3 weeks and 1 day. That's all there is. No more, no less no matter how much I want to argue. That's how long I have to get myself ready, physically and mentally, to run the 1/2 marathon in Las Vegas. How did I get here? How was I so prepared for the 1/2 this past summer and so unprepared this time?
Doesn't matter, I guess. All I know is that my mental readiness will make or break this race. It's not like I'm setting world records. It's not like this race determines who I am for the rest of my days. But I believe there's nothing wrong with striving to make every moment my personal best. Okay, so what are the metrics to determine "best"? Ahh, there's the rub. My personal best today will be measured by my authenticity and humility.
The truth is, since my last race, I've walked through so many changes. New jobs, child and grandchildren moving home, deaths of friends. Emotionally, I was tired. So I methaphorically walked and barely ran over the last few months. And I'm okay with that. It was what it was at the moment and I walked with grace and kept the winds of life at my back.
With that said, my legs are not as strong as they used to be. I'm not processing oxygen very well. My callouses got soft so I'm blistering all over again. But I'm ready to run again. To feel my legs and my lungs burn. To look straight ahead and to say, I will make it to that tree. To check the Garmin and slowly see my EZ pace improve. To focus during the tempos and have fun with the Fartleks. To know that the best way to race is to be mentally prepared. So I train as much as possible, as safely as possible, so that I can be my best come race day. Maybe not personal record best. Just the best I can be given the circumstances of the day and my life that surrounds the day.
Run for whatever reason compels you to run. It doesn't matter what it is.
Terri Leigh
1/2 M - 2:16:29
5K 31:34
10K 1:06:12
5K 39:15
Rest today, 6 miles tomorrow.
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