4.10.2009

Mind Games


My lil runner is becoming a BIG runner!


The weeks/days before a race - how do you prepare yourself? mentally...

I find that the less I think about it and the less pressure I put on myself the better I am throughout the race, the more enjoyable it is, and the better I do. In the 20 miler 2 weeks ago, I felt really good mentally. I think it was because I knew I had the option at stopping at 10 miles, and then every mile past then was an accomplishment. By the time I got to 20, 6 more sounded like it would have been pretty easy. I hope I can keep the same mindset for Boston. I am starting to doubt myself - and psych myself out after seeing the elevation chart. And after running 12 miles of hills last weekend and just 8 today and partially struggling through it. I need to work on positive thoughts and work on a mind game that will get me to the end without negative thoughts!
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TAPER WEEK -
I don't really taper much, but lessen the load next week before the marathon. I'm working up some good eats - ideas - and my run schedule for the last week. I know lots of carbs. I was thinking breads, pasta, potatoes. Which potatoes are good pre-race and which for recovery - one is sweet potatoes and one is regular potatoes ... which is which? What are some of your taper foods? Taper traditions?

11 comments:

  1. Ohhh darlin! I'll be thinking of you on your inlaw visit tomorrow. I'm sure its like that for everyone. Hopefully it is a good visit and you have a fun day.

    I bet your getting PUMPED for boston!!! Happy easter!

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  2. Dude, that was fast!

    I wasn't feeling so hot on today's run either... Maybe it was the heat, or the hills, or the fact that it was in the afternoon instead of the morning. I wouldn't sweat it too much. You're going to be amazing out there next weekend.

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  3. ha ha, i dread inlaw visits too!

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  4. I'm with you about the in laws. Since we're moving tomorrow, now when they come to visit from out of state, they will be staying with us. That means NO break. It's not that I don't like them or enjoy to see Andy with his parents, it's just that I can't spend that much time on my best behavior and being so couped up. It's really hard when we go to visit them and I have no car, no friends/family calling, etc. I feel stranded.

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  5. Ahhh, the dreadful inlaws. yikes. Enjoy the taper!

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  6. Don't psych yourself out! You are in great running shape and will finish with a smile on your face. The power of the Boston crowds is unbelievable. Think positive!

    I hear you on the in-laws. Mine like to visit for 2-3 weeks at a time. We live in a 700 sq ft 1 bedroom apartment. Do the math.

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  7. I ran Boston 2 years ago...I'm a tried and true Bostonian but either way it is the MOST fun race ever...hard but the crowd makes it...the Wellesy girls..drunk college students...Sox fans in Kenmore Square...lots of cowbells up Heartbreak Hill...It will carry you to the end!

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  8. I feel your pain - my visits are always overnighters.....

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  9. OMG my inlaws are coming next weekend...AGGGGHHH the only reason I can stand it is because we are putting them to work with us on the house :) hehe.

    of course they will be sitting in the driveway when I get home friday and not leave until like I go to bed on Sunday and will be offended when I need 2 hours to run saturday.. TOO BAD!

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  10. Just enjoy Boston. Like others have said, it's just a great atmosphere. Soak it up.

    Good luck with the inlaws!

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  11. Wow he has become such a handsome BIG boy.

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