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Thoughts on 26.2

Sep 25, 2014 | Running | 12 comments

Berlin marathon nail art

I’ve run this distance before, I know how awesome it can be and I know how much it can hurt. I’ve crossed the finish line feeling pure ecstasy and I’ve thrown myself over it crying uncontrollably. What the race will bring on Sunday, I don’t know but I hope that I enjoy it. I’ve trained too hard, sacrificed too much (and chafed in too many places) not to finish with a smile.

My overarching memories of the Paris marathon are of pain, disappointment and failure. Don’t get me wrong, I loved running with Billie, trying to take selfies by the Eiffel Tower and taking in the sights of the French capital, but I can’t shake the negative feelings.

And that has put me in a bad headspace for Sunday. I have worked so hard this Summer and seen my paces improve significantly. I beat my half marathon PB on a hungover training run. I’ve run Yasso 800’s fast enough and early enough to make me vom. I have established what sort of training plan works for me, note to self-16 weeks is too long, I get antsy.

I’ve also tested Tom’s patience in my addiction to running to breaking point. Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, I am giving myself a ‘season’ off the marathon (unless of course I get into London, obviously).

I want Berlin to feel like New York, where although there was pain and there were tears, there were a lot of smiles. I completed the New York City Marathon feeling unstoppable, and awesome and like a real runner. I know they won’t all be PBs and they won’t all feel great, but I will be trying my utmost to ensure that this one is.

I know the pressure is only from myself, no-one cares about my time nearly as much as I do. The training is done, now it comes down to mental strength (and fueling/stretching/not falling flat on my face one mile in). If my finish is going to be positive, I’ve got to start thinking positively.

A marathon is 90% mental, the other 10% is in your head.

12 Comments

  1. misswheezy

    Good luck! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and have a great time 🙂 Sending positive vibes! xx

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thanks lovely- need the positivity!

      Reply
  2. lalaforte

    Even if you do fall on your face one mile in, you’d pick up and carry on! You are unstoppable — go get it!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Hahaha thank you! Fingers crossed I don’t fall!

      Reply
  3. Ab

    I have been following you on your journey to the Berlin marathon, and I’m amazed by some of the things you’ve done and achieved!! I ran London this year in 4hr 00m 51s, and i hope that when i begin training for Brighton (Obviously gunning for a sub 4 massively!) that i will be able to achieve what you have in your training cycle. You’re going to smash it, and I’m pretty sure you’ve already got this one in the bag 😉 Wishing you the best of luck for Sunday. Just have fun! Looking forward to post race blog! x

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thanks for such a positive awesome comment. I know your pain finishing soo close to sub 4, I’m sure you’ll nail it in Brighton! X

      Reply
  4. Catherine

    Running is so in your head, it’s ridic. If all else fails look at your awesome nails and imagine the bragging you can do when done! That’s how I cope 🙂

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  5. jess

    Good Luck Charlie! Just enjoy it and let those Yasso 800s pay off 🙂

    Reply
  6. balletdancefitness

    Huge amounts of luck coming your way! Such an amazing achievement regardless of how you cross the line. xx
    Tash | Dance, Flow, Lift

    Reply
  7. Lauren S (@BreatheBlog)

    I LOVE your nails. I just read your race recap but it’s great to read this as I’m getting ready to run my second marathon next week!

    Reply

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