The Decision Has Been Made!

Less than two weeks to go and I'm feeling a lot better about what I want to do come race day. Got some good, honest comments to my last post and a fiesty email from a good friend which put me in my place (thanks Snowflake!!). A few comments really stuck out and got me thinking. Irunyourun suggested I not worry about a PR and just run because I can and bet that back in July I would have given anything to be able to run 26.2 miles...even if slow. You are SO right and I think about this a lot actually. Although I love to try to out do myself, finishing the marathon is just as special to me and it's another huge accomplishment regardless of how fast I do it.  I am so happy that I'm able to run this race and am definitely not taking it for granted.

Then Iampreppy asked if I still like to run and if running is fun. The answer to both of those questions is YES. I love running and enjoy it more now than ever after being injured. I admit that I put pressure on myself but I can't help it, it's how I'm wired. I enjoy a challenge and part of the fun is seeing what I have in me. I've always said though, "if this ever becomes not fun, then I'm doing something wrong." I know my limits and that's exactly what I was trying to get across in my last post. I want to have fun at Philly marathon regardless of my time. In order for that to happen, I want to make sure I go into it with a goal that won't ruin the experience.

So, I made up my mind. I thought about the race a lot this weekend and felt myself getting more mentally prepared. I could sense myself getting fired up because it's all I thought about while I was out on my runs.  The day after my 15 miler I ran a quick 5 miles with my last mile at 7:43 and I felt incredible! Then Sunday I ran to the gym, lifted (total body), then ran home. My legs were a shaky mess when I left the gym but my pace held steady in the mid 8's and I was completely comfortable. Then while running this morning, I realized my game face was on and I was completely focused. I wanted to run forever and all I could think about was race day and how it's going to play out. So kids, the decision has been made. I'm going for it!

• A goal = 3:35
• B goal = 3:35
• C goal = 3:35

Now all I need to do is make the pace band and figure out if I want to line up at the front of the 3:40 group or tuck in behind the 3:30...

Here's my schedule for the week:
Mon - 3 mi, bike
Tues - 5 mi (want some MP miles here)
Wed - lift total body
Thurs - 3 mi, cross train
Fri - 10 mi (last few miles at MP)
Sat - 5 mi
Sun - cross train/lift