The Wall.
Next month I start my Race Tour.
First on the agenda, St George Marathon, 10/1. Those that know me, also know I'm not 100% ready for this race. Originally the goal was a PR. Now, it's just about getting through with a respectable time. I'll focus on a PR another time - perhaps San Diego Marathon with The Ladies in 2012.
Next on the agenda, Long Beach Half Marathon, 10/9. This, admittedly, was a last minute add. I actually do LOVE LB Half, but I didn't want to commit to a half marathon a week after a full. Why the sudden change of heart?? I want that "triple race" medal: Surf City Half + OC Half + Long Beach Half = special medal. I fell for it. The marketing ploy. I'm in marketing, and well, I still got pulled in... (for the record, this could be a really stupid move).
Last on the agenda, San Fran Women's Nike Half Marathon, 10/16. This is "the light at the end of the tunnel" race. Because it's what I consider to be the "fun run" of the month. Most of The Ladies and I are not taking it too seriously... in fact, we plan to walk and/or run based on how we feel (and how many firemen are on the course to take pictures with).
With all that said, this week I finish up my Build Training with my Peak at 18 miles. 18 miles isn't my preferred Peak. I like to get up to 22 miles. This way I mentally only have to worry about 4 miles as "break thru miles" or "new miles" to complete the marathon.
To me, "new miles" mean you have to be mentally prepared to overcome the aches and pains your body feels and keep pushing forward. Runners refer to this as "The Wall". Regardless of what you call it, it's really where the race begins.
I've faced said Wall many times... and it's never been the same for each race. My first Marathon in San Diego I cruised right through The Wall without a hitch. Long Beach (#2 and #3) I struggled with it, and at one point wanted to lay down in a port-a-potty to make the agony stop. Chicago, I crushed it. Seattle, I crumbled. And LA, was somewhere in the middle...
The Wall sneaks up on you. One minute you feel good. Steady. Happy (or at least content with your progress in the race). The next, you feel tight. Achy. Fatigued. Done! And your body is screaming at you to stop. Just Stop Already!
But of course, you can't!
It's not an exact science where you'll hit The Wall. But, I'm thinking in St George it's going to be Mile Marker 20 for me. Now all I can do is prepare for that battle...
Three weeks out... no turning back now! Breaking thur The Wall or not, here I come!
First on the agenda, St George Marathon, 10/1. Those that know me, also know I'm not 100% ready for this race. Originally the goal was a PR. Now, it's just about getting through with a respectable time. I'll focus on a PR another time - perhaps San Diego Marathon with The Ladies in 2012.
Next on the agenda, Long Beach Half Marathon, 10/9. This, admittedly, was a last minute add. I actually do LOVE LB Half, but I didn't want to commit to a half marathon a week after a full. Why the sudden change of heart?? I want that "triple race" medal: Surf City Half + OC Half + Long Beach Half = special medal. I fell for it. The marketing ploy. I'm in marketing, and well, I still got pulled in... (for the record, this could be a really stupid move).
Last on the agenda, San Fran Women's Nike Half Marathon, 10/16. This is "the light at the end of the tunnel" race. Because it's what I consider to be the "fun run" of the month. Most of The Ladies and I are not taking it too seriously... in fact, we plan to walk and/or run based on how we feel (and how many firemen are on the course to take pictures with).
With all that said, this week I finish up my Build Training with my Peak at 18 miles. 18 miles isn't my preferred Peak. I like to get up to 22 miles. This way I mentally only have to worry about 4 miles as "break thru miles" or "new miles" to complete the marathon.
To me, "new miles" mean you have to be mentally prepared to overcome the aches and pains your body feels and keep pushing forward. Runners refer to this as "The Wall". Regardless of what you call it, it's really where the race begins.
I've faced said Wall many times... and it's never been the same for each race. My first Marathon in San Diego I cruised right through The Wall without a hitch. Long Beach (#2 and #3) I struggled with it, and at one point wanted to lay down in a port-a-potty to make the agony stop. Chicago, I crushed it. Seattle, I crumbled. And LA, was somewhere in the middle...
The Wall sneaks up on you. One minute you feel good. Steady. Happy (or at least content with your progress in the race). The next, you feel tight. Achy. Fatigued. Done! And your body is screaming at you to stop. Just Stop Already!
But of course, you can't!
It's not an exact science where you'll hit The Wall. But, I'm thinking in St George it's going to be Mile Marker 20 for me. Now all I can do is prepare for that battle...
Three weeks out... no turning back now! Breaking thur The Wall or not, here I come!
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