The nerves, butterflies, you name it are beginning to subside as I settle down and get my game face on. I had a winded, leaden (why should today be any different?) final run on the treadmill this morning so, as they say, the proverbial hay is in the barn, as much as I could jam in after injury and illness anyway.
For those of you who have followed along and supported me through this journey, you know this training cycle has been, shall we say, a freakshow less than optimum. After 4 weeks of no running due to an achilles injury I came barrelling back, probably too hard and was rewarded for my overzealousness with an upper respiratory infection that I STILL have not fully recovered from. These past couple of months have felt like a Chinese Fire Drill as I scrambled to cram in speedwork, build back mileage, back off and rest, etc. What is it about runners that makes us lock onto a goal and hold to it with Pit Bull-like tenacity? Giving up is simply not in the vocab.
With the big race just a few days away and my pace and stamina still suffering, basically everything about running as I’ve known it has been turned upside down. Where once it was a no-brainer to run 9-minute miles or better, I’ve come to the sober realization that I’ll need to be significantly slower if I want to finish in an upright, self-propelled fashion. And yes, I’ve come to grips with the fact that I may very well be eating Valerie Bertinelli’s dust. Especially this year, after this particular training cycle, simply finishing will be a huge victory.
So what’s the learning in all this?
It’s all relative. I’m not going to sit here and feel bad about my new, hopefully temporary turtle pace. More than a couple of my friends won’t be running at all on Monday due to injury, adversity etc. My heart goes out to them.
Never take your accomplishments for granted. Do the best you can under the circumstances and use the tools you have to the best of your ability. There were times I insisted on pressing hard when in hindsight I should have rested. But overall I gave this the best shot I knew how. No regrets.
Enough with the deep thinking. Now for something shallow yet equally important:
Fashion Alert
Here’s my outfit for those of you who want to keep an eye out on race day. I put my name on the top so there’ll be no doubt if you see me. I wish I’d tried arm sleeves before now because I’m afraid I’ll be too cold in this if it’s cool out. I also packed shorts, capris, hats and another shirt option…you know just in case.
That’s it kids! I probably won’t be back on until I get home next week. I am SO looking forward to meeting many of you in Beantown! Have a great weekend all and thanks a million for hanging out here and supporting me through this journey.
I love your outfit 🙂
'Do the best you can under the circumstances and use the tools you have to the best of your ability.'
Wise words!
Yes, your outfit is so cute! What brand of skirt is that. I love my running skirts.
And your goal is to run for a lifetime not to run only a race. You'll do awesome and live to run another day. Can't wait to hear the details!
Laura
Great thoughts. Yep, we are lucky to make it to the starting line. I will be looking for you. I may be in all black, still not sure, but I will put my name on too. Not sure if I will put Ginny or Happy Feet 26.2. Oh, all of the decisions to be made. Good Luck! I will be thrilled if I could hold 9 min pace, but I am doubtful on this course, but it will be FUN!
Great words!
Not shallow…I have a few outfits picked out already and my race is still a few weeks away!
I know you will have a great time at Boston, no matter the speed.
I try to remember to just run for run, after coming back from an injury, but it is hard not to get caught up in our speed goals!
very cute outfit! Best of luck to you, you've worked so hard, so have a great race, and have fun. I look forward to the recap!
Good luck! Enjoy the race and the experience.
great outfit
and you're going to rock it!
Enjoy every piece of this experience! Blow a kiss to those amazing spectators and remember to feel so damn proud of yourself for getting there. Remember – the very thought of this a few years back would've had you doubled over with doubt. You will be on my mind all weekend – and Monday to be sure – so hurry back and fill us in on your journey. Be well. Be happy. Be you.
Great perspective! Finally, the outfit is picked out. What a relief. I love it. Good luck and enjoy it. We'll all be cheering for you!!!
Great outfit and great attitude! I wish you the very best!! Run Happy 🙂
Super cute outfit, I think we have the same color top :). I wish I could wear a running skirt, but my currently overly large bod make me look freakish in one…you, on the other hand, will look adorbs! I so now have a nagging hamstring and glute which literally had me in tears and wondering if it weren't just more feesible to opt out and cheer along the side. But dangit, I had to read then and nope, I'm in. All the way, baby! You and me on the race course doing whatever we can…and that's what it's going to be! Can't wait to see ya!! Big hugs!!
You're going to do great, you've come so far and I can't wait to read all about it when you get back.
I swear you'll be voted the best dressed, most coordinated athlete on the course. All my very best for your run. I hope you finish in a self-propelled and upright state.
Good luck! Can't wait to hear all about it! Love the outfit!
i need to pick out my race day outfit. i'm loving yours 🙂
Good luck in Beantown Marcia!! Enjoy every step:) Hugs and love!
Good luck! you will do great!
Cheers from Hong KOng!
¨XTB¨Xavi.
I was telling someone about you today…I straight said "my friend Marcia is running Boston on Monday!" So my friend Marcia…good luck I hope you have a wonderful time I cannot wait to hear all about it!
Cute outfit and great attitude! Enjoy the priviledge of running the Boston marathon 🙂
I'll be rooting for you!!
Love the outfit! Have a great race!
I love the outfit! Good luck in Boston! Can't wait to read about it!
can't wait for ya girl!
and is that an Athleta running skort??;-)
go, go, go!
OH, and What's your bib number????
BEST WISHES AND HAVE FUN!!!!!
Good luck this weekend! You will do great, no matter what pace it may be at!
You are going to cross that finish line in record time looking fabulous! Good luck on Monday…you will do great!
Getting to Boston is a victory; crossing the finish line, no matter when, is another. Enjoy the week.
Love your outfit! I'd love to see you there! I'll cheer loudly…..if I do1
Good luck on Monday! I'll be looking for you on the internet and sending you positive vibes from GA!
Good luck! You'll do great!
Ahhhhhhh so excited!!! Love the race day combo! See you this weekend!!!
Yay! Good luck – are you going to be at any of the FE's? I'll be at the BQ RW ladies brunch on Sunday, hopefully one of the post race FEs also! Would love to meet you!
Good luck! Love the outfit.
Good luck! Here's to us who've had respiratory issues and are still tough enough to stick it out for 26.2 miles… even if we are turtles 🙂 You'll do great!
Good luck You will kill it! Can't wait for your race recap next week!
Awesome outfit!! Good luck in Boston! You are doing to do amazing! I can't wait to hear about it 🙂
have a wonderful run! 🙂
Great outfit!! You are going to look great as you do great in Boston!
I also give a thumbs up for your outfit! You're not only going to have a solid race, but you're going to look wonderful while doing it!:)
Enjoy Boston; relish the experience and the rewards! I can't wait to hear all about it.
Go rock it Marcia! I wish you all the best for a wonderful race-day experience. I'll be thinking of you!
You so have this!! Good luck and have fun!!
Good Luck! We will all be cheering for you!
Love the outfit! Good luck!!!!!!!
Nice outfit, though I am not fashion savvy. Enjoy the race, and best wishes. Take care. Be safe. Im sure that you will rock it.
It's so cold, windy and rainy here…may have to go with the long sleeve option. In that case, periwinkle blue top!
I'm glad you're wearing bright colors. I hope you're rocking Boston this AM.