It's the longest distance I've gone in over two weeks. While it felt good, it was also a little nerve racking. The first half felt great; the second half was a little bit of a struggle.
It got me to thinking: was this marathon a bit presumptuous of me? Do I really have what it takes to pull out an 18 or 20 mile training run, let alone a marathon?
I get this way when I've gone too long without a long run. I start doubting my abilities. Like a druggie that hasn't had a hit in too long, I start going a little bonkers.
I told myself I was going to finish these 7 miles even if I had to walk. It didn't come to that, but my splits definitely weren't consistent! I ended strong though, thanks to some lady who flew by me at mile 6.5. I couldn't let her just pass me like that; I had to keep up. So I ran my last half mile at an 8 minute pace. Amazing what we can pull out of ourselves when we think there's nothing left.
The legs were a little tired when I finished, but really, there's nothing better than lounging on the couch with the world's two cutest dogs to help in recovery =)
How was your weekend? Did you go to the HLS convention?
How do you dig down deep to finish strong?
I've totally been there before on a run - doubting my ability to complete a marathon based on the current status of that run. It's no fun, but I've found that each great run really builds up my confidence and I feel like I can do it now!! You have to have bad runs to appreciate the good ones :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the puppy pics - keep them coming!!
A lot of times for me it's music. I find that song that keeps me going (mostly it's that Tub-Thumping song because of the significance it has for me emotionally). I remind myself why I am running and that I am out there making myself strong in honor of my Father. It helps.
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