Marathon Mania

The ING Miami Marathon is less than three weeks away.  I hope I am ready and prepared.  I've been following my training pretty well, better on weekends than weekdays, but getting the key intervals, tempos, and long runs done on schedule.  This past Saturday, I completed a (not-very-fun) 22 mile run in unseasonal heat on Key Biscayne, and that particular workout is my benchmark for assuring that "I will cross the finish line."  I still follow the basic long run program I learned with Team Footworks in 2010 and 2011 that peaks at 22 miles 3 weeks out.  It reminded me:  Marathons are hard.  There is no getting around the fact that at some point in the race itself-- for me it is after about 22 miles, but your mileage may vary -- I am completely fatigued and finishing the race is an exercise in forcing my body to do more than it wants to.  Those 4.2 miles are harder than the 22 that came before. 

As for this race's purpose in the overall plan for the  Iron Year, I am glad to get at least one standalone marathon done this year before I have the gall to do my next marathon after a 2.4 mile ocean swim and 6-7 hour bike ride!

I have less than three weeks to go Hopefully the 2 remaining long runs (16 mi and 13 mi) coming up, will go well.  I am tapering now, all I can really do is hydrate, sleep and manage stress.

The marathon is a mental game, but you have to give your mind a fit body to ride!