I’ve finally reached that almost annoying countdown stage of the marathon training.
Now that we’re less than 12 days out from the marathon it’s showing up on my work calendar, is affecting my daily activities and is on my mind more than normal. But, it’s weird to have it consume my mind so much when it’s not consuming my legs.
This weeks mileage: 23 miles
Next weeks mileage: 11 before the marathon then 26.2
So far my workouts have been strong these past few days and the taper hasn’t started to really set in and feel real. Actually, based on the way Gia has laid out my workouts, I’m not sure I will feel it. She’s done a great job of giving me daily activities, similar to the way she’d program activates for her adorable twins, so I don’t get bored or plan my own activities. For example, today was personal training which meant lots of mobility and core work using light weights or only body weight. In addition, I have yoga sessions sprinkled in between my running workouts which means I’ll never get bored.
I really like her version of taper. I want my legs to be hungry next week, not this week.
This week I feel like she’s also my therapist. She’s given me prescriptive directions for every run to make sure I don’t kill my legs by trying to race the Poland Springs 5 Miler this Sunday or any of my other runs. Instead, the name of the game is marathon pace.
in addition, as I’ve been trying to keep my own mind clear I’m trying to focus on learning as much as possible from my own training and other people’s experiences before next Sunday. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to spend some time this evening reading through my old marathon recaps and other blogger recaps. I had so much fun that I just spent the last hour creating a Pinterest board dedicated to New York City Marathon race recaps. Check it out here! Want me to pin your recap? Leave a link in the comment section!
In addition, I’m working on a larger post that will go up later this week including my tips and tricks for the marathon, including answers to questions I’ve received via email and Twitter from readers. Though I’m not fast it is nice to feel like I can help others prepare for the big day since I’ve run New York City Marathon twice already and live locally. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section!
Earlier today, Bo and I finally decided what we want to do after the marathon. This year our decision is to make no firm plans. Two years ago, Bo hosted an amazing party for our friends at our place to celebrate my first marathon finish. While it was lots of fun it was exhausting for both of us. Last year our plans to enjoy drinks at Rye House fell through due to my visit to the medical tent after crossing the finish line. This year, since we’re both running the marathon, we think the best option is the lowest stress option. Therefore, we’re delaying any type of group celebration until the next day and instead making it a Pre-Election/Post Marathon celebration at a bar where we know we can enjoy steins of beer in comfort: Zum Schneider!
You know how else I’m pre-occupying my mind this week? I’m sending this lady random Marine Corps
Marathon facts each day that I’ve found online. It takes my mind of my own marathon and I’m learning a lot along the way.
Discuss: How do you feel about marathons that don’t offer free tracking service? Once again, the NYC Marathon charges $2.99 to track runners. I also can’t find anything like Runner Broadcast Service that other marathons like Chicago and MCM offer for free. I love NYCM but wish they could improve on these aspects.
I Wish the NYCM offered free tracking! Just as an FYI I will be around 80th Street handing out sponges with the NYJL if you need anything.
So exciting! And Zum Schneider is the absolute best place to go for celebrating!
Eeek! I’m getting so excited for everyone who is running! I love all the chatter amd seeing the flags up along the route. I haven’t decided on my spectating spots yet, but I’ll be in Brooklyn for part of it.
I like the next day idea for a celebration. I was going to go out in the city after finishing, but I’m now considering a much more low key, low stress event. Also, in terms of tracking, I think it is unfair. I think if they need to charge for tracking, we should get at least 1-2 freebies with our fees so our emergency contacts can find us.
There is one free option available for NYCM tracking. If you go to their website that day you can track. The fee options are nicer of course because the info gets sent/updated automatically. But for those who have access to a web browser (via phone, wifi or home computer just takes little more effort to seek out the info manually.
I am not a fan of charging a fee for tracking.
I love your Pinterest board! Now I won’t be getting any work done while I read. 🙂
So excited for you, and I KNOW you will smash your target. You have been working so hard you totally deserve it.
My friends and family used the tracker system during the London Marathon, although it only updated every 5km and seemed to be a bit behind. Not bad though considering how many people were running. I managed to see them all so that was a success.
And good luck Theodora!
I’m so excited to hear about your race!!! I so want to do the NYC Marathon one day! Until then I will live vicariously through you. 🙂
Thanks Tina! Yes you should definitely do it one day! Hopefully this year’s recap will be about how amazing and strong I felt!
I seriously cannot wait for a night in to do nothing but read every recap on that pinterest board! Maybe that makes me pathetic, but I don’t even care! 🙂
I can’t believe race day is almost here! I didn’t allow myself to really get excited until late last week when I decided to fly my sister up here for race weekend and she accepted. Prior to that I was just consumed with dealing with my aches and pains and accepting the fact that I will probably be running this marathon slower than I had wanted. I’m really proud of myself to sticking with my training and excited to be running my second marathon and look forward to crossing the finish line no matter how long it takes. You can track a runner for free but you can’t sign up for it until race day.
Deb I can’t agree more! It’s finally here! You’ll be great just remember to go out slow!
And I love your random facts!
I’m glad you like them! They’ve been so fun!
I am so excited for you!! I can’t wait to see you crush the marathon! Oh, and if you want another recap to add to your board 🙂 http://www.caitlinliveswell.com/26-2/
I added your recap lovely lady! Thanks for the vote of confidence! I am hoping to go slow and steady!