Five Days to Erie Marathon

I can't believe it's only five days away.  I think I can safely say that this is the least confident I've been going into a marathon.  This hamstring injury has taken hold and it isn't letting go.  I think it loves me just a little too much because it's hanging on for dear life.

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm going to drop down to the half.  I think they're all hoping I will because they're worried about me doing some serious damage.  I've considered that option, but to be honest, I don't want to at this point.  (I sound like a petulant child)  I've done all the training, put in all the long runs, and while they haven't been stellar, I got through them.  I've been smart (in my opinion only, of course) because I didn't do any speed or tempo work in efforts to prevent further aggravating the injury.  The hamstring doesn't feel worse, but it doesn't exactly feel great either.  Once this marathon is over, I am part of a Tough Mudder team two weeks later.  I know, not exactly the wisest decision I've ever made, but we are all doing this for fun and there are no time aspirations -- thank goodness!  I will probably do no running after the marathon in order to rest up for the Mudder.  Then there's a little relay trail run a week after that.  I have given this last race some serious thought and that is one that I will consider dropping out of if I feel that it will do more harm to my hamstring.

So while I understand why my friends think I should consider doing the half this weekend and I really do appreciate their concern, I will have a very long rest and recovery after the Tough Mudder and the Run for the Toad -- if I do that one at all.  There will be lots and lots of swimming, elliptical and biking in the interim (after some rest, I swear) before training for this happens in January.  

I'm not sure I will be able to run my way to a BQ on Sunday, but I'm not doing it for that anymore.   My lack of ability to run hard this summer has taken a toll on me, mentally, and it's made me feel less than adequate as an athlete.  I know what my accomplishments have been in the past two years and I won't let this injury diminish what I've been able to achieve.  This weekend is about the community of friends (some might say more like family) I have built in the many years since I became a runner.

I am the only one who places expectations on my results.  Quite simply, I love to run.  This weekend will be a success regardless of the result because I will be surrounded by an amazing group of individuals that I am proud to call my friends.

So, Erie, I hope you're ready for a bunch of Crazy Canucks coming your way!

How delightful that the weather is going to be "delightful."

Let's Do It Again

Because I think this is the healthier version of a mid-life crisis, this is what I will be doing to celebrate the year I turn 50.

Until then, I have a marathon in less than two weeks, a Tough Mudder and then a relay trail run.  I will be taking a much-needed rest after this and will get back to serious Ironman training in January.  I will get in the pool sooner than that.  It's been a while and my swim is my weakness.  Any good swimmers out there?