Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Bring on the 26.2!!

So this is it, all my hard work for marathon training is almost over. I did my final 2 mile run last night to the store and back just to see if my legs were ok. As I was running lots of things were going through my head. This was my last baby run before the big day, my nerves have been on over drive all week. I can’t stop day dreaming about it on the drive to and from work, while at work and just sitting at home. I just don’t know what to expect and that’s what is getting at me. It’s sort of how I feel about Thai food, I want to try it but I’m scared it’s going to be to spicy then I’ll be leaving the restaurant upset and hungry. I guess I shouldn't really compare the two but its the best way to describe it.

My training took a turn for the worst for about 2 weeks mid February. My grand-father became very ill, and he past away the weekend I was suppose to run my 18. With everything going on I had no desire to put my running shoes on much less even look at them. I was 2 weeks behind on training and I questioned running the marathon at all.
I had tried to run the Chinatown Firecracker 10k the weekend my grand-fathers health took a turn for the worst and it was one of the worst running experiences of my life. It was so bad I didn’t even write about it because I don’t want to go back and read it. My mind played so many emotional games with me that day and focusing on running was not one of them. I was scared that this was going to happen to me for LA, so I really contemplated not doing it at all. I spoke with Chris about everything and he assured me that I could do this. I decided that if he was able to do what he did after loosing loved ones, so could I. He also told me how he uses running as a way to be with his loved ones, how he chooses that time to be with them and run for them. So I decided to do the same. I took a few more days off then planned to run my 18 alone one Sunday morning. I figured if I was going to have a mental breakdown about grandpa while running I wanted to do it alone. To my surprise it was a great run and Chris was right Grandpa was there with me the whole time. I came home that day in the best mood I had been in 3 weeks and ready to run my first marathon.
Since that day I've been on top of my training and not missing a beat. I even went out got a new "good luck" outfit and got my running shoes bless by Fr.Thomas at the church..call me crazy but it made me feel better HAHA!

I know the next 4 days I’m going to be flooding Lauren and Bob's email in box with 101 questions, and reaching out ot fellow runners via Twitter and Facebook. I had a plan, but I decided I'm going to just go run, have fun and do what I can. I think if theres a plan I'll expect way to much out of the race then be upset when it doesn't happen. I'm totally ready with a great mid set and I've very excited to see what my outcome is. The only thing that is really concerning me now is RAIN..yes RAIN! Crazy right!! The news is saying we are going to have a wet marathon Sunday so that's a whole other thing that I'm to sure about. I'm positive I'm not going to melt or anything, but wet running shoes doesn't sound very fun for me but as my mom would say "Its just water"

There are a few people I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for helping me out with training and encouragement for my first full..First my dad, he pushes me to be the best runner and always makes me feel like I can do better, my boyfriend Robert for putting up with "We can't go anywhere Saturday morning I have to run" and sitting for hours at finish lines waiting for me, Lauren, Penny and Jordan..BIG THANK YOU Ladies for running and training with me, Chris you helped me get through the loss of my grandfather and made me look at things in a different perspective, Bob your constant marathon advice is so much appreciated and Brent thanks for being the best virtual running buddy EVER!! SO THANK YOU EVERYONE!!


So that's that, my next blog post will be my LA Marathon Recap! If you any of you readers out there have any advice for this newbie, please share I'd love to read them!! For those running LA Sunday KICK ASS!!!!


4 comments:

  1. You're going to be AWESOME! You've got the right attitude, just go out and have fun taking it all in. A wise man once told me that the marathon is your victory lap. You've done all the hard work, now go out there and enjoy your victory lap!

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  2. You'll do great! I promise. Miles are just miles, but a marathon is an experience.

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  3. Congratulations!!!!! Kristy you have kicked butt, and overcome so many obstacles during training. You are going to kick LA's ass this weekend. Your grandfather will be soaring right beside you, smiling and feeling so proud :) Good luck, kick butt, and I can't wait to read your recap!!!

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  4. Woo hoo! You are so ready. Just remember - nothing is as hard as all the training you've done. You've run hundreds of miles through thick and thin. Now it's time for your victory lap.

    I was amazed last year at the community support. Not just for the elites, but also for us back of the packers too.

    My fianl words of advice are slow down and savor the day. You deserve your moment in the sun. Or rain as the case may be.

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