Throwing Down the Gauntlet, Marathon Training Complete.

I figure I have postponed this long enough, I'm throwing down the gauntlet. So here it is; my goal for the marathon is 2:59:59 or better.

Now the nerves set in.

Yesterday I did my last long run before the marathon. It was supposed to be 30km, however, when I got home my rough calculation put it at 28km and there was no way I was heading out the door for an extra 2k.

It felt pretty good. Joints held together quite well, and muscles felt great. Being 24 hours later I actually feel as though I could go out and run it all over again today. The big question is can I maintain for 42k at a faster pace.

Accompanied with tapering is a funny feeling I've always hated, the feeling that there is nothing more to do. The temptation to go out and get a little more in, cramming training is always lingering and you just have to convince yourself not to blow up before the race even begins. 

So there it is. I'm done training, I will lead out my two run practices before the race and probably do a few easy 10k runs, but nothing more than that. Just enough to stay loose and focus on stretching out my IT bands and glutes.

I was debating a lot before today as to whether or not I would set an ambitious or conservative goal for the marathon. I have full confidence I could run a 3:10 and qualify for Boston, but that was never my goal, breaking 3:00 was and even if I ran conservatively and ran say a 3:07 I would still be upset at not having gone for it. That being said, there is the risk I crash and burn and don't make my 3 hour mark and as a result blow way beyond 3:10, but thats a risk I'm willing to take. 

Wish me luck. I'll have more pre race thoughts in the week to come.

OUT!