If you give me a chance I'll take it. It'll be a shot in the dark, but I'll make it. - Clean Bandit
Not Happening this Time
The NYC Marathon is just over 4 weeks away, and I've had a few days of really raw emotion this week, and a big part of it was allowing myself to get lost in doubtful, negative thoughts. I let myself worry about failing in NYC, but after some encouraging words from my coach, I realized that I am in control of the thoughts in my head, and it is up to me to keep them positive. I am ridiculously optimistic 99% of the time, and there's no reason I can't be in control of this. Truth be told, I was a wreck in the weeks before Boston. I struggled to sleep, and I lost seven pounds in one week...not ideal when you're trying to fuel for 26.2 miles. I will not let that happen again.
What my coach helped me realize is that I am so well prepared for this marathon. I've got my nutrition and hydration in a great place, and I am running faster and more consistent than I ever have in my life. It's up to me to stay focused, keep following the expert guidance I'm so lucky to have, and be confident in my ability to give it my all on November 2nd...which happens to be my Dad's birthday!
Motivation and Inspiration
This is the part of training when the exhaustion can start to rear its head, and I've got some intense, important weeks ahead of me. One of the best ways I have found to keep my focus is to make each workout meaningful. Today's bike ride was wet and chilly, but I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it because I thought about a kiddo at school that I worked with today. He was having a rough day, which has been the case, from time to time, with this little guy for the two years I've known him. For whatever reason, he responds really well to me in these moments, and I found myself realizing how very lucky I am to have the job I have and the opportunity to be "That Person" in a child's life. Fourteen miles went by pretty effortlessly this afternoon.
This Saturday I will run 17 miles, farther than I have ever run alone, and it looks like rain. These long runs closely mimic race day, and it is important to keep focused. This run will be dedicated to one of my son's best friends, a patient at Children's and a total trooper. It's also dedicated to his parents, because when your child hurts, you hurt, and you worry, and it's awful. I will run 17 of the most perfect miles I can, keeping them in my mind and my heart. I will run with great form and consistent effort, knowing that what I'm doing is helping BCH continue to provide stellar care for the littlest of patients. It's going to be an awesome run!
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