Viva Las Vegas! (I hope so!)
Support -
I have a lot of support from a person like you. I appreciate it. You are the person that keeps me going in this quest of mine.
In just a few days, I will be running the Las Vegas Marathon!
You can read about the Las Vegas Marathon by clicking on the name or by going here - http://www.lvmarathon.com/. I have not found a way to track runners for this marathon as of yet. If I do find a way to, I will announce here and on Twitter (Twitter.com/cewtwo). That there is no way to track me does not disappoint me.
Am I Ready?
I have thought a lot about this event. Let me say that I have thought a lot about running a second marathon. Let me say that I have thought a lot about attempting another marathon run.
Many of you have run a marathon. You know what it is like to run the distance. I know what it is like to almost run the distance. At least, for my first one, that is. I made a run that day in Chicago for 24.7 miles. I was a DNF. Both legs cramped and dropped me to the ground.
I do know that a DNF (Did Not Finish) is far better than a DNS (Did Not Start). A DNF is also not a finisher. It affected my opinion of myself, my running and my ability to persevere. In other words, I was disappointed in myself and doubting myself.
I know that I was not the only one that was a DNF at Chicago. There were people all along the course. I saw one young couple. The young lady was pushed to exhaustion. She sat down. Her companion, a young man, was still on his feet, running in place and was trying to influence her to keep going. It was touching. I saw a young lady with an Aid attendant at about mile 22. She was on her side and down and out. Another runner was holding her hand and consoling her. There were others.
I thought that those feelings had run the course. I decided to continue the training so I would be in shape. I decided on another marathon to run. Now, the time is here!
My Pre-Race Routine -
I have started my usual routine before a race.
· I am drinking a lot of water. I know that I am hydrated.
· I have prepared my medicines and supplementals for the weekend.
· My menu is set until race day.
· I am thinking of the course and starting the pacing preparation.
· I’ve had my hair cut (this one is important, at least to me).
· I’ve been running in the running togs I’ll use for the race.
· The bags are packed with the casual clothes that I am taking.
· I have prepared checklists for the evening before and morning of the marathon.
· I have a mantra for when I need it.
· I’ve packaged my nutrition products and containers.
· I’m thinking my way through a long, mental preparation process.
· I have not prepared a mile dedication chart this time. I’m doing it this time for me. Is that selfish?
Your Support -
I am basically ready. I am still apprehensive. I realize that this may or may not apply to you or the events that you have attended, but what do you do or would you do to prepare yourself for the ordeal that a marathon can be?
I appreciate strong votes of confidence. They can be empty though. I would really like to know how you prepare and succeed at the events that you participate in.
Why do we blog? I try to be positive most of the time. This time I don’t know that I am that positive. That’s where my friends and supporters come in. I need to let you know how I feel. I need to know how you keep yourself strong. Help me out here, please!
Thank you, supporter!
I have a lot of support from a person like you. I appreciate it. You are the person that keeps me going in this quest of mine.
In just a few days, I will be running the Las Vegas Marathon!
You can read about the Las Vegas Marathon by clicking on the name or by going here - http://www.lvmarathon.com/. I have not found a way to track runners for this marathon as of yet. If I do find a way to, I will announce here and on Twitter (Twitter.com/cewtwo). That there is no way to track me does not disappoint me.
Am I Ready?
I have thought a lot about this event. Let me say that I have thought a lot about running a second marathon. Let me say that I have thought a lot about attempting another marathon run.
Many of you have run a marathon. You know what it is like to run the distance. I know what it is like to almost run the distance. At least, for my first one, that is. I made a run that day in Chicago for 24.7 miles. I was a DNF. Both legs cramped and dropped me to the ground.
I do know that a DNF (Did Not Finish) is far better than a DNS (Did Not Start). A DNF is also not a finisher. It affected my opinion of myself, my running and my ability to persevere. In other words, I was disappointed in myself and doubting myself.
