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.