Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Tenacious


Tenacious.

The perfect word to reflect on as I finish my final preparations for this week's Chicago marathon. The final week of the taper is all about recovery and mental preparation for the race. 

What words come to mind when you think about a long distance runner?

Tenacious. 
Determined. 
Strong-willed. 
Tough. 
Persistent. 
Relentless.

As part of my final marathon preparation, I reflect back on my training. Those tough CrossFit workouts that Becky had me do were all about building physical strength. But she also packed in enough challenge to help me build mental toughness. Her goal is to get me through those tough miles at the end of the race. I never quit on any of the workouts she threw my way. I'm not going to lie and tell you that it was always fun. But in the end, I knew it would be worth it.


The running was a mixed bag this time around. I had great success with my speedwork--I was able to push through those tough intervals to achieve some really great splits. That was so gratifying! I also had a lot of good runs at marathon pace. My long runs were a little more challenging for me. I didn't do a great job with pacing myself--my training focused so much on speed that when I tried to slow down, my legs wanted to fly. As tough as those long runs were for me, I finished all of them but one. That was a hot, humid day, and my inability to slow down cost me. My biggest challenge for Sunday will be reining in those legs so that I have some gas left in the tank for the finish. I won't quit, no matter what. 



I am all of the above. I am tenacious. I am determined. I am strong willed. I am tough. I am persistent. I am relentless.

This is my pep talk. I may not be the fastest. I may not achieve my original goal (sub-4). But I will cross that finish line. I won't give up. I will feel strong.

And I will have my beer at the finish line.

See you on Sunday.

DebRuns hosts Wednesday Word and today's work is tenacious. Are you tenacious? Find out what everyone else says about this word.

78 comments :

  1. You definitely are!!!

    I am too.

    Hope we are both successful this weekend.

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  2. We all know you will. Our wish for you is that you have a blast. Every minute, right until the second you cross that finish line.
    " I'm not going to lie and tell you that it was always fun. But in the end, I knew it would be worth it." Yep. That about sums it up.

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  3. I love that and believing you can do it makes a huge difference in how you approach race day. You got this! Have fun

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  4. Of course you will reach that finishing line! No doubt.

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  5. That beer is gonna taste so good, I might have to have two. Cheers in advance! :)

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    1. I'd have one with you but you will probably be home and showered by the time I cross the finish line!

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  6. Good luck at your race, you will do great! Can't wait to hear about it!

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  7. And your a fierce. And you are brave. And you are mighty. And you are my hero. Hugs & kisses and I'll be cheering you on ALL the way, my friend.

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    1. I only hang out with fierce women...it's why I like you. Your perseverence and tenacity during that 70.3 were remarkable. <3

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  8. I like to refer to a compliment I received a few years after working in Atlanta as a cop. A fellow officer told me I was full of "piss and vinegar" Which meant I was tough and full of drive. I guess that is how men compliment hard working females??? Only a couple more days girl.
    bakingrunner.blogspot.com

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  9. An old soccer coach of mine used to say (in a fabulous accent that I wish I could translate into text) "You gotta be TENACIOUS, like a pair of African hunting dogs!" You're gonna kill it this weekend - like an African hunting dog ;)

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    1. Someone else used the dog analogy--a dog with a bone? LOL! I love this!

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  10. I better get to cheers you with that beer!

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    1. Seriously! I'll email you my cell #. Of course you'll probably be on #2 or 3 when I finish... :p

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  11. I am so glad to have found your blog! I identify with you a lot! I started Crossfit 3 years ago and absolutely love it. At 50, I've now decided I want to get into triathlon. I just did my first half-marathon a couple of weekends ago. I also love yoga. Thank you so much for writing about your training/life. It's very inspiring to me. Good luck with your marathon!

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    1. I"m glad you found me too! There aren't a ton of us 50+ runners, but we are still getting it done! If you are on Facebook, there is a 50+ runner group that is super supportive too!

