been achieved by completing the training. With that in mind, I will go into this marathon reminding myself of some great advice that my buddy Greg has often shared: the marathon is a reward for your training.

Whatever happens on race day, I am proud of what I have already accomplished. I have put in significantly more training this time around and I've learned a lot along the way. I'm ready for this.

41 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

You should most definitely be very proud. You've come a long way and it's been great to follow your journey to your first marathon, there to cheer you on, and now onto your second. You will get your redemption and then some ;)

Sarah said...

you are ready and I am also very proud of you! xo

Anonymous said...

Yikes 12 days!! You're gonna do great! I have faith in you! And thank you for posting that email! I just had a great run on Saturday and I was just sure it was a fluke.. but now, I realize it's my true potential as a runner. :)

Jen Feeny said...

Girl... you are going to give Redemption a whole new definition!!!!

X-Country2 said...

You are sooooo ready.

Lindsay said...

couldn't agree with coach's email more! 12 days, bring on the marathon! you are going to OWN IT!

Runner Leana said...

You ARE ready for this! Your training has gone really well. Yup, the race is just your party to celebrate all of your hard work!

Cindy said...

yes! i totally agree with the marathon as reward statement. you've trained hard and now you get to enjoy the fruits of all that hard work. all the crazy miles, running at ridiculous hours, working your arse off--the payoff is coming!

Being Robinson said...

yay marlene. your hard work will pay off in 12 days! without a doubt.

Marky Mark said...

Well said--in fact, in many ways the actual race is your victory lap--try to enjoy it and not be too concerned with the time. You will be faster than last year and feel better all around, whether you're 3:59 or over 4:00.

Denise said...

Great attitude and you're totally right. You put in all the time and effort, it will pay off.

Diana said...

Very inspiring-best of luck on the big day!

Heather said...

Great post. You have done an AMAZING job with your training and are so ready for marathon redemption!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

"the marathon is a reward for your training" WOW I never never thought of it that way...now I will.

12 days!! That is less than a Fortnight (LOL I know you like Shakespere so I have been trying to find a way to use that word, OK I am a total dork)

I am in envy of you, your training, your dedication and the fact that you WILL be amazing at the Marathon!

Mission to Another Marathon is right.. Mission Possible..

RunToTheFinish said...

I so completely agree! THis is an amazing journey and regardless of how the race goes, you ahve to appreciate all the great steps you took to get there. I can't wait to see how things go for you!!

Lily on the Road said...

You've had a stellar year Marlene, think of that has gone on and what you've over come.

Last year we got the opportunity to meet up at the expo, sadly we can't have a recap, so I'm looking forward to reading all about you busting this marathon wide open....you go girl, as only you can!!!

xoxox

Road Warrior said...

You are so ready for this. You've made great strides (pun intended) and have put in not just more, but better quality miles this go around.

I'm so excited to see you rock this thing!

Jess said...

Wow, it's coming up quick! But, you'll do awesome; you've really put a lot into your training and I'm sure it will pay off. Try to relax and enjoy your taper!

Aron said...

yayyyy 12 days!!! you are going to do amazing, i just KNOW it :) i always love that saying about the marathon being the reward! keep calm and focused during taper and before you know it, it will be race day!

Toni said...

You are going to do great! Love the email.

Katie said...

What a great note from your coach. You should be proud -- you've worked hard for this!

AZ said...

Obviously you've put in the time and done the preparation. You are ready, you'll have a great marathon.

Anonymous said...

Girl you are ready! So go out and kick some butt!!!! :)

Mark said...

Marlene, you have trained so well, diligently, intelligently; there is no doubt that you are ready. Let's hope for good weather for race day. Truth is hard work always pays off and you have worked hard!

Unknown said...

You are ready and you're going to rock it! You've put in the hard work, now the fun part is coming up...running those miles and crossing that finish line!!

Patrick said...

You are SOOO ready for this-- if anyone is you are!

No Longer Using said...

i am taking that advice. it is great advice. hopefully it will help with the nervousness (you AND me! lol). i am already nervous and my marathon isn't for another month... gahhh.

12 days!! eek!!! i am prolly not helping, lol.

Anonymous said...

I've recently become Much more relaxed about 'race days'...and found that I've enjoyed these races SO MUCH MORE. While I'm not sure it's possible to be "relaxed" about a marathon - think you're going in with such a great attitude. And clearly, a Very strong training plan/group/coach. :) You're going to do Great!

J said...

You have really had quite a journey since the start of this year and honestly I really hope that the marathon goes well for you!

montisse98 said...

Marlene, that is the best piece of advice I've ever heard -love it!!! There can be no stress or fear in anticipation of a reward -just sheer joy and excitement. And this marathon will be a sweet reward for you!

Irish Cream said...

You sure are ready for this thing! I, for one, cannot wait for all of your hard work and dedication to pay off in the form of sweet marathon redemption! You should be REALLY proud of yourself, girl. You rock! :)

Stacey said...

You are definitely ready! You should be proud, you have accomplished so much!

Unknown said...

Exciting times. Enjoy transition. Redemption is almost here!

Marci said...

What a great comment from your coach!! Marlene you have trained and worked so hard for this marathon, you will have a great race no matter what!!! I am excited for you!! Ps- thanks for your encouragement and shout outs - I really appreciated it!! **hugs**

Jamie said...

you are so close and I am so excited for you!!!! You have put in an amazing training these past few months. You are so ready and are going to kick some serious ass!

Erika said...

YOu have trained so hard and I'm sure it will pay off! It's so close now!

MCM Mama

EndorphinBuzz said...

Indeed you are ready. Take the next few days to relax and prepare for your reward :) You will do well!!

Anonymous said...

you deserve to be so proud, darling. you have worked so hard and put the time in. You awe me with your amazing workouts and dedication every step of the way. I can't wait to see you in all your glory in what is now... 11 days!!! you are going to to amazing things that day, i just know it! it will be an incredible reward for your training.

Anonymous said...

Darn right you better be proud of all the hard work and training you've put in thus far!!! I wish you the best for you 'redemption'!!!

Runner Leana said...

Hey, I know you were eyeing up the Garmin 310XT. Rainmaker just posted a really thourough review on his blog of the unit and I thought you might find it interesting!

http://dcrainmaker.blogspot.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html

Karen said...

I agree. It is more about the journey than the race itself. I never really thought about it that way but the race really is the reward for all those training miles, isn't it? Have a great race!