Before my second marathon

In less than forty-eight hours I will be running my second marathon. I find myself alternating between giddy elation and scared-shitlessness.

I decided to take a look back at what I wrote last year just days before my FIRST marathon. My feelings were the same as now. I feel incredibly blessed to even be able to run a marathon, but am horrified of all the unknowns.

A month shy of my 57th birthday, there is little room for arrogance. I'm too old and it's too far. But for the past eighteen weeks I've been preparing for this, and I've no reason to doubt myself.

My main concerns right now are:

• My left leg is still bothering me. I can't decide if it's runner's knee, the IT band, or my quad. It's just above the knee and up almost to my hip. I've been wearing KT tape since yesterday.
• My right ankle still bothers me now and then, but the KT tape has really helped it the last couple weeks.
• There is now a chance of RAIN! Ugh, I don't want to run 4 1/2 hours in the stinking rain...
• And, like last year, all the 'little things' that could go wrong: forgetting something, oversleeping, stepping in a pothole...
• Also, a lady that works in my building has been sick since last week. She coughs her head off and looks miserable, and for some reason she keeps coming up to my desk to chat! I can only hold my breath for so long. She isn't really the type to understand that I am running a marathon this Saturday and don't want to get sick... and I've been training for it for over FOUR MONTHS!

Other than that, though, I'm feeling pretty good. My feet feel great! I was feeling pretty good about my weight, but I've added a few pounds this week from carb-loading. I still have no idea if I will be running alone or with someone. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

As for a time... yes, it would be nice to come in around 4 hours 15 minutes. I think that's about as fast as I could do it since I didn't do any speed work again this year. By the same token, I just don't really want to worry about it. If it takes me 5 or 6 hours, so be it. Shoot, even if I have to drop out, it's not like the training was wasted time. I have benefited from it all, and feel I'm a better person for it.

Some logistical reminders for myself:

• Set my clothes out the night before (shirt, shorts, shoes, socks, hat, watch, and... rain poncho)
• Make sure the watch is charged
• Have all my gels (4?) and water bottle ready to go
• Maybe take an ibuprofen before I leave the house
• Anti-chaf the nipples, belly button and groin
• My throw-away black hoodie for before the race
• Phone, wallet, and ID
• BIB AND PINS!!! (pin to the shirt the night before)

Another set of reminders (also on last year's post, from an article that is no longer available):

1. Prepare mentally - occasional bad runs are normal.
2. Pat yourself on the back - I liked, "Feel free to be completely in awe of yourself..." :)
3. Find a strategy not a training plan - it's more than just miles. How does this fit into my life?
4. Consistency - habit, rhythm, discipline
5. Attitude - I don't "have to" run. I am a lucky person that "gets to" run!
6. Walking is permissible - this will be tough, but it's true. It doesn't mean failure.
7. Operation FUN! (enjoy the journey and forget about the time clock)
8. Get Chatty! (this will be tough for me, but it does pass the time)
9. Gratitude! (yeah... goes without saying)
10. Get spiritual (don't forget to pray!)
11. SMILE! (yes, it actually helps a LOT)

So, here goes. I think I'm ready. I've put in the training, logged the miles, drank the koolaid, and I'm somewhat injury free... what could go wrong, right? :)