I am the luckiest TNT runner ever. As of today, I have raised $4,001 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and all I had to do was ask. I didn't have to do the crazy bar fundraisers or depend on corporate matches or throw major events to get the cash together. And today, I was just $52 shy of breaking 4 grand, and my angel of a friend Nicole donated $53. I can physically feel the support of Nicole and everyone else who is behind me. I feel really really strong with that.
Second, I have the best coach on the face of the planet. Coach Michael Conlon ran his 20th (yes, 20th) marathon on Sunday in Edinburgh, and unfortunately he had a very bad race. He said he physically and mentally imploded around mile 19, and he wasn't too psyched about the experience. BUT, he used that experience to share some very poignant thoughts with us, and I wanted to share part of his email with you (spelling and syntax is 100% Conlon). I think #6 is the most important one:
Here are a few things I want to share with you in regards to my most recent marathon experience…..
1- Whether this is your first endurance event or your 20th you MUST respect the distance, otherwise, the marathon gods will chew you up and spit you out during those last few miles.
2- There are no guarantees when it comes to marathons. You must be ready for anything and everything. Pick a marathon location where the weather is always perfect for running (50’s with overcast and likelihood of rain) and you will get unseasonably high temperatures with high humidity (mid 70’s with no shade…. Awesome). If I hear one more Scot say they NEVER get this type of weather in May…. Just my luck.
3- Wear sun screen regardless of what the weather looks like when you first get up in the morning.
4- Don’t underestimate warm whether and how it can effect (or is it affect?) you on race day. You must make the necessary changes to your race plan to accommodate for less than ideal weather. Some of you will have to alter your plans by 20 or 30 seconds/mile, perhaps more. My marathon HR zone is 150-160 beats/minute. Yesterday, I watched my HR climb from 149 in the early miles to 168 by mile 17 (note, my pace stayed the same). This is the direct result of warm weather running, a combination of dehydration and fatigue. It didn’t help that the aid stations were every 3 miles at that my race started at 10am. I am not sure what my HR was over the last few miles as I ripped over my monitor and threw it as far away as possible, haha. I guess I will have to buy a new one of those. :)
5- If the temperatures are high you MUST focus even more so on your race day nutrition. Water, sports drink (to replenish lost electrolytes), salt packs, extra gu for added calories (your body is working harder and you are burning more calories so you will need the extra energy), etc…..
6- Whether you meet your goals or not, completing a marathon or half marathon is still an amazing experience. You need to finish with dignity, pride and a smile on your face… as it was you, and only you, that had the courage and the will to continue on as times got tough. After 20 marathons, I still get chills as I approach the finish line, crowds cheering whether you are in first place or in last….. there’s no feeling like it. You need to soak it in and focus on what’s really important, all that you have accomplished. Remember, it’s not about the day but about the journey….. And regardless of time, whether a PR or a PW, there’s always next time…. :)
He is so wise! It really isn't about the day, it's about how far we've all come. I think this will be my one and only full marathon (I plan to continue doing halfs), but who knows, maybe the high of crossing the finish line after 26.2 will make me lose my mind and decide to do this again. Or maybe the drive to find a cure will keep me running and fundraising. This is the best thing I have ever done in my life - I know I keep saying that, but it doesn't stop being true.
Countdown to San Diego: 13 days
Current Status: Feeling the support, feeling good! (But still freaking out)
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