Happy Friday! Since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.
I’m nearing the end of my marathon training cycle. I have a 8-10 mile run on Saturday, a few runs next week, and then it’s time for the big race – the New York City Marathon on November 6th! I’m excited, anxious and terrified, but I’m determined to have an awesome race and enjoyable experience! Here are a few things I want to ‘runfess’ about marathon training…
Taper Time is an Amazing Time!
Okay, so I know most runners do not like “the taper”…WHY?! I am LOVING everything about taper time! Shorter runs and more time in the afternoon/evening is amazing! I’ve been able to get more things done and my body is really appreciating less time on my feet. I have also enjoyed resting on the couch a little more. I think my body was SCREAMING for a break, and I’m happy to oblige! I’m also in a happier mood 🙂
Visualizing that Finish Line
Lately I’ve been visualizing the finish line during my runs. I know it’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience when I cross that finish line. Just thinking about it makes me smile. It’s a great positive thing to focus on during my runs.
Sleep is awesome…when it happens
I’ve never been a great sleeper, but my sleep patterns for the past two weeks have been horrible. I’m either up late (past midnight) or asleep by 9:30. It’s crazy and I really need to find a happy medium. I’m REALLY excited about the race, so I’m not sure if that has something to do with the crazy sleep pattern, but I know that I’ll be sleeping a lot after the marathon 🙂
I’m not nervous…yet
So when I first looked at my training plan WAY back in July, I was terrified. I had no idea how I was going to get through long training runs of 13+ miles, or my peak week. I gained more confidence each week and I started to go from terrified to scared to just nervous. As of yesterday, I don’t really feel nervous anymore. I know I can complete this marathon. I’m sure that I will be nervous the morning of the marathon, but for now I’m just so excited for Marathon Week to start on Monday!
October has been a great, but long month. I completed 3 half marathons this month and logged my two 20-mile runs. I’m really excited to see what November brings!
Do you have anything that you want to runfess this month?
Glad you are enjoying your taper! That means you are happy with your training. RElax and let it all soak in!
ahh is that what it means? Everyone keeps telling me I’m weird for not having the “taper crazies” lol
Kim it’s been so much fun to follow you through your NYCM training. It’s such an epic race and you’re going to be great. You’ve no reason to be nervous. You’ve come so far, the race is the celebration part. NYCM has so many iconic “pinch me” moments, I get misty thinking about them even now. The ferry past Lady Liberty, the start on the bridge, and when you get to that final stretch in CP where they show all the elites finishing? Priceless! Just soak in every magical moment. I’ll be cheering for you from my hotel bed in Indy wearing my post-marathon compression socks!
Thank you SO much Marcia! I can’t believe that we both have marathons the same weekend, but tis the season! I’m planning on stopping a few times to snap some photos. Like you said, I really want to soak up all of it and enjoy every minute of it!
This is so exciting! I am one of the few who actually LOVE taper, too. I know by then that I have done all I can do, and the rest period is (usually) well-earned …..as it is for you. Good luck next weekend! I can’t wait to hear how it goes!!
So happy to find another fellow taper time lover!
I’m happy to hear that taper time isn’t always the scariest thing ever! I’m so excited for you and glad to hear that you’re feeling good about NYC. My sleep patterns have been a bit off lately too, not sure if it’s due to training though. Have a great weekend! 🙂
I think my body was just so tired that it is really enjoying the taper period. I am glad that the runs during the week are getting shorter/easier 🙂
I runfess that I’m terribly envious of your upcoming trip to NYC but not the part about running 26.2 miles!!! 🙂 I love New York…the energy there is like none other! Best of luck and I hope your finish line experience is even better than you imagine!
New York is awesome! I’m lucky because I don’t live too far away from NYC so I can go there’re when I want. Something about running through all five boroughs is so exciting to me!
It’s so close and you have worked so hard! It’s this time of year that I oddly regret not signing up for a marathon, especially with MCM and NYCM coming up!
I also get inspired seeing everyone running a marathon every weekend! I love Fall because it’s Marathon season!
You are so ready ! The positive visualization is so important.
I feel ready too, and I am loving the taper.
Thanks so much Karen!
I love taper time! I am one of those “weird” ones that looks forward to it and does not go crazy with no running or running low mileage.
I love that I have more time to do things during the week, it’g great!
Some people are awesome with the taper some go bat crap crazy and lose it – sleep all the time, catch every illness, eat all the food. I am so glad to hear you are the nice normal type and not the taper crazy type.
My body was like “Thank you!” and really needed the rest so I’m all good with the taper!