The week before the marathon, the longest week of your life. I would know since last week (before my marathon) was in fact the longest week of my life. We all have our coping mechanisms to get through this weird and stressful time. I’m sure our significant others also have coping methods to get through our mood swings and panic attacks that come with this week. And it doesn’t even matter if you’ve done this a hundred times, the week leading up to your marathon is always tough. I mean it makes sense, right? You’ve spent months training for this one race and now everything’s been condensed to is one week where a million things can go wrong and ‘what ifs’ keep you up at night.
But we can get through this! I promise! And we might even enjoy the process a bit if we just take a moment or two to freaking relax. Here are some of the practices I’ve embraced to make the week before my marathon manageable.
Focus on the (fun) little things
It can be completely overwhelming to try to think of racing 26.2 miles all out. It’s like, how can our bodies even do that?? It doesn’t make any sense!! This is a huge mistake!! See how easy it is to spiral out here? Thinking about how monumental this task is going to be isn’t going to help. There are so many fun things to think about instead, like what music to add to your playlist, what to eat after your race, your race-day outfit, etc. Sure, your marathon is all about overcoming and strength and confidence, but it’s also supposed to be fun! That’s why we keep signing up for these things!
Take time to visualize
Positive vibes only when it comes to visualization! Don’t even think of visualizing anything crappy, that won’t get you anywhere. Think about how awesome you’re going to feel during the first half, that raw strength you’re going to put forth in the second, that feeling of finishing, even breathing, purposeful strides… Visualize success and success has a much better chance of following. I also read a really cool piece of advice the other day that suggested dedicating portions of your race to the people who helped you get there. Isn’t that kind of an awesome idea? It makes the race so much bigger than you and me because we both know we couldn’t have made it to this point without our support crew.
Give yourself some TLC
You’ve worked your butt off for months now, this is the time to finally RELAX. Relaxing during this week isn’t just a suggestion some nice old lady came up with because she was concerned you were working too hard. No, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to have your best race. At this point, your training is done. This week is all about maintenance. If you feel antsy during this week and are thinking, “hey, maybe a fartleck would be a good idea…” Immediately follow that up with, “no, you idiot, that would be a terrible idea. Let’s do some extra stretching and drink water instead.” You should be feeling antsy. Use that, store it all up for race day.
Don’t make mountains out of molehills
During this week, there’s a possibility you will feel like you have at least five new injuries and you are on the verge of a near-death illness. 99.99% of the time, it’s just nerves. You are most likely totally fine, and you need to believe that. And honestly, even if there’s something a little off, just tell yourself you’re a-okay. Your body will start to believe you. You are capable of some amazing things, a slight head cold is not going to be enough to stop you from reaching your goals. Quick note: obviously if there is something actually wrong that’s been diagnosed in some way, don’t be stupid. There’s always another race to sign up for.
Trust the process
Guys, we’ve made it. Seriously, marathon training is no joke. You’ve put in countless hours, countless miles, and you’ve made it. There’s this stupid quote that goes something like “A marathon is hundreds of miles. The race is just the last 26.2” Totally stupid, but it’s kind of true. Not a lot of people have the courage and dedication to make it through training, you did. Marathon training isn’t just some person’s form of torture, it’s designed with the purpose to get you to your goals. So show up to the starting line filled with confidence you CAN and WILL do this, and success will follow.
