3 of 12 in 2010 – LA Marathon
I Can Think Clearly Now…
I haven’t stopped smiling since mile 23 of this race. I am extremely happy for so many reasons but mostly because this race is now behind me and no longer controlling me.
The 41 days following Surf City to the day of the race, I encountered every obstacle possible including a nearly three week break from running (or working out) due to a painful right IT band to almost walking and crying at mile 20. Mentally I was a wreck, completely exhausted, doubting my ability and already forecasting a slow race performance. When all was said and done and I crossed the finish line (injury free – YAY!), I was very happy with both the race results and performance even though it was an A Event without a PR.
In retrospect, and finally being able to think clearly and logically, I realized that I could have really jeopardized my performance simply for letting my mind control me during these 41 days. It wouldn’t have mattered if Steve Prefontaine took me by the hand and set me on the bleacher stairs to give me a pep talk, I just wouldn’t have believed him; I was beyond help. The good news is that I can learn from this mistake and remember, exactly read from one spectator sign during the course: “TRUST YOUR TRAINING.”
Trace B. 