My Precious

Please note: If you haven't read or seen The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit then some of this might not make the best of sense.  If you have read/seen them then you'll know I'm not the biggest fan because I will probably get a lot of the facts wrong.  Either way hopefully you can hang with me through this....

If you've been reading my blog for long you know I have a kind of love/hate relationship with races.  I love racing and I hate that I don't ever seem to do as well as I want to or think I should have.  Over the years I have had a few races turn out like I thought they would (because I managed my expectations beforehand), but mostly I find a way to be disappointed with myself after the fact for one reason or another.

Following the Rocket City Marathon yesterday a friend of mine was having a bit of a tough time.  He is a race walker who walks faster than some people run.  At the race yesterday he found himself with an athlete who was having a tough day.  They were swept at mile 23.  ((If you don't know what that means it's when the designated last place finisher, in this case the 6 hour pacer, passes you.  Rocket City Marathon has a 6 hour time cut off so when the 6 hour pacers, the course "sweepers", pass you, that means unless you can catch back up to them, you will not be an "official" finisher of the race.))  He could have left the struggling athlete behind and stayed with (or in front of) the sweepers, but instead he chose to hang with this person to the finish. Now that the race is over and his name is not on the official results page he is fighting the urge (or not) to beat himself up over that choice.

I know that feeling all too well.

I know you are wondering how on earth that relates to The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit.  Well...there was a hobbit named Smeagol who found a ring (that he called "precious").  The ring made him a little crazy (a lot crazy).  He developed an evil alter ego named Gollum.  Gollum was bad news.  All Gollum wanted was that ring; so much in fact, he even killed to keep it.  One day a hobbit named Froto was able to get the ring from Smeagol/Gollum (long story but it happened).  Froto could have killed Smeagol/Gollum but he showed mercy and didn't.  Consequently Smeagol submitted himself to Froto and called Froto "master".  There is a scene from The Lord of the Rings (not sure which one) where Gollum is trying to get Smeagol to kill Froto to get the ring back.  I don't want to give anything away because I think it's a great scene so just watch it for yourself here (PAUSE the video at 1:23)



This is very similar to what usually happens with me after a race, and to what is happening with my friend now.  There is this internal battle between the voices.  One side says "You are worthless and a big ole loser because you didn't __(fill in the blank...ie "finish in under six hours" or "win an age group award" or "set a new personal record"...the list goes on)__."  The other side says something like "I had a great time doing something that I love" or "I enjoyed my day" or "I helped someone else achieve something they might not have been able to if I hadn't been there at that moment in time"....  The Gollum side is accusatory and just down right mean.  That side wants to berate and beat up the other side.

Here's the thing...Smeagol has a choice to listen to Gollum or not.  Gollum wants Smeagol to believe there is no choice.  Gollum wants to take complete control, but watch what happens next (continue to play the video from 1:23).  As Smeagol becomes more brave (I think because he has Froto looking after him) he is able to stand up to Gollum ("LEAVE NOW AND NEVER COME BACK!").

Sculpture by Zenos Frudakis

I think it's interesting what happens when Gollum "leaves".  Smeagol is a little shocked at first.  And then he proclaims freedom!!

Something I have been working on for a while is freedom from my own "Gollum".  I can't say I'm completely free..."he" is still there, but every time I bravely look that hag in my head in the face and speak truth I get closer and closer to being free from that voice.

The key is to know what the truth really is.

In regard to races I MUST know why I'm doing the race in the first place...BEFORE I start it.  In fact, I need to know why I'm doing it before I sign up for it because that will determine how I train.  How I train will determine how I'm able to perform.  How I perform is not driven by what I do as much as it's driven by WHY.  When people make a goal without having a reason to hang on to when getting to that goal gets hard, they won't hang on to the goal.  They will change the goal or give up on it.  But when you know why you want that thing, you can power through hard times and break out of the chains that hold you back.

Sometimes the ultimate goal is to do something you've never done before in order to glorify God as the provider of strength and determination, sometimes the goal is to let go of pride and selfishness and simply enjoy life every day to the fullest.  No one can set your goals for you.  That is something only you can do.  But you darn sure better know why you have that goal, because I can guarantee you that something or someone will come along and want to strip you of your will to get there...knowing why it's important will help you hold on.

