So with 7 weeks + 2 days to go until my marathon, I am having a little freak-out. Because let’s face it, it wouldn’t be marathon training without a little bit of freaking out.
The freak-outs aren’t nearly as regimented as the training, but they are somewhat predictable for me. This is the one that comes when I think there is a ton of time left, but when I actually look at the calendar and count the long runs that are left, it looks like no time at all.
I set up my training a little differently this time around, which is also exacerbating the situation. I based it loosely on an old, outdated-for-me plan but with some modifications: more volume during the week, and slightly (but not much) longer long runs.
The internal monologue is not very logical – if it were, I wouldn’t be panicking. But here’s a basic summary…
Left Brain: The training plan is loose.
Right Brain: That was the point. Get the mileage done without regimenting as much. We’ve done this before, so we know what we’re doing.
Left Brain: But we’re going by the seat of our pants here.
Right Brain: Only to a point; weekly mileage totals, weekly workout, long run – it’s all there.
Left Brain: I guess you’re right, monthly mileage is already higher than it was for the last marathon. In fact, I think we even missed a long run last time and we did okay.
Right Brain: Wait. How many long runs do we have left? Counting this week, and counting taper, only 7. 7 more long runs and we haven’t hit 30K yet. Holy crap! Do we have enough runs over 30K scheduled?
Left Brain: No you wait! You can’t freak out because I am freaking out! We didn’t really schedule anything, remember?
Reptilian Brain: Waaaaaaaa….
Right Brain: And what about cutback weeks?
Reptilian Brain: …aaaaaaa……
Left Brain: Be quiet and let me think for a minute!
Stomach: HEY! CAN I SAY SOMETHING? THERE HAVE GOT TO BE A HUNDRED BUTTERFLIES DOWN HERE. I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON UP THERE, BUT BUTTERFLIES IN HERE ARE GENERALLY THE DIRECT RESULT OF SOMETHING YOU’RE DOING UP THERE, SO WHAT EVER IT IS, I WOULD THANK YOU TO STOP.
Right Brain: Okay, wait. Let’s check in with the rest of the body. Body?
Body: S’up?
Right Brain: You okay?
Body: Good to go.
Reptilian Brain: …aaaaah! Wait, what?
Body: Yo. Can I get a cheeseburger down here? And a big fat hot fudge sundae? Or wait, maybe one of those Shamrock Shakes from McDonalds!
Reptilian Brain: Ooh, Shamrock Shake!
Left Brain: They don’t even make those at this time of year.
Reptilian Brain: Shamrock Shake! Shamrock Shake!
Body: Kay. Hot fudge sundae it is. Big one. With whipped cream.
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Yep, Sounds about right!
I also have a big toe that reminds me halfway through a long run…
“Where’s the moleskin? Where’s the moleskin? I told you before….WEAR, the moleskin!!”
Now I know what’s going on inside…your Reptilian Brain kind of worries me…but then again I have been a bit of a zombie when it comes to my training…Braaaiiinnnsss ….!!! Either way, you rock Karen !!!