A lot comes out when you run a long way.
You have about three to four hours to think and to push yourself mentally and physically. I thought about a lot, listened to music occasionally and definitely kept moving, even when I couldn’t feel my fingers any longer.
For those who are curious, the breakdown of my final long training run for my first ever marathon is as follows:
25% Amusement at running through Chinatown and NoLita (I don’t recommend on a Saturday)
10% Calm bliss
25% Freezing (Note to self: buy weather appropriate clothing asap)
40% Rage
I metaphorically flipped a table
Things that pissed me off:
1. The Cold: I hate running in lower temperatures and the chilly weather yesterday means summer is nearly over. It also means my circulation goes to shit.
2. Central Park: Knowing that I had to sneak in a loop of the park filled me with anger. I am so sick of that loop, especially after running 12 miles first.
3. Smug Men Running in Central Park: They all have the “gear.” They all pass me. One man passed me three times. On his last passing, I may or may not have yelled “seriously?” at his retreating back and yellow T-shirt which – OF COURSE – announced to the world about some marathon or other he had completed.
4. People Who Have Done Me Wrong Lately: I hope you know who you are because in my head, I had some very choice things to say to you.
5. Responsibility: Oh, I would love to pack up and go to Arizona, start over in California and just lie in the sun. However, I have a job and have to create my own stability and take care of myself.
6. Liars: You won’t know who you are. But I was mad at you anyway.
To be socially acceptable, I have to keep a lot of this inside. I guess if it comes out while running around New York, that’s a good thing. Right?
Physically, I felt surprisingly good after all of this. I still feel very good. I was hungrier than I had ever been during my entire training yesterday and ate more than some people do in a week, but I don’t really want to think about that right now. Instead, it’s time to taper and hopefully get more than 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, which I have not been enjoying the past week and a half.
What did you wear? I was in shorts, tank and arm warmers which are now my NEW FAVORITE THING! I would rather be too cold than too hot, but a the girls I was running with were pretty divided on this topic.
One thing is for sure: this weekend I”m going to buy a bunch of “throwaway” stuff for the marathon. I’ll wear shorts (unless it’s below 35) but have sweatpants to wear until the start. A throwaway long sleeve shirt to wear running (over tank and arm warmers) AND a sweatshirt to wear until start. Also throw away cheap gloves and potentially a hat . And hand warmers that people bring to tailgating.
Wow. That’s a lot of stuff.
STILL SUPER IMPRESSED BY YOU!! I’m going to get a massage now
I wore my under armour long-sleeved shirt and what I thought was another good, long-sleeved layer but it was too thin. I had on capris and my compression thingies (making it like trousers) but my hands were FREEZING. I always thought I’d rather be too cold, but this solidified it: I’d rather sweat.
Yes! I am in the throwaway plan too. Definitely sweatpants, long sleeved shirt, legwarmers and the hat. And that’s a great idea about the hand warmers. We might also get painter’s jackets too – apparently, they are supposed to keep the heat in.
Thanks lady, I think you seriously kick ass and we will show that marathon who is boss!!!!
Enjoy the massage
Good luck in New York… RESIST the temptation to run hard… Now is the time to rest and prepare and STICK TO THE PLAN. And make sure you eat something bad for you after.
You’ll be fine.
Cheers,
Duncan
(Boy on the Run)
Thank you so much! I’ve started basically going bonkers this week – did I run enough? Should I do 12 miles instead of 8 next week? Am I going to gain weight? How will I ever do 26 miles – and all those other super productive thoughts one has.
I have plans for either a massive curry, pizza or Thai. And lots of wine.
Cheers – great to connect!
Miriam