"Twas the Night Before the Marathon...

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...and all through the house, I've been flitting around trying not to go too crazy.

I actually do feel pretty ready, or at least as ready as I can expect to be. My biggest regret is that I didn't find more time for blogging! So I figure at least a last-minute post is better than nothing.

It is very surreal to be at this moment...all these weeks of waiting and preparation and here I am. It's also surreal to think that I AM ACTUALLY COMMITTED TO RUNNING A MARATHON.

There are many, many things that if 47-year-old Amy had told 17-year-old Amy, I would have disdainfully flicked the fringes on my denim jacket at. But this marathon thing has to top the list.

I've learned these have quite a few carbs for their caloric bang. 

I've read many inspirational things during training about why people run marathons. I kept hoping that I would come up with a similarly deep and moving reason, but I really have nothing besides it seems like I should and I think I can. Why should I? Because I've been running regularly and frequently for a long time, almost 20 years. Trying a marathon just seems like the next step, and I wanted to try it while I still can. I do plan and hope to keep running for many years but why tempt the deities of aging? Oh, and Chad has trailblazed the way for me by already running two marathons.

Even though I don't have a profound reason for doing this, I'm so glad that I am (yes, talk to me tomorrow on the flip side and see how I feel then). I knew this was going to be a lot of work, but this process has been way more intense, challenging, and fulfilling than I ever mentioned. I've also "met" wonderfully supportive and inspiring people through my First Timers Marathon Facebook group, and Chad and I got to bond over the training process (I really could not have done this without him!)

If I can take away one thing from this experience, I hope it is to how to be more in the moment and appreciate the process of learning and growing in some way.

I also learned about some really sweet temporary tattoos. Expect to see me sporting these everywhere.
I'm tempted to get a REAL tattoo of my bib number.

I really MUST go to bed soon and try to get some sleep. I end with an exciting recap of what I've been doing these past three weeks while tapering: 

·       Compulsively checking the weather
·       Worrying about getting sick
·       Drinking Gatorade
·       Trying not to drink as much wine
·       Trying not to eat all the chips
·       Worrying about what to wear for the race
·       Spending copious amounts of time on Facebook, being inspired by other but trying not to compare myself to them 
·       Trying to eat enough carbs without gaining too much weight
·       I was in a play! And learning lines for another play! And played a band gig. So yeah, I spread myself a little thin, but it was probably good I didn't leave myself too much time for freaking out
·       FREAKING out AND being excited

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