I’m not sitting here counting down the hours until the Marine Corps Marathon. OK, maybe I am. I haven’t been this nervous about actually finishing a marathon since my very first MCM in 2008. And then I was nervous because it was my first, not because I was undertrained. This weekend should be… interesting. I mostly have to make my self stick to my goal of doing it slow. If my ego gets in the way and I push at the start, my race is going to suck. So feel free to send me “stick to the plan” vibes. And maybe a few, “hang in there, heel” vibes.
I must runfess that the only reason I want to run this year is to get into Runner’s Club. I know life is just going to get crazier for the next few years between ZOOMA and the kids getting older, so I just want to get it done.
I must runfess that my heel is hurting when I walk. I wore low-heeled boots to work at the library today and I spent an hour at the standing reference desk and my foot is pretty much pissed off at me. No more standing and only Oofos for shoes for the next three days. On the bright side, it doesn’t hurt when I run.
I must runfess that I already have a boot for after the race. OK, it’s Shoo’s from when he kept re-spraining his ankle, but I’ll use it if I need to. I need my heel to heal.
I must runfess that I was feeling a little bitter about MCM this year – last year I was trained and ready to go and the heat kicked my ass. This year I’m undertrained and injured and the weather is looking like it might be perfect. And it will likely be my slowest marathon ever.
Then I was given the opportunity to run in memory of a fallen soldier who grew up in Arlington. His mom will be holding a flag at the Blue Mile. Suddenly my petty little issues don’t seem quite so important anymore.
Finally I must runfess that for a few days I was considering putting my name in for the Chicago Marathon. But I can’t. I just can’t do another fall marathon. I hate running long during the summer and next year is just going to be busy. I need to just accept it’s time to take a bit of a break from marathoning. But I do have a few tricks up my sleeve for getting a few new states in 2019. Stay tuned…
I’m joining Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup and Marciafor Runfessions.
I love that you’re running in honor of a fallen soldier! Keeping my fingers crossed for you and that your heel cooperates. Good luck Sunday!
What’s the worst that can happen?
You end up finishing with me!
I’m so sorry your heel is still giving you grief. Just enjoy the atmosphere and focus on who you’re running for. Can’t wait to see you!!
If any marathon can give you perspective, you know it’s MCM. Sending all the happy heel vibes your way. I’ll be the first to admit Chi is a tough marathon to train for. And race day weather is always so iffy. It’ll be there if you ever decide you want it.
Blue Mile is amazing.
I love spectating MCM even more than NYC although the latter is easier as I live on the course.
Best of luck and heal gently.
stick to the plan. Don’t start too fast. Run your own race. You got this. Seriously, I have always been amazed by your ability to run ridiculous amounts of miles and pull off these crazy back to back races. If anyone can do this, it’s you! Did that work??
You and I will both be running slow marathons at MCM. Maybe I will see you there at the back of the pack! My hip is much better than it was a month ago, but I am nowhere near in shape to run a marathon. It’s gonna be mostly a walk for me. I just hope to finish in under the time limit. Hope your heel holds up for you!
Best of luck at MCM!!!!! I’m so envious…hoping I can get in for next year.
Ah, you know you’ve got this one too! Driving home today I saw the staging being set up at Iwo!
I hope I see you around mile 22.