Thirteen weeks ago I started training for my first marathon. If I had known then that the UK was set to experience the coldest winter in 31 years, I may have reconsidered. But I didn’t, so I didn’t – and now, with all my long runs complete and just 19 days to go before I’m lining up at the start, I’m reminding myself of that.
You see, I would have thought I couldn’t possibly have trained in such temperatures or conditions as have hit the UK this winter, but I did it. I though I wouldn’t be able to run 18 miles and not collapse in a big heap, but I did it. And so, when I line up at the start line I will probably think to myself ‘there’s no way I can run 26.2 miles’. But I will remind myself that I have proven several times this year that I am capable of much more than I expected. I have more determination than I had previously thought, and hopefully enough to keep me going for those extra 8.2 miles.
For now, I’m enjoying the reduced mileage of my taper and the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve completed all but two of my training runs (a total of 10 miles). Time for some cake.
What a nice post! you most certainly can do it! After all the most important running has been done. I admire anyone who ran through this winter.
Your blog has inspired me and motivated me when I don’t want to go running. I am training for my first 1/2 marathon and my longest run to date is 10 miles..The race is on May 1 and parts of me feel confident and other parts are terrified that I’ll forget how to run when I’m at the start. Understand?