My last of 3 marathons is this weekend, the Hard Corps Marathon at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. I should be very nervous right now, but I'm not and that is making me nervous.
I'm coming off of two amazing marathons, not based on time, but based on the overall experience and how my body felt. Pasadena was long and hot, but I didn't feel an ounce of pain when I was done. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. It was as if my body had erased the memory of it the minute I crossed the line! LA had it's share of torture, but it was the most amazing I'd felt at a race and certainly the most fun I've ever had racing. So should I expect the Hard Corps Marathon to be the same? Or was God just being nice so I could make it to this last race and complete my goal?
There is a part of me that wants to go all out this weekend. Considering how I've felt after the last two races, I kinda think I could go all out and shoot for a PR. I don't have to protect my body and reserve anything for a future race so I could really thrash my body and be okay with it. The course is questionable, it's paved roads could kill my knees and foot and the out-and-back may freak me out (it's best to not know what lies ahead). If I could get a PR this weekend, I could really enjoy the Rock N Roll Marathon in June. I have tons of friends coming out for that race and I have hopes that it can be as fun as LA. I really want to enjoy San Diego.
The other half of me is saying Just finish the damn race and get that yellow jersey! Come hell or high-water, you will crawl across the finish line if you have to. I don't have to worry about my time, I just have to finish and then I'm a Maniac. Enjoy the day, soak it all in, and go 3 for 3!
I guess I'll be spending the week weighing these two options. I guess my body will determine how things pan out. I'm leaning towards a PR race, but I think I'm too scared to commit to it. I better toughen up. No wussies allowed at the Hard Corps Marathon!
I'm coming off of two amazing marathons, not based on time, but based on the overall experience and how my body felt. Pasadena was long and hot, but I didn't feel an ounce of pain when I was done. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. It was as if my body had erased the memory of it the minute I crossed the line! LA had it's share of torture, but it was the most amazing I'd felt at a race and certainly the most fun I've ever had racing. So should I expect the Hard Corps Marathon to be the same? Or was God just being nice so I could make it to this last race and complete my goal?
There is a part of me that wants to go all out this weekend. Considering how I've felt after the last two races, I kinda think I could go all out and shoot for a PR. I don't have to protect my body and reserve anything for a future race so I could really thrash my body and be okay with it. The course is questionable, it's paved roads could kill my knees and foot and the out-and-back may freak me out (it's best to not know what lies ahead). If I could get a PR this weekend, I could really enjoy the Rock N Roll Marathon in June. I have tons of friends coming out for that race and I have hopes that it can be as fun as LA. I really want to enjoy San Diego.
The other half of me is saying Just finish the damn race and get that yellow jersey! Come hell or high-water, you will crawl across the finish line if you have to. I don't have to worry about my time, I just have to finish and then I'm a Maniac. Enjoy the day, soak it all in, and go 3 for 3!
I guess I'll be spending the week weighing these two options. I guess my body will determine how things pan out. I'm leaning towards a PR race, but I think I'm too scared to commit to it. I better toughen up. No wussies allowed at the Hard Corps Marathon!
April 16, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Hi Tania,
I just wanted to wish you a great race this weekend. I'm looking forward to reading about your experience on your blog.
Most importantly - have fun!
Dave McDonough
April 16, 2010 at 4:02 PM
Thanks for the encouragement! I'll make you guys proud!