Marathon Week is Upon Us!

For the last 4 months you’ve probably heard enough from me about marathon training but now we are only 5 days out. I’m feeling pretty confident about the race, with of course some nerves as well. I didn’t follow my training schedule as closely as I wanted to. My program only had 3 days of running per week and typically I did 1-2 (plus lots of spin & cross training) and at this point I do wish I did more speed and hill work, but I’m happy that I didn’t skip over the long runs. Because of all those long runs, I am feeling good.

Before a big race I tend to get “Phantom Pains” – where I feel all sorts of pains I didn’t feel before, like a tight hamstring, pain in my shin, etc. I’m pretty sure it’s just because I’m now hypersensitive to everything that doesn’t feel 100% and I want to be feeling my best on race day. My hope is that all these little pains will vanish as I creep up to the starting line (which is exactly what happened in my triathlon).

So as race day approaches, I’m prepping myself by reading a book all about the NYC Marathon: A Race Like No Other by Liz Robbins. It takes you mile by mile, telling the story of various runners who did the marathon in 2007. It’s exciting to hear about everything I’ll see on the course since I really have no idea what to expect. I’ve never run in most of the places the race takes us.

I’m also making sure I have all I will need for race day. I made a trip to Jack Rabbit last night to load up on nutrition. Still working through the details of what I’ll eat and when I’ll eat it, but as you can see, I’ve got plenty to choose from!

And lastly, I’m carefully monitoring the weather forecast. So far it is looking like it will be perfect running weather; chilly and sunny. I think I’ll wear shorts, a t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt but I’ll decide for sure this weekend.

For race-week workouts I’m taking it easy (for me). I’m teaching 3 cycling classes and will fit in 3-4 mini runs (3-4 miles each).

For those that have run a marathon, any week of advice you have to share?