Sometimes I Get Some Really Crazy Ideas!

I am sure that you already know by now that RunDisney made the announcement of their newest race, the Avengers Half Marathon Weekend, at the Disneyland Resort in California.  I knew a race was coming and I was really hoping that it was going to be a full marathon since we need one on this coast, right? I have not missed an inaugural Disney race since I started running in 2010 and I think I would feel bad if I missed the Avengers Half Marathon. 

The problem is that I am already registered for the Las Vegas Marathon on November 16, 2014 which is the same day as the Avengers Half Marathon. Could I possibly do both?  Yes, it is possible since the Avengers Half Marathon is at 5:30 am and the Las Vegas Marathon is at 4:30 pm. I could also drop down to the Las Vegas Half Marathon which starts at 3:30 pm to make it easier on myself. There are some other issues though. My other half is supposed to run the Las Vegas Marathon and it will be his first marathon. We would have to make some changes to that plan as well if I drop down to the half. I haven't even told him about these crazy thoughts are going through my mind yet. RunDisney races are also pricey. I think this one is $195.00 plus the fees so that is also something I need to consider.

I should probably be thinking of a plan for the LA Marathon right now but instead I have been occupying my thoughts with the idea of #Disney2LV instead! It's just a thought right now but it does sound like a lot of fun. Registration for the Avengers Half Marathon starts on March 25th so I have some time to think about it.

Anyone else running the Avengers Half Marathon or Las Vegas Rock "n" Roll?

Anyone having the same crazy idea as me (#Disney2LV) or even worse?

I have also heard that it is possible to run the 5K at Disney at well since it is the day before the half marathon!

What Is My Race Plan?

Believe it or not, I run my best without a race plan. Yes, I have a goal and I know the average pace I need to achieve it. I will just focus on the average pace. My first marathon was my best because I didn’t really have big plans. I had a number in my mind that I wanted to beat and I was pretty sure I could do it based on my training. I trusted my training and I had faith in myself. I just wanted to finish!  I did not push myself too hard and managed to run a 4:05.

My second marathon was a little different, I wore one of those pace bands to keep me on track and I stared at my Garmin the entire time. My goal was to run a sub four marathon. Once the 4-hour pace group passed me I was a nervous wreck trying to calculate the pace I needed to run to get me to the finish in under 4 hours. That was a big mess and it was way too much for someone who hit the wall, was dying a slow death and in lots of pain! The result was yet another 4:05!

My plan for Marathon #3 is really simple. I have tried to take all of the positive aspects of my training and the experiences from my past two marathons to come up with a plan that might result in a more positive experience.

1. Don’t go out too fast! I am guilty of this in pretty much every race I run but I am going to try my hardest to resist the urge because I know the consequences.

2. Settle into a pace that is comfortable and back off if I know that it won’t last 26.2 miles. If it is not my day to run a sub four marathon than I will accept it and do my best to get as close to it as possible. If the weather is not going to allow for a great race then I will adjust my goals accordingly. I don’t want to push myself to run a tough race if there isn’t going to be a PR involved. We all know when the conditions are perfect for that PR.

3. Don’t stare at the Garmin the entire time! During my training, I was able to run my longest runs at a decent pace only because I was not babysitting my Garmin. I would glance at it occasionally and realize that I was running at a 8:30-8:40 pace when it felt more like a 9:00-9:15 pace. I know that controlling my pace in the early stages is key but I also want to run by feel and if my pace feels comfortable I will stick with it.

4. Stay hydrated and GU every 5 miles just as I did during my training. As much as I would love to not wear my hydration belt, I am going to since I need my water when I need it and not when there is a water stop.

5. Miles 20-26.2 are the worst for me so I am going to try something new. I will turn on my music these last 6.2 miles. Hopefully I remember to turn it on since I am not a big fan of listening to music when running a marathon. In my opinion, you miss out on the course entertainment and crowd support when you have music in your ears. From what I have heard, the marathon I am running lacks course support and entertainment for a large part of the course so it may do me some good. I will also pass by the Finish Line when I reach Mile 21, which will be mentally tough for me. I will need the distraction to pull me through these final miles.

Sunday cannot come fast enough. I am nervous yet incredibly excited all at the same time. Thank you to everyone who has given me great advice and encouragement to run the best race that I possibly can. Thank you for believing in me more than I believe in myself....