It has been a really weird week, experiencing my first true taper. No run over 6 miles, and running 3 miles on Friday barely seemed like a warm up. Still, you can see why the taper is needed. It has been a great rest for my achilles which is still a bit sore, but should be fine after another light week. Have also been suffering from a chesty cough (thanks kids!) which in truth affects me more when not running than when I am.
So this morning I got up to do my 8 miles at the leisurely hour of 7.30, enabling me to finish just before the NYRR Marathon Kick Off Race and nicely ahead of Hurricane Sandy's visit to our 'hood.
The rest had done me good. Once I got used to my slightly awkward breathing, I was running really smoothly. Little pain from the achilles and my body otherwise nicely rested. I kept trying to slow a bit, not too concerned about keeping to marathon pace, but as long as I wasn't laboring. And I finished in 8min 47 pace, with no mile over 9.00! The rest really has done me good.
So with exactly one week to go until my gun time of 10.30, how am I feeling? More excited than nervous for sure. I have put in the training and know I can do the distance. I am very focused on what I need to do pace wise to ensure I have enough for the last part of the race. Obviously I will be happy if my cough clears up and my achilles feels even better, which it should do after a crazy light week of running this week.
When I first started training, I would have been happy to finish. Then I put the 4 hour goal in mind. It is still there and I think I can do it. But if I make it by one second, or miss it by one, I genuinely will not care. It will not diminish the achievement. I have won by doing the training and getting to the start line and ultimately the finish line. Nothing else matters. I am just determined to enjoy the experience, running in my home town, the greatest city in the world. With 47,000 friends and 2m supporters, it will truly be a great day. I cannot wait.
So this morning I got up to do my 8 miles at the leisurely hour of 7.30, enabling me to finish just before the NYRR Marathon Kick Off Race and nicely ahead of Hurricane Sandy's visit to our 'hood.
The rest had done me good. Once I got used to my slightly awkward breathing, I was running really smoothly. Little pain from the achilles and my body otherwise nicely rested. I kept trying to slow a bit, not too concerned about keeping to marathon pace, but as long as I wasn't laboring. And I finished in 8min 47 pace, with no mile over 9.00! The rest really has done me good.
So with exactly one week to go until my gun time of 10.30, how am I feeling? More excited than nervous for sure. I have put in the training and know I can do the distance. I am very focused on what I need to do pace wise to ensure I have enough for the last part of the race. Obviously I will be happy if my cough clears up and my achilles feels even better, which it should do after a crazy light week of running this week.
When I first started training, I would have been happy to finish. Then I put the 4 hour goal in mind. It is still there and I think I can do it. But if I make it by one second, or miss it by one, I genuinely will not care. It will not diminish the achievement. I have won by doing the training and getting to the start line and ultimately the finish line. Nothing else matters. I am just determined to enjoy the experience, running in my home town, the greatest city in the world. With 47,000 friends and 2m supporters, it will truly be a great day. I cannot wait.
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