Preparing for the Race
I was remembering how the Olympic athletes prepare for their events like the ice skaters doing their moves on the ground before they hit the ice, or the bobsledders and downhill skiers having already memorized the course are literally making their turns with their bodies as if they are actually doing it. I thought it might be a good time for me to write about how I prepare or have prepared for the marathon run on Sunday.
I have been thinking about the course, and what I will have to do in order to be ready when the gun goes off. This is so different from running a mile or 800 meters in a competitive track meet where you have so little time to think about it and you are relying on your instincts in a short run whereas the marathon gives you so much time that one could possibly over think it.
I have written in past entries about how I was not prepared mentally in my teenage years during the fierce competition (city, regional and state) in my high school years. Waiting for the race, I would be pacing nervously as the adrenaline was coursing through my system and I was in complete overdrive, amped up and juiced by nerves. Sometimes I would feel exhausted, or worry if I would be able to perform to what I was capable of doing. Only after the starters gun would fire would it all disappear and I would drop down into my body and be completely in a focused trance as I ran. I know those same feelings (some uncomfortable) will appear on Sunday morning, but I also know that its completely normal to have those feelings and to let them have their time as it will all disappear the minute the run begins. The competitive spirit in me is still very much alive in my running, but in order for me to complete this marathon, I too will have to keep my thoughts positive in order to make it to the finish line. The mental game has to believe it and be alive for hours.
After running the Marathon course numerous times in practice, I know what to expect on the upward climb toward Montclair and it's many hills which form many can be a deal breaker on this course. What a great advantage the LMJS runners have had in it's preparation by way of support, clinics, race strategies and thorough training program with many of it's training miles done on the actual course. The other affirming thing is the community that has been built in joining this training group, as well as being a part of something much bigger than yourself with the positive influences of people of all shapes, sizes, gender, color and age. I like running the hills because I feel light on my feet when doing them. Of course going uphill requires more stamina, but that is my strength in running (hence middle distance runner). I also know that many runners will catch up to me long after the Montclair section where I will struggle to find my rhythm for the next 15 miles on the long, flat part of the course which is the essence of the marathon (my weakness). My body is made for fast running so this will be my challenge, regardless I enjoy the freedom and everything else "the flight" gives me as I run. I also know that I have prepared myself as best I could for this run during the past 6 months and in doing so am ready to go the full 26, but I will cross the finish line. My other challenge will be staying on pace and going for the time I have set for myself without hitting the wall. I look forward to the many spectators and friends along the way with their support along the course. I will feed on the energy of the crowd as this run of many hours gives so much time for being in the moment as opposed to running shorter distances in minutes where everything outside of the oval track is neither heard or seen as if one is wearing blinders and earplugs.
I know that the race starts for me after leaving Jack London as the course takes us well away from the densely populated areas of Piedmont Ave, College Ave, Montclair, Fruitvale and International Blvd. As we head toward Mandela Parkway, hours from the beginning and when for many of us (myself included), sense that our bodies are feeling fatigued and are about to enter that unknown area of the last 6 miles (cue Twilight Zone music here), this will be the time to bring out your best game and believe that you will make it to the finish line. All of that hard work and dedication will get you there. Strong, smooth, stride, say it to yourself when you are ready to give up, the thoroughbred in you is tired- but you will be ready to go the extra miles due to all the hard work, and long hours you have put in, prepared for, and are now so close to finishing. Once you turn on Lakeshore Ave underneath the freeway you will be on Lakeshore Ave bringing you to the support of many (including my family with my 7 year-old cheerleader Emily, our students and friends), they will be next to the play park at the beginning of Lakeshore Ave, encouraging all of us with their shouting, cowbells and clapping. Now it is only 3 miles from the finish line, and if there is any gas left in the tank this is the place to make the move if one only needs to shave a few minutes off in order to reach the time they are going for.
Am I nervous? NO. Am I ready? YES & CHOMPING AT THE BIT! Do I have concerns? OF COURSE! Two days ago, both of my Achilles started acting up, not seriously but I can feel them once again. I had to take 10 days off in January due to this and recovered, but since the race is only days away, the mileage at this point is moot. I have rested both of them with little mileage since Saturday with a small run on Monday and three miles today (Wednesday) to keep my head in the game. I know they will hold up for the run, but I will be limping around all next week. We all are imperfectly perfect, so leave any doubts at home Sunday morning as you confidently head for the starting line on race day. I see that the weather is going to be at the right temperature and I have yet to decide on which pair of shoes to run in, but the pair I ultimately choose will get me there.
