The Last Two

By Sara Hodges Myers (a.k.a Beanhowser),
A MapMyRun.com Contributing User

As featured in the November 2007 Newsletter

The Last TwoGulp... I am four days away from running my third marathon. Even though I've done this before, it still doesn't calm the butterflies -- I have them right now, just sitting here thinking about the 7:00 a.m. start line.

Following Hal Higdon's Advanced I schedule, I ran three miles on Monday, Tuesday was a 4 x 400, and today, Wednesday, I have a two-miler on my plate. I haven't done it yet. I suppose I am stalling, procrastinating. On some level, it's nostalgic knowing that this will be my last run until the big day. I glance at my schedule sitting right next to my computer -- days upon days are crossed off marking 5 milers, 8 milers, 12 milers, 17 milers, 20 milers, and, of course, the dreaded speed workouts (Hal, I apologize for cursing you out under my breath during these), and it's all behind me now...all but the last two miles.

As I contemplate the last 18 weeks, I am reminded of some advice that my good friend and fellow runner, Kristen, heard and passed along to me. It went something like this: "You only have so many marathons in you, so enjoy every one as if it's your last." At first upon hearing this, I was horrified. Defensive, stubborn thoughts ran through my head: What!?! What do you mean my races are limited, perhaps even predetermined? Nonsense! Now when I think about the reality of this point, it helps focus me. Deep down inside, I know and I am sure all runners know the truth of this fact. It could be one marathon that you accomplish or 50, but nevertheless, they are limited -- so have fun. Based on this, I try to train for one marathon per year as long as I am physically able, pick my destinations wisely, experience new courses, and smile at the spectators on the sidelines cheering me on (you rock, by the way). I've got San Francisco and Denver under my belt, and I can't wait to add Toronto.

Toronto is supposedly flat, at sea level, and fast. I try to never underestimate 26.2 miles no matter where I run it. The mileage itself is what demands respect. However, there was a point throughout my training, when I obsessed about beating my PR, thinking that hill training and the Colorado altitude would give me an advantage. I kept writing my desired time down on paper, over and over again. I even wrote it on my bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker where I could see it every morning in big purple numbers. Now, as I think about this goal, a slight panic sets in and the butterflies fly from my stomach into my throat.

This last week of training is called "resting" or "training down." They say you can get "phantom pains" during this period and possibly experience slight depression. I'd have to agree. Essentially, I went from running 50-some-odd miles per week to now running only a mere nine miles per week. And, this past Sunday, my left knee started to hurt and it hasn't flamed up once during training. Talk about a mental game. I suppose running really is 10% physical and 90% mental, as I once read.

I catch my thoughts domino-ing and stop them. Today, on my last run, I need to tap into those words from Kristen, re-focus, and remember to have fun.

My plan is to hit the hill that leads into Bear Creek Lake Park; it's one mile out and one mile back. Janya, my running partner, flies up this hill. I'm always watching from behind in amazement (gasping for air) as she bounces up this steep grade. I'll draw inspiration from her today and try to tap into her insane love for hills.

Realizing just how significant these last two are, I take my time pulling on my green, lucky socks; tie up my beaten-up running shoes; and grab my scratched sunglasses. Locking the door behind me, I hear the familiar beep, beep, beep as I reset my watch to 00.00.00. I stretch my calves and walk slowly to the fire hydrant by Al's house (my usual start and finish line). Taking a deep breath in and out, I reach my arms high above my head, press start, and go. Two or 26.2, it begins the same. Enjoy the run.

About the Author
Sara has been nationally published in Glass Magazine, AutoGlass Magazine, and Window & Door Magazine and regionally published in Tallahassee Magazine and Emerald Coast Magazine. Formerly a senior copywriter for Sports Authority and editor for Globus family of brands, she now enjoys the flexibility of freelance writing/editing and training for her third marathon set for September 30th in Toronto.
You can email her here.