My second marathon is just days away. Overall, I’m less nervous than I was the first time around, or at least, my anxieties didn’t kick in quite as early (I was pretty mellow until I realized how warm and sticky the weather is forecasted to be).
I’ve also relished tapering more than I did before my first marathon. What an awesome time…NOT running a crazy amount and getting to (mostly) bask in the glow of a successfully executed training plan. I think I’m more sad that taper time is almost over than I am nervous about the marathon.
Ah, I had such high hopes for the emotional and spiritual growth that would happen during tapering. Of course I still have a few days left, but this table captures the contrast of aspiration verus reality.
FINAL DAYS OF TAPERING:
| What I should/aspire to do | What I will probably actually do |
| Eat as many nutrient rich carbs as I can | Freak out because increased carbs is making me gain 4 pounds of what I hope to god is only water weight |
| Drink plenty of water | Drink too much alcohol |
| Feel grateful that the forecast does not call for any severe or extremely inclement weather | Compulsively check the forecast and curse the weather deities that are bringing a 20 degree higher than normal temperature with high humidity |
| Feel grateful that I am healthy and injury free and confident that I should be able to complete the marathon (barring any freak occurrences). | Feel depressed and surly and antsy and pissy that because of unusually high temperatures, I probably WON’T be able to come close to my goal of a 9:30/mile pace |
| Feel accomplished that I successfully completed our rigorous training plan | Compulsively record and add up training stats (hours, miles, heart rate, etc.); worry that I will never live up to standards set during training (a 9:15 pace for 17.83 miles?!!) |
| Leisurely enjoy inspirational readings about running, including back issues of “Runner’s World” | Freak out because I’m so behind on what I’ve wanted to read and missed out on helpful advice (NOW I learn about “carb-depletion?” WTF?!!) |
| Compile a motivational playlist of downloaded music for the marathon. | Swear, cry, then swear some more because I don’t understand how to create a playlist of downloaded music on my phone (I usually listen to audiobooks) and don’t know 4+ hours of songs that I would find motivational anyway |
| Get plenty of restful sleep | Toss and turn in anxiety-laden nights |
| Journal about my hopes, fears and insecurities and reflect on what I’ve learned while training for this marathon | Obsess about the same trivialities over and over and blog and let the interwebs have access to what a mess I am |
| Apply a motivational/inspirational temporary tattoo every time I need to combat a negative thought | Apply a motivational/inspirational temporary tattoo every time I need to combat negative thought (yes, I’m going to COVERED in temporary tats) |
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