When you hold on to the goal it's like Gollum wanting to keep control of the ring (his "precious").  Spoiler alert (if you haven't seen/read the movies/books you might want to skip this paragraph).  In the series the ring is destructive.  Having the ring makes the possessor do things they wouldn't normally do just to keep control of the power the ring gives.  In the end no one overcame the desire to keep the ring for himself.  The very act of fighting over the ring is what destroyed the ring.  The people who knew the evilness of the ring and knew it needed to be destroyed succumbed to it's power  the moment it slipped on their finger.

You can't allow the the goal to gain control over you.  Sifting your goals through your WHY will help you keep the ring off your finger and keep the goal from destroying the joy that comes with true freedom to pursue the why.

Bottom line:  REMEMBER THE WHY.

Until next time...
:D

Data

As I promised in the Long Version of my marathon recap, I want to talk more about Garmin data.

First of all...here's my data from the race

Not surprisingly, I spend quite a bit of time thinking about what information I think I'm going to want during a workout/race.  The Garmin is like any other tool, you have to know how to use it properly to get the results you want.  Some people use it simply as data collection, and that's fine, but ideally I like to use it to help me during my workout.

For running I use the Garmin Forerunner 405 ((oh Santa, please bring me the new Forerunner 910XT for Christmas!!)).  It has the ability to give me 3 screens of data with 3 fields each (plus a heart rate screen which I don't actually use anymore because my heart rate monitor doesn't seem to work like it's supposed to, and a virtual partner screen which I turned off for the race).

For the marathon here's what I decided to display and why:

• Screen 1
•  distance-I wanted to see how far I'd gone at any given moment
• time-I wanted to have my "chip time" for certain splits (10K, 1/2, 20 miles and 1 mile to go)
• Screen 2
• PACE (practically useless really since it seems to be off a good bit of the time, but I wanted to have some idea of how fast slow I was going at any given moment
• average pace-much more useful since this is the average pace over the whole distance
• lap time-this would give me an idea how close I was to the end of another mile time wise
• Screen 3
• AVERAGE PACE-I wanted this information on the bigger display even though I had it already on screen 2
• average lap-the average pace in my current lap, important when I set my watch after coming up with Plan B
• lap-how many miles I had already run

(When the screen is divided up into 3 fields, there is one large reading at the top and two smaller ones at the bottom.)  I had the watch set to auto scroll so I didn't have to touch it to switch to a new screen...which is why I had some redundant data (so I didn't have to keep staring at my watch to get the data I wanted at any particular time).

My experience with longer runs and races told me my brain wouldn't function as well toward the end (although I surprisingly did NOT have that problem this time as bad as I usually do-which was a testament to my success on fuel during this race) so I didn't want to have to think a lot about what my data was telling me which is another reason I had the watch display some redundant information.

If I had stuck with Plan B, I would have needed the data the watch displayed more than I ended up needing it with what amounted to Plan D (after mile 15 when I pretty much decided to just run by feel and not my watch).   Here's why....if I had stuck with my plan to start with the slower group for the first 3 miles and then speed up slowly over the next however many miles...I was going to want to know my average pace JUST FOR THE MILE I WAS ON to be able to make sure I was on track to increase SLOWLY and have a set pace for each mile that was slightly faster than the last one.  

For example...If I were going to run the first 3 miles at a 10:00 pace my average pace would be 10, my average lap would be 10 and my pace would be 10 (if it were correct).  If I were then going to run the next 3 miles 5 seconds per mile faster for each one.  My (current) pace/average lap (ideally) would be 9:55 (mile 4), 9:50 (mile 5), then 9:45 (mile 6).  My average pace would decrease with each mile and would (I think) be 9:55 by the end of mile 6.  (I'm not a mathematician and didn't do the calculations, but I think that's right.)  Hopefully you see why it is simply having pace or even  average pace wouldn't help me as much in the moment as average lap.

Now, if you are still reading, I think that means you have some interest in data collection....I want to know your thoughts.  What kind of watch do you use?  How do you use it?  I'm just starting to play around with the workouts feature (where you can set up the exact workout, complete with paces, you want to do and the watch will beep at you like a chirping coach!).  Does anyone out there use that feature?  What do you think?