I know that I was not the only one that was a DNF at Chicago. There were people all along the course. I saw one young couple. The young lady was pushed to exhaustion. She sat down. Her companion, a young man, was still on his feet, running in place and was trying to influence her to keep going. It was touching. I saw a young lady with an Aid attendant at about mile 22. She was on her side and down and out. Another runner was holding her hand and consoling her. There were others.
I thought that those feelings had run the course. I decided to continue the training so I would be in shape. I decided on another marathon to run. Now, the time is here!
My Pre-Race Routine -
I have started my usual routine before a race.
· I am drinking a lot of water. I know that I am hydrated.
· I have prepared my medicines and supplementals for the weekend.
· My menu is set until race day.
· I am thinking of the course and starting the pacing preparation.
· I’ve had my hair cut (this one is important, at least to me).
· I’ve been running in the running togs I’ll use for the race.
· The bags are packed with the casual clothes that I am taking.
· I have prepared checklists for the evening before and morning of the marathon.
· I have a mantra for when I need it.
· I’ve packaged my nutrition products and containers.
· I’m thinking my way through a long, mental preparation process.
· I have not prepared a mile dedication chart this time. I’m doing it this time for me. Is that selfish?
Your Support -
I am basically ready. I am still apprehensive. I realize that this may or may not apply to you or the events that you have attended, but what do you do or would you do to prepare yourself for the ordeal that a marathon can be?
I appreciate strong votes of confidence. They can be empty though. I would really like to know how you prepare and succeed at the events that you participate in.
Why do we blog? I try to be positive most of the time. This time I don’t know that I am that positive. That’s where my friends and supporters come in. I need to let you know how I feel. I need to know how you keep yourself strong. Help me out here, please!
Thank you, supporter!
posted by CewTwo at 2:27 PM
26 Comments:
You're ready. You've done the preparation and you know you can do the mileage. Run your own race and don't even look at the other people around you. Take your time and enjoy the experience. You're going to look damn fine with that finisher's medal around your neck.
DNF is soo much better than DNS. I have never ran or walked that far in my life. You are doing something that many have not. Your will and determination make you positive and that in turn makes you have will and determination. Since I cannot give you real advice on a marathon, I feel a bit empty handed for you; but do know every story I read of people doing positive things makes me more motivated for myself and to encourage others. Heck with that as far as I'm concerned you've won a challenge/race for me already. Thanks!
-Lurtz
Running the whole race for yourself is sooooo not selfish! You deserve this. More than ever! You have come a long, long way over the years, and crossing the finish line will be a true testament to your accomplishments.
My advice is to view the race as a 26.2 mile training run. Last year I put waaaay too much emphahis on my performance at St. Jude's, and I really blew it. Slow, slow, slow. So I already know that post-baby I am going to view the whole race differently!
I will be thinking of you! I'm cheering for a friend on Saturday 12/6 at, go figure, St. Jude's. But Sunday you're all mine! :)
You got a hair cut for the finish line picture, you must admit this!
I just ran a 10K race last Sunday. I managed to make a time which was much lower than what I ever expected. I think that during a race we bring out special energies we maybe never thought we had. So I wish you good luck and especially I hope that you will enjoy this special run. There is nothing you can do about cramps if they come, so no need to worry about them in advance!
It sounds like you're in the right place, mentally and physically, to make this thing happen, Charlie.
It's not selfish at all to make this your race--you deserve it. You've worked so hard and you deserved to run all 26.2 for you.
Twitter has a cell phone/SMS function to it that allows updates via text message. That's how I did my 48 in 48 and it worked like a charm. You need to set it up ahead of time, though.
Keep us posted. We're on your side!
Not at all selfish not to have a mile dedication thing. In fact, I've never had one. I think it's just something that some people do because it helps them get through the race better.
