I am going bonkers.
I am now just a few days away from the marathon for which I have been preparing for the last six months. My training is done, I can get no fitter. The hay is in the barn as they say. My running volume is now dramatically curtailed, so naturally I feel like garbage.
I did an easy 3 mile run this morning and I felt terrible. Where are the springy legs I should be feeling by now? Why do I feel so much slower than I did just a week ago? Ach!
I know this is all in my head, or mostly in my head, or maybe its not in my head and its real I am just trying to convince myself its in my head so I will feel better about not feeling better. Or something….
See what I am saying?
Anyway. I am going nuts. On a second by second basis I am alternatively convinced that I have my goal pace in the bag and that my goal pace is nothing but a pipe dream and disaster looms at mile 22. Ach.
Speaking of disaster, paranoia is now at its peak. I am petrified of rolling my ankle everywhere I walk and every little momentary pain is a major hamstring pull just beginning to reveal itself.
And the weather. Don’t get me started on the weather. I am convinced that somehow it will be the hottest day on record in Philly this Sunday and RAINING. I just know it will.
I can’t take it anymore. I just want to get this over with.
Think this is bad? Wait until I am in my Ironman taper next year.
November 15, 2011 at 7:39 pm
I'm curious, what's your time goal to finish at?
November 15, 2011 at 7:53 pm
PB
What are you crazy? You want me to put it in writing? Then I have no deniability!!
If one were to suggest 4hrs as a goal, I would not argue.
November 15, 2011 at 8:07 pm
That's a respectable goal, err, suggestive goal. I look forward to the follow up post after the race is over.
November 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Chill and say the Jesus Prayer. Sounds like logismoi got you.
November 15, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Carl Jung said that one is often overcome with lethargy just prior to an important trial or activity. This psychic occurrence is the mind's way of getting set to release the needed energy.
November 15, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Love the picture with this post. She looks suspiciously like my three year old today. Quit freaking out…run like the wind Bulls-Eye (we also watched Toy Story today)
November 15, 2011 at 11:49 pm
I've read over and over that the taper is THE worst part of marathon training. I personally think not running would be way worse than running… keep up the great non-work and you will do fine. FWIW, my prayers are with you. :o)
November 16, 2011 at 2:42 am
Go with what Fr. Bauer said. Go get em'. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
November 16, 2011 at 2:58 am
Thanks everyone.
What ails me is nothing that the starting gun won't cure.
November 16, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Go, Pat, go!