Well, I am within 24 hours of crossing the start line to run the farthest distance I've ever aimed to run! The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon boasts an expected 25,000 runners. I will be tackling the half marathon, a mere 13.1 miles this Sunday, May 1.
As you can see, I have compiled all my favorite running elements, trying to make sure that I have everything I need to get me across that finish line:
- my Brooks Glycerins with custom orthotics;
- Balga running socks;
- a lightweight windbreaker to endure the overcast, 50 degree/50 percent chance of rain forecast;
- a Clif Energy bar (and banana) -- the perfect pre-race kick start;
- Clif Shot Bloks to replenish energy and electrolytes during the race;
- Nuun for post-race rejuvenation;
- iPhone and Yurbuds (only the best earbud invention ever!);
- my favorite Nike shorts and tank; and
- over 3 hours of the best running mix to give me a enough variety to get me home to the finish line.
It is hard to believe that months of training is getting ready to play itself out. Unbelievable really. People keep asking me if I'm excited or nervous. Truth be told, they are probably secretly ready for me to be finished and to stop talking about running/training all the time! I am excited...and nervous. I look forward to finishing -- accomplishing a physical demand that seems so outside myelf -- and at the same time, I fear that I'll fall short. The last year and a half of running has had a number of mild injuries that have had to be overcome.
But I am determined to cross that finish line! Cause you see, I am, if nothing else, a sucker to Competition's siren call. So, if I cross that line on both feet or by way of crawling and puking it will be a triumph of the human body.
See you at the finish line!
