Less than 3 weeks to go until our Marathon!

Me and 2 of my favorite peeps!

 

Yep, less than 3 weeks to go until the Thunder Road Marathon! We went out to finish 22 miles on Sunday, which is the last of our long runs. From here on out, it's all about tapering baby! I'm actually thrilled that I only have to run 12 miles next weekend! (What's wrong with me, thinking 12 miles is light running???!!)

 



This run was good! A little different, we started at the childrens park on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and took a side detour at Furman University and ran around the lake. It was a pretty view with all of the leaves changing, and the lake.  It was pretty windy though coming right off the water. Around miles 11-14 my hamstring was really tight and bothering me.  So I slowed down tremendously and even walked some. I do not want any injury - especially one that will keep me from CrossFit or even running.  Regan & Kellie went on to finish 22 miles, while I walked and finished at 19.5 miles. Which is still awesome!  I still can't believe I have been running as much as I have!

 

All geared in our Awesome lululemon & fashionable sunglasses!!

When I got to my stopping point of 19.5miles, I had to wait on Kellie & Regan to come pick me up! So while I sat there, I took a few random silly pictures. Here is one I took.



I am ready for doomsday preppers!



We really do have a great time running, even though mentally I struggle.   When I’m faced with some long miles in my running shoes or a hard WOD, there are days where I just don’t want to get through it. Immediately my mind says “Your body can’t do this. Your body doesn’t want to do this.” And that’s where the lie sits. While the mind is extremely powerful, it can also be a weak motivator. The mental struggle can only be fought in your head. Confusing right?

I had someone tell me... You need to run at least one marathon so you can get through the mental challenge of the race. The first 20 miles is the warm to the last 6 miles, which is really where the marathon begins.  What they meant was this: By the time you get to the race, your body can run the marathon. You have trained for it and you can do it. But most people hit a wall around mile 18 or 20 and they think they physically cannot finish the race. What you have to realize is your body really can finish, you have to fight with your mind to tell your body it can finish and to keep going until you finish.
Some of you know what I mean. It’s the mind playing tricks on us and wanting to quit.
So what I try do is start to set little goals to get to my end result. “I will run to this next street corner before I slow down a little… I will stay calm… I can do this.”

** I have to constantly tell myself and push myself, running for me is SO mental!!!!

How do you get through your mental challenges?