Ummm... gonna need some SERIOUS vibes...

[Velobambina]

Denise -- I'll be sending a lot of good karma your way on race day (especially those last awful six miles!). I bet that once you get there and get caught up in the race atmosphere, you'll be fine. Maybe that easing back on your training will actually help you this time---an extra long taper after all your 2006 races? You never know. Just go for smiles, not miles, and you might surprise yourself.

[Bikingmomof3]

You can do it Denise! I have been humbled by the humidity that I live in. I cannot believe I ever complained about dry heat. I miss it terribly. With that said I know you will do well. I am impressed you are even attempting the run. You continue to inspire me to become a better runner. Try not to worry about the time, and remember it is supposed to be fun. I am cheering you on.

[Running Mommy]

I really appreciate the well wishes. I just need to get through this thing.
The funny thing is I'm actually looking forward to getting this race over with so I can get my ironman training started in earnest.
I haven't been riding much. It's been run, Run, RUN....

[Tri Girl]

Ok Denise- you KNOW you can do it!!! You've done 5 marys- you've got this one down. It may hurt a little more than normal, and may take longer than you'd like- but your legs know the distance well and you can do it!!! I like what Velobambina said- worry about the smiles not the miles! You know you can cover the distance, so just go out there and have fun. After all, you're in Disneyworld- there couldn't be a more fun place on earth! You'll do great- just don't think of it as 26.2 miles- break it down into 4 10K's then a short 1.4 mile run. A 10K is easy, you're just doing 4 back to back with lots of support- no problemo!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!


And I feel you on the stand alones- the training is just boooring! I say this as I'm getting ready to do a marathon in VA Beach in mid March. This time I'm only running 3-4 days a week and continuing my regular tri training the rest of the week. I figure that formula worked when doing IM training and my IM marathon was the most fun I had, so hopefully it'll work for this one.

[alpinerabbit]

[rocknrollgirl]

Even if the race is stinky...there is always....


The Mouse!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Offthegrid]

Hey. I think you'll have a lot of fun running around Disney and seeing all the characters. But if you really, really can't wrap your head around the idea of the full marathon, maybe you can switch to the half? I think it has a pretty tough time cut-off, though.

[KSH]

Wow, this sounds a bit like torture for you. But you know... we all know... that sometimes what we build up in our head is 100 times worse than reality. It might be better than you think?

Maybe you can cut yourself some slack on this one? For example, only run the 1/2 and call it quits. I know sometimes it's hard to let go of goals that we set for ourselves... but unless your head is in this... starting very soon... it's going to be a hard, miserable race out there.

Honestly, you have proven that you can do it. You know you can do it. So, maybe this one can be one last horay for fun? Wear some mouse ears... cheer others on who are running... find a buddy to walk/chat with some of the way. Just go out there and do what you heart wants to do... and let it go.

I will certainly think of you and wish you luck. And when you are out there, think about this:

From Zia_Cyclist: Another aspect of mental training is recognizing the difference between pain and suffering.

Pain is an acute, hurting feeling that if you don't stop immediately will lead to injury.

Suffering on the other hand is that feeling you get when pushing your body to the limit. Don't get me wrong, it hurts. But, suffering isn't going to lead to injury.

When I read about this and learned the difference it lead me to push harder on some of my long runs and in races.

If it's pain... STOP! If it's suffering... push past it... or if you don't care to suffer anymore... STOP. It will be OK if you stop.