Lots of updates?
It’s been a while, and I guess there are a lot of updates… although nothing really important.
First: Like I said, I booked the tickets. I got a lot of great advice from people who I really trust. A few of the things that stuck out for me:
“You only regret the opportunities you don’t take”
“What’s the worst that could happen?” The worst would be running a crappy race because my body 1. was specifically tapered for NYC and has had a lot of ups and downs since trying to extend the taper for 4 weeks, 2. work stress and hours have majorly impacted running post NYC since I left a lot on my plate for after the marathon (thinking I’d be done and have nothing to do but work, work, work!). But honestly, is running a crappy time that bad? At least I would know and not be wondering for the rest of my life.
“The best advice I can give is to try to let go of NYC” – from someone who also went through the heartbreak of an unexpected change of plans. Her personal stories have been SO helpful. I never expected to be so affected by the cancellation, but it’s good to know that I’m not alone.
“Time to start acting elite” (part of a much longer, spot on email – but I’ve thought a lot about this in general. It’s true. I have to realize that I am an elite marathoner & start acting like one. No more of this freaking out about running with Olympians, will I fail at this workout/race/etc – time to buck up, realize I’m fast, and THINK fast)
“It’s just money, right” – a recent grad donating a larger amount to the GAC XC Nationals fund we collected. Made me realize that even though the tickets were expensive, it IS only money. And what else would I spend it on, honestly?
Plus, I was able to find a wonderful friend in Sacramento that is willing to put both Nate and I up for the whole trip – which makes it even more fun. ‘Nuff said. Tickets are booked :).
Second: Training. The legs felt terrible last week. Last week’s mid-week workout was so bad I called it quits after 2 reps (6 planned). First time I’ve done that in a long time. I was just working WAAYY to hard for slow times, straining with each stride. I know that feeling and know that when I try to work through it I put myself behind for a week or more. I don’t need that. I need the legs to feel good, fast, quick, and easy. The second workout last week went better, 2×30 minutes at MP. I think I averaged 6:10s or so for each segment on legs that didn’t feel that great. I slowed to 6:17 and 6:19 for the last couple of miles that were uphill and into the wind. That gave me confidence that I am fit for a PR, since my PR is currently at 6:15 pace.
This same workout before NYC was a bit of a struggle as I was still working through drained/very tired feeling legs. So that also gives me confidence.
I’m excited for a 3x10min tempo workout tomorrow. The legs have been feeling much better this week, probably because I was able to rest a bit more this weekend & first part of this week. Amazing what a little sleep will do for you.
Third: I can’t comment a lot on this yet, but I have made some new life goals. Sorry for the clif hanger, especially since it’ll likely be late Dec/Jan until I can say anything. But I’m pumped :). And a reason for you to keep checking back here post-marathon, since my life won’t be that exciting then and I’m sure you won’t be as interested either :)! As Scott Jurek’s dad would say, “Sometimes you just do things“. Oh, and I have a fun “bucket” list I’m excited to share after CIM! I can’t share it now since my rule is only to focus on the race at hand – once that’s done you can start scheming the plan for afterwards.
Fourth, speaking of Scott Jurek, if you haven’t read his book yet, and have an interest in eating well/vegan/training a lot, pick it up. It’s a really fun read. Although I eat fairly well now (except for the occasions when I’m really stressed out and tired at work… like the time I got home at 10pm last week – and brought home a handful of fun sized candy for our “bowl” at home… except once I ate one on the way home, I ate them all… it was as if my brain was turned off, the sugar tasted so wonderful, and I frankly didn’t care about much of anything at that point. Doesn’t happen often, but still not excusable. Please don’t judge!), I am so inspired by stories like this. I’m going grocery shopping tonight and am picking up a lot of items found in his recipes and just great-for-you-foods in general. I sort of wonder how much of my diet I could make plant-only (today I decided would be a 90% plant day, with the exception of 5 egg whites because I simply love them too much!). Hmm, might be a fun experiment :). Time to get on that “recipes” tab here!!
Alright, that’s all for now. Back to work for me!