As always...thanks for stopping in.  Come again soon!
:D

Rocket City in a Nutshell

I wish I would have sat down as soon as I got done to write up my full recap.  I was on a complete high and actually very proud of what I had just done.  Anyone who knows me or has been reading this blog knows I can sometimes be a little tough on myself if I don't meet the goals I set (some would say high expectations).  I'll be completely honest...self criticism has started setting in like a bad cold.

However, I'm going to fight it this time!!

I'm going to say right now.  I'm proud of what I accomplished yesterday.

I'll write up a full race recap later, but in a nutshell: 

26.2 miles (more according to my Garmin, but that makes sense because I can tell you I did NOT run tangents) in 4:23:44 (chip time).  Good enough for 27/68 in my age group* and 679/1130 listed finishers (1500 registered, not sure how many started the race).  My family came out to support me and traveled around the course so I could see their smiling faces 4 times.  Sweet Daisy braved the cold and cheered me on.  More friends than I can count cheered for me and made signs of encouragement.  I had the best running partner I could have asked for who stuck with me until I ran off the last mile to the finish line.  Mile 23 was actually one of my favorite miles of the race (the mile everyone says is the hardest for some reason).  I finished VERY strong and was overjoyed with what I had just done when I got there.  A dear friend welcomed me "home" with my medal and finisher's hat (and a super cool foil space blanket!).  I feel like I did about all I could do yesterday.  I ate when I planned to (although I can say I did NOT want to), I drank as much as I could (both water and electrolytes), I did walk a couple of times (other than aid stations), but I believe those little breaks were helpful overall (mostly going up the slight inclines that aren't enough to be called hills on any other day but looked like mountains yesterday!), and I finished in better than my C goal with a slightly better than 10:00 pace.  That was truly one of the best (athletic) experiences of my life.  I can't imagine not doing that (a stand alone marathon...as opposed to a marathon at the end of an Ironman) again.

Thanks for stopping in!  Come again soon!  I'll write the long version later.
:D

Rocket City Marathon-The Long Version

I posted the "nutshell" version already... This will be the "Dana" version...much wordier and probably slightly incoherent at times!  (For those who "scan", I've made it easy by highlighting the key points!)

I had a plan, but after a long discussion with  Daisy (my dear friend and running partner), I decided to scrap the plan, line up with with 4:10 pacing group and hang on.  Daisy knows me very well; she said she felt like I might fall into any number of pitfalls if I tried to start with the 4:25 group and speed up.  ((I might get to talking to someone and not want to leave them.  I might speed up too fast and then burn out.  I might end up running completely ALONE, especially on the worst stretch of the race (5 miles of straight open road).  It was supposed to be windy which would make running alone even harder.  My rationale for wanting to start off slower was to get warmed up and not start out too fast, but she felt like I'd be holding myself back to even run at a 9:30ish pace considering race day adrenaline.))  So Friday I went to what amounted to plan C (run with the 4:10 group the whole time, and speed up the last mile or so if I felt like I had it in me).

PRE-PRE Race (hey...told you it was the Dana version...)

From the paper!

I was blessed to have had an article in the paper the day before the race about me and one of my training buddies being first time marathoners.  The reporter interviewed us and we had a super-fun "photo shoot". 

Instead of letting the "celebrity status" go to my head (ha), I worked packet pickup all afternoon...and (as usual) loved it.  It was great to see so many people I knew (volunteers and runners), and talk to so many people who were running their first marathon (one who was from Hawaii!!).  While I was there, a friend of mine decided if I was going to run with the 4:10 group then she would too.  I'm going to have to devote a whole post just about her, but for now I'm going to call her Iron Angel.  She is a two-time IronMan and multi-time marathon finisher...and is truly amazing in more ways than I can count.  She is one of these "I-haven't-really-trained" people who can go out and run 26.2 miles just because it's fun.  She's beautiful, inside and out.  It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to run with her.

