>…almost. With a 16-miler under my belt and 18- and 20-milers to go, plus the training between all those long runs and tapering, the marathon is closer than we think. Only eight weeks away. And I’m freaking out.
It probably has a lot to do with taking the week off, but our run yesterday was just not a good run. I felt tired, like I was struggling through only six miles! I know you have some runs that are worse than others, but for me those have been few and far between.
These unrealistic expectations for the marathon are killin’ me. Never having been an athlete before, I should not expect to run my absolute best race on race day. It’s 26.2 flippin’ miles, and I will feel every one of them. I should take it easy mentally, going at a pace I can sustain for that long and feeling excited before, during, and after. I have it in my mind that if I don’t finish in five hours, it’s not worth the try.
What kind of baloney is that? It’s a MARATHON. One percent of Americans can say that they’ve run the 26.2, and in eight weeks, Gabi and I will both be able to say that.
The time in the end doesn’t really matter. Maybe I will run another marathon and be able to PR (personal record), maybe I won’t. The important thing is that I finish it.
And just so you all know, I might wear my medal for days. 😉
mercies per mile 
>Sweetie, you are gonna do GREAT!! You get those long runs in, and you give it your best shot come marathon day! YOU CAN DO IT!!I was just looking at your description above the blog, besides being a Christian and a "student of the Word", and a runner, we also have something else in common – MUSIC!! I am a musician too, piano and voice, and a little violin. =) I so wish I could meet you in person…. Have a GREAT day! – Darcy
>Just found your blog… (you popped up on my sidebar in dailymile since we're both in Peoria) Looks like we're running a lot of the same races.So exciting… your 1st marathon! I'll be doing mine this fall.Come over and check out my blog when you can… http://www.runwithjess.blogspot.com