Thursday
Dec022004
Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 12:01AM
Will 853 Miles be Enough?
Today I finished my last run before Saturday's marathon. From the beginning of my training, May 23 until now, I have run 853 miles. That's not including an extra mile per run for the half-mile warm-up and cool-down jog for each training run - an additional 125 miles.
Tuesday I ate no carbs to deplete the muscles of the glycogen stores. Wednesday I began the carbo loading and hydrating phase which lasts until race day. All I have to do now is rest and store energy and fluid. All of that energy and fluid will come in handy somewhere around mile 20.
I am also going through the week of paranoia, as I call it. I am afraid I will catch a cold, twist an ankle, or hear about severe weather on race day. A marathon comes down to one day. One works toward that day and if the weather is bad or the physical condition is not just right, that's tough. I know there will be other marathons, but I want to make this one a good one. I want to get that goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon off of my back.
I am nervous. I am worried and I doubt myself, but then I pump myself up and take solace in the hard work I have done. Hitting your goal in a marathon is not a given. Maybe that is why it appeals to me. The marathon is a challenge physically for sure, but it is more a challenge of one's will. I am reminded of Kipling's words:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinewThe marathon teaches patience and endurance. You have to pay the price a little bit each day over time. There is no cramming the night before this test. I like it because it pushes me physically, emotionally, and mentally. Even if I fail, I will be stronger. Failure and success are both motivators so whatever happens, I will try harder the next time.
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
When I am asked, "Why do you run marathons?" I answer like this, "Because it feels so good to stop." Tune in on Saturday afternoon and see if 853 miles was enough.
Until the next time
John Strain