Ready to Tackle 3 Mountains!

27 days until the marathon. That's only 3 more weeks of work. In one week I will begin my taper. I've made it to my highest mileage week of the training plan (which means I can eat that second helping of lasagna without almost any guilt). Only 3 more long runs, 3 more weeks of building my conditioning, and 3 weeks of following an intense marathon plan.

And guess what? I'm not even nervous this time.

I haven't been losing sleep or worrying about everything that 'could go wrong', as I have uselessly done while training for prior marathons.  Actually, I've been sleeping great. Between my job (busy proposal season) and following the training plan, I've been exhausted by 9 PM most nights (no glass of wine required). I LOVE sleep :)

Rather than stressing myself out, I am thinking of all the awesome times I've had in Roanoke the last 2 times I ran this race. The first time I ran this race I felt amazing the entire time. It was a stunning course- very humbling and difficult, but unlike anything I'd ever participated in.  I saw G-Love from only a few feet from the stage at the concert afterwards! Not to mention all of the local bars and downtown scene makes for a great party to celebrate your finish.

Blue Ridge Marathon - G.Love concert 2014. I look tired and happy :)

Blue Ridge Marathon -Big Head Todd and the Monster 2015

I'm still not even sure what being a "VIP" blogger means yet - but I know it's going to amplify the already awesome experience.

I'm ready. I'd run this race tomorrow if I had the option. I know I still have a good portion of training left, but I feel healthy and strong and ready to conquer those mountains. 

Remember - use code BRMFRIENDS for 15% off of a race of your choice at Roanoke!

Jamaica

Possibly another reason I'm in such good spirits these days - I'm leaving for Jamaica 4 days after the marathon! At 31 years old, I just got my first passport a month ago! Crazy, I know. Joel and I are staying at Couples Negril for 6 whole nights. I am bound and determined to look fit on that vacation. Between the 4-day a week running marathon plan, sweating it out a Title Boxing 2 days a week, and lifting at our community gym twice a week I will be ready for the beach.  April is going to be a fantastic month!

Upcoming Races

Runners of Reston Marathon (Half) - 4/9/17

Blue Ridge - 4/22/17

AOL 5k - 5/7/17

Twilight 4 Miler - 6/24/17

Crystal City Twilight 5k - 7/22/17

Rosaryville 10K - 7/23/17

West VA Trail Ragnar - 8/11-8/12

Of course, I may add to this. Tons of 5 and 10ks during May-July in Northern VA :) But I am taking a break from distance this summer.

Cheers and Happy Running!!  India <3

Stronger Than Ever

Finishing Strong

Recently I have had two phenomenal races. I didn't mention the 10K much last month; a good 10K time isn't representative of a marathon. And it could be a fluke. But, it has been a couple years since I got a sub 51 minute 10K (and only 1:23 off of my PR). 

Still, after this race I had 2 long runs that were subpar. I, once again, began doubting my abilities as a runner. Unusually hot weather in February posed threats of dehydration. And to think I was worried about dealing with too much 'winter weather' when I began this training cycle.

Last Sunday, I ran the Reston 10 Miler, and all of my doubts were eradicated. I maintained an 8:10 pace for the entire course (sub 8 min miles for the first 4 miles). And for anyone who knows the Reston PRR routes, this was not an easy feat. Rolling hills (more like mountains) dominate the entire race course. I saw many people who started strong putter out and slow down to a gentle walk. I saw people run off the course and receive a 'dnf' (did not finish). Despite the 19* temperature and my self doubt, I felt like a rock star from start to finish.

How to get a PR 1:21:51 10 Miler

I am mentally tough. That's one thing I learned about myself this past Sunday. I ignored the nagging voice in my head telling me to hold back and pushed past everyone in my way. I kept thinking I needed to slow down, until I realized I was almost done. At mile 8 I took off in a full sprint - uphill. 

Let's  look at the side by side comparison for this same race, year on year:

March 6, 2016

March 5, 2017

All I can say is wow... I've come a long way!!!

More Than Halfway....

Only 44 more days until Roanoke. Only 5 more long training runs.The next few weeks are going to be brutal! And my hunger is picking up once again... no way to contain that with the 40 miles + per week I'm cranking out. 

I like this plan. Previously I always ran at one speed - the fastest I could on any given day. Now, some days I force myself to go slow. Some days I have to force myself to sprint. Some days I want to give the plan and this entire training season the middle finger. But some days.... some days everything is just perfect.

Upcoming Races:

Reston Runners Marathon (Half) 4-9-17

Blue Ridge Marathon  - 4-22-17

AOL 5K Fun Run - 5-7-17 :) (yay for a short race)

Twilight 4 Miler - 6-24-17

Cheers and Happy Running!

India