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  12. have 2 beers! You're tough enough to deserve that :)

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  13. AHHH Love this! Best of luck to you this weekend, you got this!!!

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    1. Thanks! I'm a little nervous about the predicted temps--its going to be a little warmer than I like!

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  14. Good luck Wendy. I have NO DOUBT you will have an amazing race.

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  15. You're going to not only have such a great experience, but you're going to crush it at that marathon! And no matter how the race goes, nothing tastes as good as that post-race beer (or two, or three).

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  16. You definitely are my friend! You are going to rock this race, you are SO ready! Now enjoy the whole experience! I will be cheering you on!!!

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  17. Woohoo! Sunday is almost here! I'm excited to read about your race and I know you will do wonderful. Just remember if you can do burpees you can do anything ;)

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    1. That's a great thought! Thinking about burpees kept me running through miles 23-26. I knew if I quit there would be burpees!

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  18. Tenacious is the perfect word for you this week! You absolutely have the fitness and the capability to dig deep and have a strong race. Good luck Wendy! Almost there!

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    1. I know I won't quit. It might not be the race I hoped for but I won't quit.

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  19. goosebumps - I am so excited for you!! your training has been amazing!

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  20. What a great pep talk to yourself! You've done the hard work, now sit back with confidence, and enjoy the weekend. Can't wait to hear how it goes!

    Thanks for linking up!

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  21. So excited for you ! I have really enjoyed following your training. You are ready. Will send positive vibes your way !

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  22. You ARE tenacious! And you will kill it on Sunday! :)

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  23. You will absolutely do it this weekend. I have no doubt!

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  24. Reflecting on your training must be a HUGE motivator and confirmation that you are READY for this! Now the big questions is, IS CHICAGO READY FOR WENDY!!?!

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  25. Good luck this weekend!
    You've had a wonderful training cycle!

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  26. Those are all perfect words to describe a long run! Best of luck to you this weekend!

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  27. Tenacity - I never remember that word when I need it. Determined sounds so boring in comparison LOL

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    1. Some words..you don't even need to look them up to know what they mean. Tenacity is one of them!

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  28. Best of luck to you this weekend!!! Tenacity is a great word!

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  29. You've got this and enjoy that beer at the end!

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    1. Secretly, the beer is really what I'm looking forward to the most!

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  30. And you are inspiring!!! And I am inspired by you!!!

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  31. You are going to be awesome this weekend. Trust in your training and push any negative thoughts aside. You have done the work and you will have a great race! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

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    1. Yes! Trust the plan. I almost forgot that mantra. For now, the one thing that is making me nervous is the weather forecast. It's supposed to be warm.

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  32. Yes!!! You've got this Wendy!! I am so excited for you! You have worked so hard and I have really enjoyed following along with your training.
    You are strong and you are ready.
    Go have fun!!! We'll be cheering for you!!
    PS: I LOVE the Chicago Marathon!!!

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    1. I love the Chicago Marathon too! I just hate the prerace jitters!

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  33. Looks like you are going to have a fantastic marathon! I am excited for you bc your training looks SPOT ON! Good luck, have fun and "run like a girl"! Nic-

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  34. Weird, I commented last night and I don't see it now....Anyhow, YOU WILL ROCK THIS RACE! Can't wait to read your recap!! <3

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  35. You're going to rock this marathon! I would bet you will even surprise yourself! It's been exciting to read of your progress, and as a running coach here in FL, I am anxious to read how it goes. Enjoy the journey, and know that you are strong and ready!

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    1. Well, thank you! I'm worried about the predicted heat for Sunday. I'm restrategizing my pace, and will probably start out slower to save something for the second half when it starts to warm up! Wish I had your Florida training under my belt--those conditions prepare you for anything!

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  36. Get that beer lady!! What is the weather looking like? You have put in the hard work, remember this is just the victory lap! You've got this!!

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    1. Love that saying! Well, my friend, it's looking to be a warm one! So we'll see how it goes...

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