Newport Marathon 2009 Training Update

So, it's the night before the marathon, so I thought I would give a quick update.

1. I had a 6 week period after my March 7th race where every run felt horrible. In mid-April I was diagnosed with an ulcer. That was good and bad news. It was nice to know that it wasn't all in my head, but it meant that I didn't know what to expect from the rest of my training. I asked the doctor if I should stop training and he said I could do whatever my body could withstand. It wouldn't make it worse. So, I kept training.

2. 1st 20 miler- a week after I started medication for the ulcer. I felt much better and had a good run.

3. 2nd 20 miler- I had tried to do a pace run a couple of times before, but couldn't do it. So, my plan for this run was to run the first 10 miles slow and the last 10 miles at BQ pace. The first 10 miles were fantastic. The second 10 miles were miserable. I did the pace for the first 2 miles and then just started feeling sick. My chest was hurting and I felt terrible. One of my friends was running a 10k, so I stopped by to check on her. I then began to cry. I She asked if I wanted her to give me a ride back. I had 8 miles to go. I decided to slow down and keep trying. She offered to follow my route and see if I needed a ride. I thought that was a good plan. After each mile, I would be proud that I finished one more, but kept looking for Kirsten. Long story short- she never came. I ran all 20 miles, including the last one uphill. It was not a very enjoyable run and it was mentally tough, but I am very happy I completed it. It is the one run that makes me wonder if I can do the marathon at Boston pace. I try not to dwell on that, but it keeps me realistic.

4. 3rd 20 miler- This was my favorite! My sis in law Kristyn flew in for the weekend to run the Hippie Chick Half marathon. We decided to run to the race, which added 10 miles. It was a beautiful country road run. The race was a lot of fun and a very comfortable pace. I felt fantastic except around 19 my knees started getting achy. I think I need new shoes.

5. I did a couple of tempo runs, but decided to stay away from hill repeats. I did a few 800s, but mostly I just ran.

6. I tried a 10 mile pace run one more time. I will admit I was nervous, but it went very well. My heart rate was a little higher than I would like but overall I felt very strong and my stomach did fine.

7. I ran a local 10k 2 weeks ago. According to them, I ran a 47:43 which is a PR for me, but the course was short, so my Garmin said I averaged 7:50's. It was tough and my heart rate got up very quickly. It is basically how I will feel at the end of the marathon, so I hope that gives me confidence for the last 6 miles.

8. Last Saturday I had a 10 mile run and for a few of the miles I ran Boston pace. I felt really good and enjoyed going fast.

9. 2 days ago I ran to the track and did 800's- just 2 of them! I didn't get a chance to do Yasso 800s, but it was fun to do a couple.

10. I have done everything I can. I didn't get in as much speedwork as I did last year, but I feel good.

I am going to take an antacid and I stayed away from dairy today, so hopefully my stomach will be okay. I will listen to my heart and get my body in a comfortably tough pace. I am going to start a little quicker than normal, but if my heart rate gets up too high, I will have to back off. We will see how it goes. Here are my top 3 scenarios:

1. Perfect race: Qualify :-)
2. Satisfied with my race- PR
3. Feel like the ulcer got the best of me- no PR

I know I can do it. I can see myself crossing the finish line. Will this be my BQ? I will know in less than 24 hours.