It is so hard to believe that it has been a year already since we drove to Memphis for the marathon only to have it cancelled two hours after we got there. It was freezing cold and the wind chill that day was expected to be in the single digits. This Saturday it is going to be in the mid 50’s at the start, very big difference! I would definitely rather the 50’s than single digits, however if I had my pick I would probably prefer low 40’s, but hey that’s on Mother Nature right!?
It’s Personal this Year
Last year I ran as a St. Jude Hero, I was able to raise a little over $500 for the hospital. This year as you know I decided to run for someone I know, three year old Hope Reynolds. Thank you in advance to all of you who have shared that blog and all of you who have donated. I have run this full marathon two other times, but this is the first time I have a personal connection to a patient of St. Jude’s. Hope is home right now and will be back at St. Jude’s next week for doctor visits.
The two other times I ran this race I ran it in 3:36 and 3:40. I would love to qualify for Boston again, which means I need a 3:40 or better. However I probably haven’t been pushing myself quite as hard, so I will run a spring marathon if this one ddoesn’tget me where I need to be. I may run a spring marathon regardless. I would like to run Boston again in 2016, which means registration is in September 2015. Having a not so super race in Boston, and feeling pretty cruddy during the run, makes me nervous to try again. I know there were reasons why Boston was more difficult, but feeling like that can make you not want to try again. Trust me when I tell you that I told myself a zillion times during miles 20 and 26 in Boston that I would never do this again! That however is exactly why I am heading to Memphis for the marathon.
I read a really great article by Dean Karnazes, also known as The Marathon Man. The article spoke to what a marathon is really about, and it isn’t running. I wanted to share this article because it is such a great explanation of why many of us keep at it. As he says, “The Marathon doesn’t just build character, it reveals it.” I think even if you are not a runner, this is a great article to read.
http://www.runnersworld.com/advice/the-marathon
Ok, Here goes…..Hope, Gwen, Lenny……Jennifer and I are doing this race is for you!
Maybe you will be rested and get that qualifying time. You have the energy, and proven mental toughness, hope it goes well Stephanie!