As for what I do to prepare myself for a marathon, it mostly centers on staying relaxed and confident. You've got to trust your training and yourself. Even though you didn't make it to the finish the first time, you are ready this time. You are smarter, more prepared mentally and physically and will do it this time. Susan's advice to start out slow and treat the marathon as just another training run is good. I like to think of it as a 20 mile warm-up with a 10K race at the end. Some people like to break it up into halfs or some other more manageable size pieces. I think it also helps to know ahead of time WHY you are doing this so if/when things get tough during the race you have an answer that will motivate you to get the job done.
Good luck Charlie. We will all be rooting for you!
Most of it all has been said. It sounds like you've done all the physical preparation you can do (though if I can add to it - maybe you should bring your own race day breakfast so nothing goes wrong internally on the day). Or at least buy it the day before so you can have it in your hotel room. But maybe the hotel food will be fine as well.
This is YOUR race. So now relax and get calm. You don't need to doubt your training - you've done it. You don't need to doubt your preparation - you've got it. Your only job left is to get your mind ready to believe in yourself - and you are ready for this. The race is dedicated to you. And Susan's advice is great and right - treat it like a training run. We will be following you on Sunday Charlie!
LV is a new race. You have more training under your belt and you are mentally tough. Chicago is in the past, take what you have learned from it and aplly it to LV. There should be no doubts in your mind and don't let them creep in. You are ready and going to look good running now that you got your hair done!
It's sounds like you're ready. Take it easy in the beginning and don't let your DNF in Chicago enter your mind. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Looking forward to the race report.
Go Charlie! You are well prepared. Just try to relax and be confident in your training.
Charlie, I admire you so much for your determination. Being apprehensive is a good thing I suppose. It keeps you from being over-confident, and keeps you focused. You will do well. And I'm amazed! Hey, you'll be running your second before me!! Hope all is well. I'll be sending good vibes your way!
Ahh, Charlie, you're going to do fine. You actually are my inspiration b/c I know, as a lawyer, that if on one day you don't have it (your Chicago DNF), you leave to come back better another day, APPARENTLY having been defeated, but the next day is a BRAND NEW START. You come back stronger than ever! That's life, and running is life, even if life sometimes intrudes on running.
My mantra when I get out of synch on long runs is to contemplate BREATHE as I run along, one such thought for every double (2-foot) step I take. It gets my body back in synch. It's a yoga principle, I now realize. Good luck, my friend!
Hey, you're going to do great. Good luck! The steady pace wins the race.
"Half the game is 90% mental." It sounds like you have it. The planning, the prep work. I know you can finish this one stay true to the goal and I'll be thinking and praying for you.
Bob
Charlie, I'll be there virtually cheering you up. Thanks for your very kind of words... And it doesn't matter who is faster than who. We don't do this for that reason. That's Ryan Hall's business and those people.
Take one mile at a time, and enjoy the race.
I wish you the best
sincere-lee
lizzie lee
Wishing you another great marathon.. and a rewarding finish.
You will do it!!!
While training for the Marine Corps Marathon, I trained by myself to get in tune with the real me. Don't allow any outside distractions to take your mind off of your goals. With all your training, you're already well-prepared for the race. Just keep that in mind. Do your best and know that it is your best once you complete the race.
I can't wait to read your finisher's post!
Not selfish at all Charlie!!! Run this race for you. You're trained, you're prepared, don't let the doubts creep in. YOU ARE READY and you WILL cross the finish line and get that finishers medal!!!
Can't wait to read your race report. Got your bib # and will be thinking about you tomorrow:)
Congratultions Charlie!!! You DID IT!!!
YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Well done and well deserved:) Can't wait to see pictures and read your report!!
Was thinking about you ALL day today:)
Saw you just finished. Congratulations!!!!!!!
way to go!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE!!!!!!!!!!
WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Charlie.... just saw your buckeye entry, and you finished!!!! Proud of you! You totally rock!
Jamie
You did it, Charlie. We're proud of you. marathoner.
Where's the race report Charlie! The suspense is killing me! CONGRATS!!!
Just found your blog, and am glad to see from the comments above mine that you finished--congratulations on becoming a marathoner! I hope to join your ranks someday!
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