Hello all! I have exactly 4 weeks until the marathon! How exciting is that? I must say that lately, I've been having a harder time sleeping, because I am anxious for the race.
This past weekend, I traveled to Waltham with my fellow DFMC runner Miranda. We drove out to meet the DFMC team to run 15 miles. We started out at the Boston Sports Club. Immediately as we began running, I was not feeling it. It was extremely cold outside (even though weather.com said it was supposed to be 49 degrees outside). The air hit my lungs making breathing very difficult. The first mile and a half were ridiculously hard and I wanted to quit right there.
The run did not seem to get much better. Thank god Miranda was running next to me because there were many times that I just wanted to stop and walk. In addition to the cold, the course was very hilly and my legs, especially my knees, were really starting to feel the strain.
I took the last week off because Kishore and I went to Costa Rica, and was only able to run 5 miles on Wednesday. I suppose my body forgot how to run. I know that sounds crazy but running has a lot to do with muscle memory. Since I am not a natural runner, my body immediately forgot the motion of running that I had been developing since November! Let me tell you, I was freaked out. I was lamenting on how I was going to finish the marathon if I felt that horribly running only 15 miles. I finally finished, running the slowest I have ever run and feeling like an absolute mess. I spent all day on Saturday recuperating with the help of my very loving husband. He nursed be back to life and was extremely understanding with my constant complaints. He's a gem!
Also, thank god for Brian at Marathon Sports. I went there yesterday to purchase a new pair of running shoes. Even though we are very close to race day, I need to get new shoes because my old ones are really run down (no pun intended). As I started recounting my 15 mile run to Brian, he sat there nodding in agreement as if he's gone through my experience before. And then he said the magic words, "You had a shi*** day. It's one day out of 5 months of training. You just have to put it behind you and know that you will have those bad days occasionally. You are doing almost everything that you can to train properly. Chalk it up to a bad day and move on."
Move on is what I am going to do. I have my biggest and longest run coming up this Saturday. My first 20-miler. I am going to do everything this week to prepare mentally and physically. Wish me luck and thanks for providing me with all of this support!
Just remember that the first step is the hardest! You've already conquered your first steps toward the marathon! I have no doubt that you can do this, Sucharita. Each step counts and is one step closer to the finish line. Woohoo! I'm so proud of you! Lots of love, Dee
ReplyDeleteWILL is a powerful trait you effortlessly possess,
ReplyDeleteWhile convincing PERSERVERENCE to remain,
Eloquently, STRENGTH shadows your presence,
and will PROUDLY carry you to the finish line.
The ANGEL above knows of your DILIGENCE,
Embrace HER incessant positive ENERGY
SHE'LL be cheering on from the stands of Heaven,
and will be there on April Twentieth!
Love
Yamuna
oh such...you're awesome!! i, too, have no doubt that you can do this...you have a pretty good track record of accomplishing things that you set you're mind to. ;-) it's going to be so amazing crossing that finish line!! keep up the good work, my friend! love you, kendra
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, sister! I'll give you a delicious cube of cheese for each of the 20 miles that you complete on saturday! ;-)
ReplyDelete