I had already laid all my clothes out and had my water bottle and Gus ready so there wasn't anything for me to "do" the night before, so my sweet husband took me to a get-your-mind-off-the-race movie, "Hugo".  It was fantastic, despite the fact there was a gang of 10 year old girls playing/talking VERY LOUDLY in the top row (who were told by another lady and by me to STOP twice before the night was over).  When I got home all I had to do was put my number on my race belt, double check my gear and alarm and post some comments on FaceBook.  Thankfully I fell right to sleep, and although I woke up several times, it seemed like I slept well enough.

PRE Race

As soon as I got to the race, I remembered I had forgotten to get my husband to take my goofy pre-race picture.  I've only ever not done this one time.  Thankfully as soon as I parked I saw a friend who could snap the picture for me.  (Yes, it's truly goofy, and I'll probably do it forever!)

Final hugs before the start of the race!!

The 26.2 Training Group

I love the energy of a race day!  My training group met up early for some pictures and last minute encouragement.  After a lot of hugging and smiling, and trips to the bathroom, everyone started heading out into the cold to get lined up.  I quickly found the 4:10 group and Iron Angel.

And...They're Off...

I never heard any announcements or even the National Anthem but I sure did hear the signal to start the race (even if I can't remember what it was at the moment!).  I knew it was going to be congested and that it would take a little while to get to the start line (about 30ish seconds)...the thing I didn't account for was all the body heat!!

The temperature was about 32 at 8am, and was supposed to get up to about 40 by noon...but the winds were supposed to be between 10-13 miles per hour.  The sun had not yet come out, but weather.com was calling for a clear day.  At the start I was wearing CWX tights, a short sleeved top, arm warmers, a running vest, a throw away long sleeved running top, 2 pairs of running gloves, and a head sweats beanie.  I actually thought I would start out a little chilly.  WRONG.  I was hot.  With all the bodies packed around me for the first mile or so there was virtually no wind hitting me.  Not to mention I think adrenaline creates more body heat.  Put 1200 people together, you're going to be warm.  I shed a layer pretty quickly.

It felt surreal, like I was in a dream.  Iron Angel and I were chatting it up, along with another couple of gals who were also running with the 4:10 group.  The course wraps around downtown and, at mile two, comes back pretty much to the start.  I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I can't tell you the number of times in that first two miles I actually considered quitting.  My mind was swimming in discouragement and we hadn't even gone TWO MILES.  Thankfully I realized how upset I would be if I DNF'd (DNF is a term used in results for a race:  Did Not Finish), especially for something as silly as race jitters.

Even though we were running with the pace group, I was still keeping an eye on splits.  I had my watch set to show me the current pace (I don't pay close attention to that because it can be wildly wrong sometimes), current average lap pace, current lap (set to "auto lap" each mile, something else I might change "next time"), and overall average pace.  I'll go more into data in a later post for anyone who cares.  I pretty much only looked at my watch when it would beep at me to signal the end of a mile.  For the first maybe 13 miles or so Iron Angel and I were within about 20 feet of the 4:10 pacer...but our splits were faster than the 9:30 pace so I wasn't worried about being right on top of him.

The pace group slowed/walked through aid stations, but I didn't do that until much later. (I thought I'd be able to tell by looking at my Garmin data when I walked; it looks like I didn't at all until about mile 19, but I don't know if that's right or not?); I was worried if I started walking I might not want to start running again!!; Since I was carrying my small water bottle, I just unscrewed the cap as we got close to an aid station, grabbed a cup as I ran by a volunteer and refilled as I continued forward.

I had planned out my hydration and fuel.  I decided to begin with water in the bottle so I could take a Gu before the start (since I don't eat ahead of time).  I wanted to make sure I was getting electrolytes so I carried Nuun tablets which I planned to use with every other water bottle fill up.  However, it's important to take Gu with water (not Nuun).  Consequently, I had to time my fluid consumption around Gu so I didn't end up with a bottle full of the wrong thing when it was time to suck down a gel.

I wasn't hot and didn't feel like I was sweating (although my clothes proved otherwise) so I really didn't feel thirsty...and I did NOT want to take a Gu when I planned to (every 45-60 minutes).  However, experience told me if I waited until I wanted it, it would be too late.  ((You can not chase hydration and/or fuel, you have to stay ahead of it which can be difficult.))  I'm not 100% sure I took Gus when I was supposed to, but as best as I can remember, I did force them down pretty much on schedule.  I had a harder time drinking that I expected to.  I only used 2 Nuun tablets (I probably should have used at least one more).  I am VERY glad I had planned that all out ahead of time because I know I could NOT have thought about it at the time--there were way too many things going on around me--even if I didn't execute EXACTLY as planned, it was fairly close.  ((This is certainly an area I want to devote some research to and experiment with in the future.))

