It is almost marathon time. I would like to say that I am 100% ready, but this has been a crazy week and it is leaving me with doubts. I am worried I tapered too much. My exercise this week has been a complete fail – at least compared to what I usually do. And it is affecting me both mentally and physically. I have consistently been doing 10+ hours of training per week for months. This week I am at a paltry 2 hours. While I know I am supposed to rest and let the body heal itself, I am worried that I cut out too much. Not biking or running on a daily basis has left me worn out (ironically), depressed, and mentally frustrated. Although some of that worn out feeling and lack of mental function could be work related too.
It hasn’t helped that the pool has been closed since April 2nd. I was banking on replacing my runs with some extra swims during my taper so that I could still exercise while still going easy on the legs. The pool was supposed to be closed from the 2nd to the 7th, but when I went up there tonight, the closure got extended through the 8th. Ugh. Well, at least I can hopefully get an easy swim in tomorrow afternoon.
To top that off, I thought it would be a good idea to ram my knee into the dresser because I was too lazy to turn on the bedroom light. Yep, not one of my smartest moments. I did go on a 15 mile bike ride since then and it didn’t seem to bother me, but it is bruised and sore to the touch.
As for expectations, I really don’t have a firm goal in mind for the race, although a PR would be nice. That would mean going under 3:47 which was my time at the Grand Rapids Marathon last fall. Training wise, I trained much harder than I did for the Grand Rapids Marathon so this should be doable as long as I have a good day. Overall though, I am just looking to get another marathon under my belt.
The race itself looks like a good, low-key course. It is basically an out and back course, so it could be kind of boring. However, the elevation chart shows a relatively flat course. Even though it looks like it goes uphill for the first half, it is only a rise of 50-75ft over the first 13 miles with only two 1% inclines. And because it is an out and back course, you get the two 1% declines.
Check back this weekend after the race for a full race report. I will be bringing along my #1 cheerleader and professional photographer, so anticipate plenty of pictures!
8 comments
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Jennifer
April 8, 2010 at 9:59 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Good luck Kevin! Don’t for a second second guess yourself!
Lisa
April 8, 2010 at 10:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I wish you the very best this weekend. Don’t sweat the low training this week. I’m betting the extra rest will pay off.
rachel
April 9, 2010 at 7:28 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Best of luck this weekend! Not to worry about the low training week. Taper is supposed to make you crazy, anyway— sounds like you are right on track. Can’t wait to hear about your PR on Sunday.
David
April 9, 2010 at 7:29 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Have a great race Kevin! You will do just fine. You put in the training and are certainly ready. I know how you feel with the tapering – mentally you just need to go out and log some miles – but physically it is the best thing to take it easy. I look forward to seeing your results!
Krista@CommitmentisLiberating
April 9, 2010 at 8:40 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think a little extra rest this week will pay off come race time! Just try to calm your mind and nix those negative thoughts. You’re going to do great!
Anne
April 9, 2010 at 12:50 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Good luck – have a great race! Your body will thank you for the rest!
Amy
April 9, 2010 at 3:48 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Good luck this weekend! There’s nothing you can do the week before your race to change your training fitness, so no worries there! Just rest, sleep and eat your carbs. You’ve done the work now go out there and crush that PR!
lindsay
April 10, 2010 at 12:58 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
hope your race went well today!!