running: the dawn

So, I don’t have much time to talk about ALL that is going on here in San Diego…but I have a story that I HAVE to share.

Today I wanted to stop by the expo just to show my mom all the craziness that goes on.  While we were walking around I saw the pace group leaders starting to congregate and I realized that they were doing the pace meet-and-greet.  This was going to be followed by Ryan Hall, who is pretty much my running hero. I decided to stick around to see him while mom and mom-in-law went to figure out their spectating plan for tomorrow.

After the pace group part finished I just stuck in my seat and waited.  There was an older-looking gentleman sitting in front of me and he turned around and said, “I just love coming to these things because you can go up to anyone and start talking about running.  Everyone is so nice and friendly.”  It was a perfect start to our chat.  He asked what pace group I was hoping to run with and when I thought I’d finish the marathon.  “Four hours.”  I told him.  Scared to even say the words out loud.  He then asked what my longest distance was and how many time I’d run that.  He asked how long my mid-week runs maxed out at, and a couple other details to my training.  He seemed impressed and supportive.  It warmed my heart more than I can say.  He told me about all the marathons and half’s that he’s run and shared some stories that only runners appreciate.

Before he left, he asked my name and reassured me that my goal was attainable.  He said that under four would be mine tomorrow.  Even though I’m still struggling with HUGE doubt-monsters, something about this quiet old man telling me that I could do it calmed me down.  He never once asked about my paces, to him they didn’t seem important.  He just kept telling me that I’d put in the work and that I was going to do amazing.  His name is Steve and he’s running the half tomorrow.  He said that he was going to hang around the finish line to see if I got my goal.

I swear that he’s my guardian angel.  He seemed to say just the right thing at just the right time.  So Steve, wherever you are, thanks!  Thanks for picking me out of a crowd of 30,000 runners to encourage.

First of all, thank you all so much for the advice and well-wishes.  I am feeling much, MUCH better today than I was two days ago.  I appreciate all the comments, emails and facebook messages.  I’m not exactly what did the trick, but I tried almost everything I could.  So thank you!  Thank you!

On to the new plan:

I have decided to head down to San Diego a day ahead of schedule.  Instead of waiting until Saturday, I’m leaving tomorrow.  For several reasons, I think that this will make my weekend more stress-free and when the goal is to run 26.2 miles, stress-free is imperative!  So, I leave early tomorrow morning and will be in sunny San Diego by early afternoon.

I. Cannot. Wait.

Seriously.  Almost 6 months of training leading up to this weekend.  The long runs.  The speed work.  The early mornings and late nights.  I have made many sacrifices. I changed my priorities and lived life on a different schedule so that I would be ready for this day.  The hardest part is that even with all my preparation, I still have no idea how I’m going to do on Sunday.  That is the mystery of the marathon.  There’s no telling what’s going to happen on race day.  There are a million and one variables that are out of my control that will somehow impact my race.  No matter the training, not every element can be planned for or controlled.  Right now, it all just feels like one great big guessing game.  I think I’ve done enough.  I think I’m strong enough.  I think I’m rested enough.  But who REALLY knows?

Is this why we all keep coming back?  The looming questions that remain unanswered?  I know that even when I run a good strong race I always end up asking if I could have done better…and that’s what draws me back in.  I want to know where my limits are and as soon as I find them I am inspired to put in more work so I can push through yesterday’s barriers.  And running allows me to do this.  Over and over again…

I have to admit though, I am almost just as excited to explore the city of San Diego as I am to run the race.  I love traveling with my mom and we decided to spend 4 days soaking up all that San Diego has to offer. It’s going to be such a great reward for crossing that finish line!  Specifically the food.  I am excited to try a place called “extraordinary desserts” sounds like my kind of place.  Any other suggestions my west coast friends?

So, I’m not sure what my access to internet will be for the next few days.  I doubt we’ll have access to any network in our hotel, but I do know that we’ve already scouted out a nearby Panera and I’m sure there will be a Starbucks on every corner…

I will take pictures and have all kinds of “recaps” waiting on the other side of the weekend.

Until then: have a fabulous weekend, think about me while I run on Sunday, and send me birthday love on Monday. I can’ believe I’m going to be 31!  Craziness…

I woke up this morning with a sore throat!  Oh. No. I cannot get sick!

It doesn’t make much sense.  I have been guzzling water, eating plenty of fruits, getting to bed at a decent time and sleeping enough.  Well…sleeping…maybe I could be doing a little more of that.  But seriously.  I never get sick, and I’m not about to give in to this.  Time to pull out the big guns.  Lemon/Honey water, emergen-C, pomegranate juice, whatever it takes to get me back to 100% by Sunday..