Last night my trainer emailed me my running plan for the month of September. Next week marks twelve weeks until the California International Marathon (CIM for short). I have two days of full rest after my triathlon before my running plan builds up. She set it to gradually build up so I will have time to recover. Most of the running is based on time, not distance, so I can adjust my pace as I improve. When I saw her this morning in the gym, we discussed what pace to start with. That is the challenge. When I looked at what times I have been running some of my intervals, it just seems possible that I could run a 4:35 marathon. That would be huge for me…

So I put it to the test when I ran this morning. I planned a 3 mile run and targeted 5.6 to 5.7 on the treadmill which would be around marathon pace. I felt good and found my average heart rate was 135 and I maxed at 146. All in my low zone three. Now it was for only 3 miles, however I have run half and full marathons close to my AT most of the time. As I looked at my pace and targets for races I was once again reminded of my mantra – Believe.

The biggest thing holding me back sometimes is me. I have the ability to achieve more than I sometimes think. Believe. With what is within my control, I will give it my all. For things that are out of my control – waves, wind, rain, sunshine, heat, cold – I will have to roll with it. All the while enjoying the experience, because it will be over before I know it.