The Chicago Marathon is just around the corner. My daily runs are getting shorter to prepare me for 26.2 miles of pushing forward. My body asked repeatedly for rest. My tired mind needs time to change gears and prepare for this race. My spirit wants this to be my best race ever.
My head hasn’t been in for the past couple of months. There are moments when it allows my body to push as hard as it wants. Most of the time it throttles back. Other days, it refuses to let my go outside and run.
My body has been pleading me to cut back. I am not injured. I think I’ve pushed it harder than it’s used to. In addition, it’s carrying excess weight. Repeated recoveries have made me stronger and more resilient. Although next day soreness feels wonderfully good, a person can get too much of a good thing. It’s getting a little bit old. My body just needs a break from it all and more care stretching after a run. It’s getting the rest and relaxation it needs.
My heart is trying to rally the troops. After Sunday’s long day, I got all pumped for the marathon. Yesterday, I unconsciously rehearsed my pre-race routine from waking up to getting into my corral. My heart is ready to go the distance and break records. A part of me wonders if my mind and body is up for the task. After a week of rest, I think they will.