I've only ever run two 10Ks, both on the same (somewhat difficult) course (in 2010 and 2011).  I was overjoyed to reach the 10K point in PR time!  I was feeling on top of the world; running felt effortless.  Iron Angel and I chatted and laughed the miles away.  At the half-way point, we were right on target for a 4:10 finish, if we maintained the pace.  On the long straight (read: BORING) stretch of Bailey Cove, we were talking about the fact the wind was supposedly at our backs but we didn't feel it at all.  I was slightly worried because my husband (who is always right) has told me you won't feel the wind at your back, your running will just feel very easy.  (Back up to where I just said how effortless it was feeling....)


When we made the turn onto Chaney Thompson...it hit us.  The wind was every bit of 10-15 miles per hour as predicted.  Without changing any measure of perceived effort, we (I) started falling behind the pace group.  At some point Iron Angel and I discussed how we needed to catch up to the group just to have a wind block.  But I didn't really want to push to catch up when I didn't know how expending that effort might effect me in the end.  I decided to stop worrying about my time and just simply run by feel.  I wanted to enjoy the experience and at that moment I believed I would be happiest if I finished feeling good even if my time wasn't as fast as it could be if I pushed. 

Iron Angel told me not to let her hold me back.  HA!!  As if.  It was actually the other way around, but I was too selfish to tell her not to let me hold her back!!  (I did eventually, but it wasn't until like mile 21!)  I didn't notice other runners around me as much as I usually do in races (who I'm passing, who's passing me), but IA told me we were passing tons of people (a lot of people were walking).  I know it shouldn't matter, but it did make me feel better.  ((I do know a lot of people passed us toward the end because every time I noticed I made sure to tell them "GOOD JOB" or "WAY TO GO"!!  I was so happy for them to have that kind of energy left at the end.))

As we passed mile 20, I realized I would quickly be in all new territory distance-wise as 20 POINT TWO TWO was my longest run up to that time.  (Yes, the .22 matters, that's almost a quarter of a mile!!)  I started nervously anticipating the "wall" everyone talks about.  What was it going to feel like?  Would I cramp up?  Would I just start walking like I had in the past, feeling like I just couldn't MAKE myself run?  People had told me how everything hurt, as if you literally hit a wall...but would it happen all of the sudden?  I did feel tired, and I was completely unmotivated to attempt speeding up (why hit that wall sooner rather than later?).

All of the sudden I felt a SNAP on the outside of my left knee.  It almost caused me to fall down and did cause me to stop immediately!  IA looked at me in horror and asked what happened.  It felt like my IT band broke.  I've never had anything like that happen before and was momentarily paralyzed with fear to try to move.  She encouraged me to walk, and miraculously it didn't hurt.  After a few steps we started running again....and it didn't hurt.  ((I still have no idea what that was, but I hope that never happens again!  It was a little tender at times after the race, but it really is completely fine.))

Thankfully it was about this time my sweet husband and daughter made another cheering appearance!!  Seeing them is like a shot of pure energy!!  I felt so bad for them because they were standing in the cold wind...at least I was running to keep warm!

As we neared the tunnel, IA said how funny it was to think we were JUST THERE a short time ago.  The time had flown by, and here I was feeling like a completely changed person.  When I went through earlier I was still wondering if I was going to be able to pull this thing off...and just a short time later, I was really getting it done!

But... what about that wall??  Many people had said it would happen at mile 23.  As we entered the paring lot of Holy Spirit Church I took inventory...my hamstrings were tight and I was actually thirsty, eagerly anticipating the aid station so I could walk and stretch just a tad (there was no water there and it would be almost a mile before we'd get any--I was glad I had been hydrating all along because I was able to convince myself this was a feeling of thirst not a reality of a need).   But, overall, I felt FANTASTIC...way better than I usually did during long runs!

