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Originally Posted by Lynn 007  I joined a running group in April of this year with my plan/schedule to run the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, D.C. this October. The more I think of the distance and what an accomplishment this will be for me (I quit smoking in February) the more self-doubt rears its ulgy head - telling me marathons are for serious athletes not for people who start running in their 40's. In my core I know I can do this and I see myself crossing the finish line - mind you most people have gone home by the time I finish but I finish on my own two feet and that is my goal.
Although it is still months away I'm finding myself starting to make excuses not to cross train three days a week and put in all the miles I should be putting in. The thought of success is overwhelming. Any tips on staying focused and reaching this goal?
Thanks |
Lynn, you WILL do this Marathon.
I am a veteran of 4 London Marathons and have yet to run one weighing less than 182lbs!
I ran my best time of 4:57:29 with just over 8 weeks of training and the last race I completed I had a finishing time of 6:15:30.
I am not an elite athlete. The race is what is known as a personal Everest and I cannot tell you the pride, satisfaction and joy you will feel when you cross the finishing line. It is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Don't miss this chance. You will regret it for the rest of your days if you don't do it.
Forget about 'hitting the wall' at 18 miles - it might not happen. If you are putting the mileage in it may not even be an issue for you.
Don't even worry about walking because it is finishing that is important. Imagine your biggest buzz you've ever experienced. If you know you will have that as your reward at the finish it will keep you going.
The Marathon isn't easy it's true but people in their 90s complete them so this is a challenge for everyone.
One year I was overtaken by a man with one leg, crutches, on a roller-skate!
All you have to do is pace yourself and not go off too quickly. If people go past you like a rocket at two miles you will almost be going past them 10 miles further on as they will soon tire.
Forget everyone else - run your own race and finish.
Send me a PM if you want to talk some more.