Good luck to all you, and thank you Len for all the advice and forums, workshops and confidence that you embody as well as the challenge to any of us to write a blog, I did not know how much my interior world needed to get out. I will see you either at the starting line, during the race or basking in the glory of accomplishment well past the finish line!
I have been thinking about the course, and what I will have to do in order to be ready when the gun goes off. This is so different from running a mile or 800 meters in a competitive track meet where you have so little time to think about it and you are relying on your instincts in a short run whereas the marathon gives you so much time that one could possibly over think it.
I have written in past entries about how I was not prepared mentally in my teenage years during the fierce competition (city, regional and state) in my high school years. Waiting for the race, I would be pacing nervously as the adrenaline was coursing through my system and I was in complete overdrive, amped up and juiced by nerves. Sometimes I would feel exhausted, or worry if I would be able to perform to what I was capable of doing. Only after the starters gun would fire would it all disappear and I would drop down into my body and be completely in a focused trance as I ran. I know those same feelings (some uncomfortable) will appear on Sunday morning, but I also know that its completely normal to have those feelings and to let them have their time as it will all disappear the minute the run begins. The competitive spirit in me is still very much alive in my running, but in order for me to complete this marathon, I too will have to keep my thoughts positive in order to make it to the finish line. The mental game has to believe it and be alive for hours.
After running the Marathon course numerous times in practice, I know what to expect on the upward climb toward Montclair and it's many hills which form many can be a deal breaker on this course. What a great advantage the LMJS runners have had in it's preparation by way of support, clinics, race strategies and thorough training program with many of it's training miles done on the actual course. The other affirming thing is the community that has been built in joining this training group, as well as being a part of something much bigger than yourself with the positive influences of people of all shapes, sizes, gender, color and age. I like running the hills because I feel light on my feet when doing them. Of course going uphill requires more stamina, but that is my strength in running (hence middle distance runner). I also know that many runners will catch up to me long after the Montclair section where I will struggle to find my rhythm for the next 15 miles on the long, flat part of the course which is the essence of the marathon (my weakness). My body is made for fast running so this will be my challenge, regardless I enjoy the freedom and everything else "the flight" gives me as I run. I also know that I have prepared myself as best I could for this run during the past 6 months and in doing so am ready to go the full 26, but I will cross the finish line. My other challenge will be staying on pace and going for the time I have set for myself without hitting the wall. I look forward to the many spectators and friends along the way with their support along the course. I will feed on the energy of the crowd as this run of many hours gives so much time for being in the moment as opposed to running shorter distances in minutes where everything outside of the oval track is neither heard or seen as if one is wearing blinders and earplugs.
I know that the race starts for me after leaving Jack London as the course takes us well away from the densely populated areas of Piedmont Ave, College Ave, Montclair, Fruitvale and International Blvd. As we head toward Mandela Parkway, hours from the beginning and when for many of us (myself included), sense that our bodies are feeling fatigued and are about to enter that unknown area of the last 6 miles (cue Twilight Zone music here), this will be the time to bring out your best game and believe that you will make it to the finish line. All of that hard work and dedication will get you there. Strong, smooth, stride, say it to yourself when you are ready to give up, the thoroughbred in you is tired- but you will be ready to go the extra miles due to all the hard work, and long hours you have put in, prepared for, and are now so close to finishing. Once you turn on Lakeshore Ave underneath the freeway you will be on Lakeshore Ave bringing you to the support of many (including my family with my 7 year-old cheerleader Emily, our students and friends), they will be next to the play park at the beginning of Lakeshore Ave, encouraging all of us with their shouting, cowbells and clapping. Now it is only 3 miles from the finish line, and if there is any gas left in the tank this is the place to make the move if one only needs to shave a few minutes off in order to reach the time they are going for.
Am I nervous? NO. Am I ready? YES & CHOMPING AT THE BIT! Do I have concerns? OF COURSE! Two days ago, both of my Achilles started acting up, not seriously but I can feel them once again. I had to take 10 days off in January due to this and recovered, but since the race is only days away, the mileage at this point is moot. I have rested both of them with little mileage since Saturday with a small run on Monday and three miles today (Wednesday) to keep my head in the game. I know they will hold up for the run, but I will be limping around all next week. We all are imperfectly perfect, so leave any doubts at home Sunday morning as you confidently head for the starting line on race day. I see that the weather is going to be at the right temperature and I have yet to decide on which pair of shoes to run in, but the pair I ultimately choose will get me there.
Good luck to all you, and thank you Len for all the advice and forums, workshops and confidence that you embody as well as the challenge to any of us to write a blog, I did not know how much my interior world needed to get out. I will see you either at the starting line, during the race or basking in the glory of accomplishment well past the finish line!
posted by Tomba at 9:40 AM
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