The title of this tip may make you think I will be speaking about your dedication to this race. Actually that is not what this tip is about. You have probably figured out on your own that 26.2 miles is quite a distance to travel on foot. Your mind will wander to hundreds of topics while you race through the streets of Richmond. The first half of the race you will be smiling, waving, and slapping the occasional five with spectators. Mile 13-20 you will become more serious and focused on your task at hand, and somewhere around mile 20, it becomes survival. You have all prepared for this race, and without question are ready for the challenge, but what happens at mile 20 when you need the extra drive to keep you moving?
That is where the dedication comes in to play. You can read countless race reports and runner stories where a marathoner dedicates miles in the race to something important in their lives. Some people dedicate every mile to a different person, and have their name on a piece of paper taped around their wrist. I have also read about people dedicating each of the last 6.2 miles instead. This is probably more practical, and when you need it the most.
Here is an example of a mile-by-mile dedication. This is not my list, but it gives you an idea. . .
- Mile 21 is for my best friend who always believed I could do this
- Mile 22 is for my spouse who gave me the freedom to chase my dream
- Mile 23 is for my son now in college who has always made me proud
- Mile 24 is for cancer research because I know some day we will find a cure
- Mile 25 is for my team, because I know I am not in this alone.
- Mile 26 is for my dad who taught me how to be a man
- The last .2 is for ME. . . I am a marathoner, and no one can stop me now!
As you run each of these miles., think of your dedication. It will inspire and motivate you. Only you know what is most important to you.
So I encourage you to find "6.2 things" that motivate you. Write them down. . . Stick them in your pocket. . . Tape them on your watch. . . Do whatever works for you. Then on November 10th when your body starts to tell you "no" your mind and your heart will never give it.
michael, that is great advice. i have read about this tactic and heard it works well although i have never personally tried it myself.
ReplyDeletefor what it's worth here is another strategy which has worked well for me during what i call "the dark miles".
i run a lot of 5 mile training runs, one route in particular. this is probably typical for many people. i know the route like the back of my hand, and can envision every mile marker and all the sights along each mile.
when i get to 21 i envision this run the rest of the way. "okay this is the first mile of my daily, just make it to rc's house. now mile 2, ther goes westridge pool, hold this pace, etc." this breaks up the dark miles into manageable chunks and mentally i like to trick myself.
whatever works, right?
thanks fro all you do for the "team"
I agree with Brent, last year was tough for me with my knee and those last miles were toughest(a lot of walking) but I met another girl running/walking in pain and we did that same thing for each other. We would take turns telling each other what the next landmark was that we had to get to before we could walk or run what ever we were doing at the time. It was extremely helpful to have "small" accomplishments in the overall BIG picture of the marathon. Dont forget too, all the Sportsbacker trainers will be there as well calling you by name and encouraging you along the way. They are the only reason I made it to the finsh last year!
ReplyDeleteTracy H
There are several things I've said to myself from about 20 miles on:
ReplyDelete"I can do a 10k in my sleep, I can do this;" "If those spectators can be out here all day for ME, I can do this for them;" "By now, my legs are better at running then walking, my body can finish this on memory alone;" "I'm going to finish a MARATHON!" "Running is leaning forward quickly without falling down, so I'll just avoid falling down for the next little while;" and recently, a new one may be good, "at least it's not Chicago..." (with apologies to Patti and Jenni) I also had a guy come up once and ask me if I'm sure I shouldn't just quit right then. Great motivator not to.
For Steve and Tampa, "darn right you can do this."