The race buzz has begun, and thank god for it.
Because, the truth is, I had some trouble this time around. While training is usually pretty hard, it has been a different kind of hard over the past few months. After we moved, I had a hard time getting used to running on the streets of my new neighborhood after so many years spent running in Central Park, and it wasn't until halfway through my training when I found my new Central Park - The Bronx River Pathway - that I finally started to feel like my old running self.
And I am definitely back, because yesterday. Yesterday started like any normal Sunday. I was already awake when my alarm went off, and was already bargaining with myself.
"One more hour of sleep, and then I'll do my long run."
"No, I should get up now and just get it done."
"Maybe I'll just do six instead of eight."
"No, I really have to do eight."
And so on.
The voices of my better angels prevailed, and I got myself up and out the door. The sun was up, the breeze was cool, and I had the streets to myself. I ran the mile to the Pathway, and started my now-habitual six mile loop, and the miles were easy. I felt light. I felt strong. I felt fierce.
It was my fastest run, ever.
I'm ready.
Watch out Pittsburgh Half, I'm coming for you.
I've had so many days like that while training (This whole week has been like that, and today I slept in and had no time to run at all!)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean.
How awesome that you are that close to your second marathon. I hope my body has one more left in me. It's the training that would probably do me in. Can't wait to see how you feel after. I enjoyed my second one much more. I guess I was stronger mentally. This will be such an emotional race for you and all the other runners.
ReplyDelete