As I crossed Airport Road, I felt like I had somehow circumnavigated "the wall".  I looked over at IA and and said, "HOLY STINK!!!  I'M REALLY DOING THIS!!"  Right or wrong, I had this overwhelming sense I would NOT hit the bricks.  I had no doubts at all I would finish feeling great.  We finally made it to water...at the FCA aid station (mile 23.8ish).  I not only had my physical thirst quenched, I got a HUGE spiritual fill up as well (complete with hugs and fist bumps from my FCA teammates).  I took a second, or five, to stretch out my hammies...and then plowed ahead.  Knowing my friend's house was right around the corner, and hoping to see my family again, I looked at IA and said, "I'm going to do everything I can to speed up from here on out."  She told me to charge on.

When we got to my friend's house (about mile 24.5) I was OVERJOYED to see my sweet family!!  They were cheering like crazy people!!  Just after that, one of the marathon coaches ran up beside me and asked if I wanted her to run with me to the finish.  I told her yes, and we sped up even more.  I could feel the change in effort and worried for half a second it might kill me...but I knew I didn't want to finish running this marathon feeling like I could run another couple of miles so I tried as hard as I could to stay focused on leg turn over and making my arms pump.  I even considered tossing my water bottle.  "Coach" did a GREAT job of helping me focus on short milestones and giving me clear goals ("mile 25 is right there, the right around the corner you'll see the 'one mile to go' sign").  She told me I was going to beat her first marathon time (SHOCKER since she is a phenomenal runner for whom I have a ridiculous amount of respect).  She told me there would be slight incline and then it would be all downhill until just before the finish.

This is the last .2...finish line is just ahead!

As we got closer she told me to focus on pushing it in, and keep my eyes on the finish line.  I told her I was going to cry...and she laughed.  There was a girl who was running with us who had jumped up ahead of me.  I decided I wanted to "beat" her so I pushed as hard as my body would allow me to push all the way to the finish (one second behind her).

I knew they were announcing names at the finish line.  It's always comical to me to hear what race MCs do with my name.  I heard him say, "Dana............" and I yelled out, "DEBARDELABEN"!!!  Just as I crossed the mat!!  (I'm sure that's a horrible finish line photo, but it sure was funny.)  Just on the other side was my good friend waiting with the space blanket and my medal.  The poor man didn't know what he was getting himself into...I plowed into him with a sweaty/smelly hug.  I think I was in a state of shock.  All I could do was smile!!  Another friend, who was managing the line, came up and hugged me as he gently led me out of the way.  I got my medal and hat and another volunteer came up with water (which tasted like nectar from the Gods!!).  I started getting slightly worried because I didn't see IA coming in.  I didn't think I had put that much time on her...and then there she was (only about a minute behind---she told me later she had become VERY parched and stopped to drink a couple of full cups of water at the last aid station).


POST RACE

We walked into the hotel and were directed to food and free massage.  She went for the former (since she had not taken in even one calorie the WHOLE ENTIRE RACE!!!---okay, how is that possible???)...I went for the massage since my hamstrings felt like they were shriveling up in my legs!  I can say I will "ALWAYS" avail myself of that service from now on...I believe with all my heart that is a big reason I didn't feel as sore as I expected I would.

I debated whether or not to stick around for the awards...and decided to go ahead and do it.  I was completely amazed by the finish times!  Later I went out for a big hamburger (my first one in about 2 years!)...it tasted pretty good, but was not really worth the stomach upset that followed.

Of course I took a picture!

I completely expected to be stiff and sore the next day, but I actually felt really good.  (I did wear my calf compression sleeves all night, all day Sunday and all Sunday night.  I think I took them off Monday after noon!)  I went out Monday for a little 2 mile trail run, and had to FORCE myself to stop, it felt GREAT.

I still can't believe it's over.  Thanks for stopping in...sorry for the novella, but I want to remember it all!!  :D

Come again soon....it's almost time for the year end recap and 2012 goal setting!!
:D

My Plan

I know a lot of people say don't go into your first marathon with a plan, just run it...I can't do that.  If I didn't try to map out my pace I would most likely start out too fast (when I'm feeling all good and spunky in the beginning) and then have to walk the last 10K.    So...here it is.

