Not a Fluke...This is Real

What if you're making me all that I was meant to be? - Chris Daughtry

I think everyone, after a lot of work and dedication, must have a threshold at which they finally believe that they are genuinely capable of something they previously thought impossible or unlikely.  I've been training for the NYC Marathon for over three months, and every single week I have surprised myself.  I get a weekly schedule from my coach, one that he puts a lot of thought and effort into creating just for me, to address my goals and considering my aches, pains, and schedule.  Every week, I look at my prescribed splits, or a distance, and I wonder if I can pull it off.  The first couple of weeks were a little erratic as I got used to a regimented plan, but after that, I began running with more consistentcy than I ever have.  Yet, I still had seeds of doubt each week, always wondering if that last successful run was a fluke, never to be replicated.  Last week, I think I passed that threshold of disbelief.

It certainly didm't seen like it was going to be an epic run.  I was a bit of an emotional mess on Friday, so fearful of what I was going to attempt the next day.  Being in touch with Natalie and Jess was great.  We were all staring long runs in the face and feeling the same nervousness.  Coach helped me get my head straight, and it made total sense to me when he said, "Just run like you know how, start conservatively, and maintain efficiency."

Heading to Northborough

And he was right.  My body knew how to run, and I was in control of my thoughts, keeping them positive.  I ran seventeen miles, from my house in Sterling to my friend's house in Northborough, and it was likely the best run of my life.  I finally think I nailed my fuel and hydration needs, which has been a work-in-progress, and I climbed the hills with noticeable strength.  The best part?  I ran seventeen miles in 2:26, my last mile was my fastest mile at 7:57, and I 100% felt like had enough fuel in the tank to keep on going.  I was shocked.  Coach, not so much.  He knew I'd run well, because he's trained me to do just that.

That was my threshold.  I no longer think these great runs are accidents.  They are the result of expert coaching, dedication, and hard work.  Saturday is my last long run before taper, and I can't wait.  Not because my mileage will drop and my body will have some time to rest up, but because I know this progress is real and I've totally got this.