Redemption & Race Plan

Fall of 2013 was rough (running-wise) for me. My injured foot meant no attempt at my first full marathon. It ended up being a blessing in disguise because the route was mostly ugly urban road and the day was hot. I ran that half heavily medicated, dehydrated (from medication), and sleep-deprived after deciding the night before to run it afterall.

My last-minute decision to run that half was met with opposition.

Since then, I've been dedicated (my word of the year!) to running long on weekends, cross-training, and being honest with myself.

This weekend is my chance at redemption. The half I've been training for is Sunday. Despite heavy legs, work-induced stress, and loneliness (Matt is in Las Vegas at a double bachelor party...what a butthead), I'm excited and ready for this race. It may not be my fastest half, but it's going to bring me some redemption from the last one.

Bring it on.

I plan to walk only while fueling.

I plan to study the course map so I know when to expect water and when to eat.

I plan to see my parents at mile 8 and the finish line.

Aid station/water stop literally directly across the street from my parents' house!

(Mile 9 is usually my weak point, so I think this will be a great pick-me-up!)

I plan to finish under 2:30. (A goal - 2:15, B goal - 2:25, C goal - 2:35. There are pace teams at the race, so I plan to stick close to the 2:15 pacer.)

I plan to celebrate my first race with Brittany - her first race post-baby - and enjoy every moment of the event.

I plan to actually see what I'm made of when I train alone and don't have illness or injury to contend with.

Time to see if all this training has paid off!

I'm antsy, excited, and ready for this race! I haven't felt this confident for a long-distance race since November 2012...It's time to make this one count!

What are your weekend plans?

ABK