MIND GAMES
Today was the biggest, longest run of marathon training. After today, the taper was to begin. Physically, I was ready to go. Mentally however, everything was not in place. I could make many excuses but it really was many different things that distracted me.
Within the first 10 steps, I knew how the run was going to go and it wasn't good. The pace was rather fast for me but I hung in. Snips and I had our usual non-stop converstion going. We had 2 weeks of stuff to catch up on. The Glen Ellyn Runners had the water stops set up as ususal but when we hit mile 8, they had bananas/oranges/pretzels. What a treat!
When we hit the 10 mile mark, Snips had her mind made up to run 22 today. As we passed the marker rather than turning around, I felt a twinge of pain in the arch of my right foot. It had been painful going down stairs but I ignored it. At 10.5, I turned back . My pace dropped back but I hung in there. Slow and steady was my pace to 16 miles. At that point I took a walk break. I could never get going again after that. Snips passed me on her way back and I encouraged her to continue without me-she looked so strong. At 19 miles, I came upon another one of our runners who was walking. I just walked the rest of the way with her.
It was not the run that I wanted it to be. I could make a million excuses for what a bad run it was. I made deals and played mind games with myself to get to the end. I wondered at times if the pain in my foot was mentally and excuse to walk or was it for real. Whatever happened out there today ,it sucked. My kudos to Snips who had a great run and it was her longest ever.
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The training is in the books. Now the taper begins.
Waddling with disappointment...........
9 comments:
Boy, tough to figure these things. Don't know what to say about that foot pain...really sorry to hear that. Old shoes?? Give it a couple of days and see.
Into the taper now, though...and Snips has a lot to thank you for.
It's natural to question, but the pain certainly wasn't an excuse to not run. You were smart to play it safe. Hold your chin up!
Good job on a real tough day. The training is done, enjoy the taper. You'll do great at the race! Hang in there!
Hang in there. Nothing wrong with walking! You put in the time and the miles. You're doing great. :)
I know I would feel disappointed too, but you went out there and you rocked it. You worked hard, you knew when to walk as to not injure yourself more. You are aware that there was some mental stuff going on, so that on race day you'll be more prepared.
AWESOME job!! Enjoy your taper.
Melissa
Training is in the books. Enjoy the taper. Bring on the marathon!
Better a bad training run than a tough race. I am sure it will all come together for you come race day!
Congrats on the effort!
The mental toughness stuff really counts!
I read recently that good sleep may be one of the most important elements of taper.
Sweet Dreams!!!
You had an awesome 19-miler just two weeks ago. You just had a bad day. It happens. Shake it off, know that your base is bigger and you're in better shape than you've been in in ages!
You will have a great marathon!
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