Wow! The Baltimore Marathon is only 7 days away! I am constantly thinking about it, and rightfully so, as I have been training for this for 3 months. I am nervous, scared, and excited....but, mostly excited!
Even though I ran this marathon last year, there are still some nerves there, mostly because I know and remember how difficult the second half was, but I am certain that the nervousness will go away as soon as I start running and the adrenaline kicks in.
I am also a little scared, mainly because I am running this marathon by "myself," and I put myself in quotation marks because you are hardly ever completely by yourself during a marathon. You are probably asking yourself, "What does she mean she is running this by herself? I thought Rob was running it too?!" Well, that was the plan, and as we all know, plans change. Unfortunately, Rob had to defer his race entry until 2012, due to an injury. He hurt his hip/leg and it sidelined him from training and is not completely healed yet. He isn't even sure exactly what is wrong yet and is still trying to get that figured out. So, until it is completely healed...no running, hence, no marathon! Despite the injury, he has been my number one supporter and even went with me for my long runs. He would sit in the car and wait for me! Even though he wasn't running with me, it was nice to know that he was still there with me and would be there with me when I finished those long runs. So, a little scared, but I know he will be there along the route and at the finish line cheering me on! That is going to be the best part about him not running with me! I will actually know someone that is out there cheering for me! Regardless, the Baltimore cheering crowd is AMAZING!
Excited, truly does not even begin to explain how I really feel about the upcoming marathon! The more I think about it, the more excited I get. I know I have been training hard this year and am in much better shape for this marathon than I was for last years marathon. I am have my sights set on a new PR (personal record), but I also don't want to be disappointed. I truly feel that I am ready for this marathon, including those hills this year! I believe I can pace myself better, know what I am capable of doing, and know how to listen to my body.
We are going to the Expo on Thursday night, so I can pick up my race bib and marathon shirt. I am excited for the Expo this year as well, as it is bigger and better than ever. I have never seen so much running stuff in my life. I am going to sign up for a pace group (just like I did with the Half-Marathon in May), but right now, my biggest dilemma is which pace group to sign up with. I am torn between the 4:45 and 4:30 pace groups. I have been averaging around a 10 minute mile pace or better for my long runs 16 and 17 miles. I just know how hard of a course this is the second half and I don't want to go out too fast too soon. Ahhh...the life of a runner! Rob seems to think I am setting myself short if I only shoot for a 4:45 marathon, and the more I think about, the more I think he might be right. Regardless, how I feel that day will truly determine how good of a marathon I have, and I always want to make sure that I finish the 26.2 miles!
The week before the marathon is probably the hardest part for me because I have a million things running through my head, and with it being taper time, I have lots of time to think about them all! Still trying to decide what shorts and shirt I want to wear for the marathon as well! Should have that figured out tomorrow!
I can't wait for the marathon! I will post all my information and how you can track me while I run, if you want to do so, as soon as that information is made available to me! So stay tuned!
Thank you all for your continued support! I truly appreciate it! 7 days and counting....
