Final Days of Training

I line up to run the Chicago Marathon in less than five days.  I continue to taper.  My longest week was 40 miles.  Last week, I ran only 21 miles.  I updated my Facebook status and contacted almost everyone in my contact book about donating to Children’s Memorial Hospital, the organization I am a charity runner for.  I rehearse my run in my head. “I’ve done this before,” I tell myself.  It’s almost a year since my first marathon.  I guess I’m a veteran.  I am finalizing the food, clothes, transportation, and my pre-run ritual.  I started chafing for the first time on Sunday and decided to buy a stick of Body Glide.  Two Gu Gels hide in my shorts and a Clif Bar is waiting to be chopped up into bite sized pieces.

Last year I ran the Chicago Marathon to prove to myself that I can see if I do my best and go the distance.  I went the distance.  I finished my first marathon. I thought it was another item to check off of my things to do.  I thought my first marathon will be my last.  Now, I need to know that it wasn’t a fluke.  I need to know my best is better.  I need to know if I can go the distance a second time.

It appears Mother Nature blesses us marathoners with ‘great’ running weather.  The forecast predicts a cloudy high of 46F.  The sun will not blind or burn me.  Runners will not overheat like last year and the year before.  I ran in sub-zero Chicago winters before.  I ran in this year’s Chicago Shamrock Shuffle’s slush and snow.  I repeat to myself that this is the weather that will help me kick the butt of my old PR.

It feels like more people are lifting me up this year.  Last year, I felt like a lonely warrior pushing towards his goal.  People ask me about training.  My brothers, Matthew and Patrick,  and my friend Michelle trained for the marathon this year.  I wasn’t alone.  This year feels different. This year feels better.

I did everything I could to be better.  All I need to do now is rest up, follow my plan, and hope for the best.