The Final Countdown: Columbus

    If I had 2 more fingers on my hand I would be able to count down the days to the Columbus Marathon with one hand.  As I approach the final week I normally would post about my previous weeks workout.  I will just say the last week went as planned and I am on track for where I think I need to be. Instead of me posting my workout for the week I wanted to tell you all the things I will need to work on this week as the race approaches, since this will be the last training post until after the race.
     It was pointed out to me at the Erie Half Marathon that right before the race starts I will start to say things to validate if something goes wrong.  It is almost as if I am giving myself a way out. I might say the weather is bad and could affect my time, or I might say there is no room to pass on the tight roads. Basically what I am doing is doubting myself.  The funny part of all of this is when I am running a race with a friend who is a beginner I will say the same speech to them and try to give them words of encouragement. I usually tell my friends something on the lines of "The clock doesn't matter, all that matters is you had the courage to start." or "Every time you step up to the starting line you have a chance to be great, let today be your greatest day. When pain hits, run through it. When you your mind says stop know your body hasn't reached 30 percent of what it is capable of."  Well maybe it is time I go look into the mirror and have the same talk with the person I see.  Deep down I have always believed I am better than I know I am. I am a competitor and I love to be put in a position where I can be challenged against someone.  This week I need to work on telling myself the training I have done is good enough and I can go out and do what I expect to do. It doesn't matter on the weather that day, or how crowded it is. I have a plan and I need to execute my plan the way I worked it out in my head.  It doesn't matter how many people tell you "You can do it", if you don't believe in yourself all your hard work is for nothing.
     This week I have gone over the course map and I have visioned myself running the race. I keep a steady pace and when I am hurting I find away to dig deep and find my inner warrior and continue on. It is easier said than done though to convince yourself you are great.  So this week will be my normal pre-race week, I will do a lot of stretching and cross training with some short runs to stay loose. Most of all though I will take this week to do some meditating and reassure myself that I am capable of everything I think I am. This will be a no excuse race. I am going out and I am just going to run. I will run the way I was taught from my father, I will run with no hesitation in my head, I will run and I will be great.

Take note Columbus I am throwing down the gauntlet and I am coming in 100 percent physically and mentally. No excuses!!!! It's time to see what I am made out of. As a great motivational speaker said to me a few weeks ago before a tough race,  "It's time to do business!"

Before I wrap things up here I just want to say if you see me throw out a good luck, or some words of encouragement. As much as I need to believe in myself hearing everyone's words of encouragement always motivate me and want to work that much harder for you as much as myself. Also say good luck to my buddy Aaron @nugget207 who will be running his first half marathon in Columbus.