Lots of updates?

It’s been a while, and I guess there are a lot of updates… although nothing really important.

First:  Like I said, I booked the tickets.  I got a lot of great advice from people who I really trust.  A few of the things that stuck out for me:

“You only regret the opportunities you don’t take”

“What’s the worst that could happen?”  The worst would be running a crappy race because my body 1. was specifically tapered for NYC and has had a lot of ups and downs since trying to extend the taper for 4 weeks, 2. work stress and hours have majorly impacted running post NYC since I left a lot on my plate for after the marathon (thinking I’d be done and have nothing to do but work, work, work!).  But honestly, is running a crappy time that bad?  At least I would know and not be wondering for the rest of my life.

“The best advice I can give is to try to let go of NYC” – from someone who also went through the heartbreak of an unexpected change of plans.  Her personal stories have been SO helpful.  I never expected to be so affected by the cancellation, but it’s good to know that I’m not alone.

“Time to start acting elite” (part of a much longer, spot on email – but I’ve thought a lot about this in general.  It’s true.  I have to realize that I am an elite marathoner & start acting like one.  No more of this freaking out about running with Olympians, will I fail at this workout/race/etc – time to buck up, realize I’m fast, and THINK fast)

“It’s just money, right” – a recent grad donating a larger amount to the GAC XC Nationals fund we collected.  Made me realize that even though the tickets were expensive, it IS only money.  And what else would I spend it on, honestly? 

Plus, I was able to find a wonderful friend in Sacramento that is willing to put both Nate and I up for the whole trip – which makes it even more fun. ‘Nuff said.  Tickets are booked :).

Second:  Training.  The legs felt terrible last week.  Last week’s mid-week workout was so bad I called it quits after 2 reps (6 planned).  First time I’ve done that in a long time.  I was just working WAAYY to hard for slow times, straining with each stride.  I know that feeling and know that when I try to work through it I put myself behind for a week or more.  I don’t need that.  I need the legs to feel good, fast, quick, and easy.  The second workout last week went better, 2×30 minutes at MP.  I think I averaged 6:10s or so for each segment on legs that didn’t feel that great.  I slowed to 6:17 and 6:19 for the last couple of miles that were uphill and into the wind.  That gave me confidence that I am fit for a PR, since my PR is currently at 6:15 pace. 

This same workout before NYC was a bit of a struggle as I was still working through drained/very tired feeling legs.  So that also gives me confidence.

I’m excited for a 3x10min tempo workout tomorrow.  The legs have been feeling much better this week, probably because I was able to rest a bit more this weekend & first part of this week.  Amazing what a little sleep will do for you.

Third: I can’t comment a lot on this yet, but I have made some new life goals.  Sorry for the clif hanger, especially since it’ll likely be late Dec/Jan until I can say anything.  But I’m pumped :).  And a reason for you to keep checking back here post-marathon, since my life won’t be that exciting then and I’m sure you won’t be as interested either :)!  As Scott Jurek’s dad would say, “Sometimes you just do things“.  Oh, and I have a fun “bucket” list I’m excited to share after CIM!  I can’t share it now since my rule is only to focus on the race at hand – once that’s done you can start scheming the plan for afterwards.

Fourth, speaking of Scott Jurek, if you haven’t read his book yet, and have an interest in eating well/vegan/training a lot, pick it up.  It’s a really fun read.  Although I eat fairly well now (except for the occasions when I’m really stressed out and tired at work… like the time I got home at 10pm last week – and brought home a handful of fun sized candy for our “bowl” at home… except once I ate one on the way home, I ate them all… it was as if my brain was turned off, the sugar tasted so wonderful, and I frankly didn’t care about much of anything at that point.  Doesn’t happen often, but still not excusable.  Please don’t judge!), I am so inspired by stories like this.  I’m going grocery shopping tonight and am picking up a lot of items found in his recipes and just great-for-you-foods in general.  I sort of wonder how much of my diet I could make plant-only (today I decided would be a 90% plant day, with the exception of 5 egg whites because I simply love them too much!).  Hmm, might be a fun experiment :).  Time to get on that “recipes” tab here!!

Alright, that’s all for now.  Back to work for me!