Tomorrow is race day!!!

It's funny how exciting it is, anticipating a big race. We know it's going to be hard. We know we're  going to be tired, and sore, and in my case, grouchy until I replace my glycogen stores. We know we'll feel like taking a break, and maybe even quitting, but we won't allow ourselves to. We know there will be someone ahead of us that we try to catch that stays just out of our reach which is frustrating. We know we chance injury. We know we will give it our all, and our all may not be good enough to reach our goals. We know we may be disappointed.

Yes, in spite of all of this, we look forward to race that we have trained for. Why? For so many reasons. Here are some of mine.

To test myself, physically.

To test myself, mentally, even more so. I now know I can run 13.1 miles. But what I don't know is how hard I can run them? How long can I force myself to concentrate? How long can I feel like I can't go any more at my race pace, and yet keep going?

To build my strength. Muscle strength. Character strength.

To spend time with friends. I will miss Mindy and Dana and Lauren  this race. Love you girls!! But there are so many familiar faces, and I just know that we will all be encouraging each other to do our best. Good luck to all of you, especially Joyce, Carole, Kris, Barbara, Janice, Kathy, Melissa, Tricia, and my honey Joe! I'm sure there are plenty more folks running that I will see along the way!!!

To set a good example for my children.

To enjoy a beautiful day, with great people, doing something good for us. (It's supposed to be clear and cool tomorrow. A little breezy though, but nothing like Flushing in March.)

Because Joe and I have a life goal together....to be running, together, in our 80's....and this is the next race along the way to reaching that goal.

Here it is, the public statement of my goal. This makes me feel silly, but also makes me work harder! Last year, this race took me 2:18. My PB for a 13.1 is 2:13. Obviously, better than both of those is the goal. And the real reach, if all the stars align just so, is 2:10. Not sure how realistic any of this is...I do not feel as though I have done the work...but I will give it what I've got.

My clothes are laid out, my laces are back in my shoes, my fuel is ready, my bib is on my belt, I'm hydrating, and we have pasta planned for dinner (naturally). Race time is 8:00 AM. Ready!...Set!...