Ready For Cape Cod

I essentially wrapped up marathon training with two good runs this weekend - eight steady miles early Friday morning and today's five miler at Radnor Lake. On the latter, I ran a 9:40/mile pace (one three-quarter mile hill) in cool, dry conditions. I'll run two, maybe three, short runs the next few days and shut down.

I am ready to run.

I know what's coming - a new barrier. My focus will be on pushing through that wall. On the other side is achievement, joining an elite few in our nation. Maybe 1% of Americans, if that, have completed a marathon.

I am running for many reasons. First, I am running for Dori. Hey, that's what this blog - and a big part of my life - is about. I am running for our children. Dori and I are trying to teach them, through example, there is no quit in us. Like Yoda said, there is no try, only do.

I am running for many people who inspire me. Like people who don't have the opportunity to do something like this, for whatever reason. I see them every day.

I am running for people who have accomplished or sacrificed far more than completing a marathon - like cancer survivors and fighters and people who died for our country. I will honor their courage.

Definitely, I am running for myself. I have conquered doubts before. Running a marathon has been over my head for a long time, maybe 20 years. I've thought of doing this, but didn't proceed for different reasons - an unhealthy lifestyle 15 years ago, lacking toughness at certain times, listening to doubters. I'm not interested in following anyone or anything anymore.

To complete the Cape Cod Marathon, I will need indomitable will, peace and focus on the morning of October 25. I will visualize pushing through pain, something Lance has taught many of us. Through experience, I know pain is temporary. I will need some luck, like avoiding any serious injury.

The last few days, I will be going through some progressions to be ready on race day. Eating well and hydrating, taking Vitamin C to keep away the bugs, reviewing the race course, stretching and resting, and such things.

Here are some facts and links of interest.

Elevation change is 2,118 feet, with half of that 1,058 feet of climb. See why I ran up Beersheba Mountain?
There are 1,041 entrants as of today, and this is the 32nd running.
The course has been rated in the Top 10 Most Scenic by Runner's World.

I've been asked by friends about race goals. Finishing is the goal. I'm interested in a respectable time, but I'm not putting one out there until I know raceday conditions.

It's almost time to chop wood!