I have all my clothes laid out already.  I'm wearing Asics Kaynos, Features socks, CWX tights, my favorite bra, a super soft pink Nike short sleeved top, hot pink Saucony arm warmers (they clash, but I love them...no longer will my family complain they can't tell who's me!!), thin Nike running gloves (or maybe my Brooks thermal gloves), Head Sweats cap, a really cool vest I won from Fleet Feet at a coaches dinner, and carrying a small Amphipod water bottle.  I'll wear some throw away gloves on top of the Nikes, and a throw away long sleeve top.  I'm going to carry 4 Gus with me, along with 2 Nuun tablets and some Aleve.  I'm either going to use my race number belt so I don't have to worry about where to pin my number and can always have it on top of any layer I'm wearing at any given time.

I am going to get up about 5:30, take my thyroid meds, take a shower (yes, take a shower)....get dressed and head to the race (6:30-7ish).  (That might be a tad early, but I don't know what to expect with parking since last year when I got there with my Starbucks and walked around hugging all my friends who were about to do the race, I was completely oblivious to the parking situation.) 

I'm going to take a Gu about 15 minutes before the start of the race and then take one every 45 minutes to an hour.  I'm going to carry my small water bottle so I can sip whenever I want to and don't have to stop at aid stations if I don't want to.  (I've gotten pretty good at filling up my water bottle as I run.)  I'll plop in half a Nuun with every other fill up.  I'll shed my top layer and my throw away gloves if I wear them along the way (it will be picked up and donated).  If it gets too warm, I'll shed my vest.  (I'll have several friends along the course who I can leave it with so I know I won't lose it.)

Now...the million dollar question...pace??

I'm going to run 3 easy miles tomorrow which may or may not have an impact on the plan I'm going to outline here....but as of right now...

I'm going to line up with the 4:20 pace group.  I'm going to stick with them for the first three miles.  If I'm feeling good, at that point I'm going to SLOWLY increase my pace to try to meet up with the 4:10 group.  I'm going to do my very best to increase speed at a very slow pace.  If I catch up with the 4:10 group and finish with them, I will actually be ahead of that time since they will have started before me and it's chip timed.  If I do catch up with them and pass them, I'll be even closer to my 4 hour mark.

I have figured up a pace plan, but I'm not going to get too anal about it.  My goal is to simply enjoy the course, enjoy seeing my friends out there, but at the same time...try to slowly catch up the the 4:10 group.

I am going to remember when I ran the NOLA half.  I was out there alone although I knew some other people there, I was running the race by myself.  I talked with some people along the way, but just enjoyed running the race and seeing the sights instead of the conversations I usually get to have on long runs.  This time the sights will all be familiar, but I'll be able to see a lot of friends on the course.  THAT part is going to be FANTASTIC.  Although I think it would be ideal if I had someone to run the whole thing with...I don't have a lot of confidence in being able to hold a 9:05 or even 9:33 pace the whole time in order to stick with either of those groups.  So I think my plan is about the best I can come up with.

I think my worst fear is holding too much back, then trying to kick in when I'm tired...and finishing feeling like I had more to give.  But...I don't know what I don't know.  I like the plan I've come up with...the real key will be in slowly catching the 4:10 group.  This plan gives me time to warm up and gives me a challenge.  I won't be relying on anyone other than myself to get me to the finish in the time I want.  I'm keeping my goals: A) 4 hours, B) 4:15, and C) (since I don't know what I don't know) 4:30.  However, I know I've trained well....I know I've thought it through...and I've got experience in negative splitting a longer race (albeit half the distance, I did that on both the NOLA half and the Women's Half, both of which I ran alone for the most part). 

I not only can do this...I will do this.  I will simply "behave in accordance with a decision previously made".  I'm ready.  I feel much calmer than I have (probably because I have a plan).  This time 36 hours from now I'll be getting ready to run the race.  In just 38 hours I'll be running.  And in about 43 hours I will be wearing my medal!!!!  It almost doesn't seem real.  I'll bet it will feel real 48 hours from now!!!

Thanks for joining me on this journey.  I'm not "there" yet, but it sure has been fun so far.
Come again soon!
:D