A Few Minutes With the Coach

In this section of the post, I’ll take a few minutes to discuss a topic each week that is pertinent to my training. Each week I’ll tackle one specific part of my training and explain either why I do what I do, or the reason behind my training sessions. This week I’ll talk about the week leading up to the target race. Although there is very little running, there is still a lot going on.

The Last Week Before Race Day

For the last week before the target marathon you will see the volume is very low. Many runners will do more than me, and some runners less. There are no adaptive changes to be made this close to the race, so any work put in now is either for the psychological benefits or to just keep the legs from feeling lethargic. We all know what it’s like to take time off and how hard it feels when we start back up again. One week isn’t enough to cause this condition, but still, I like to put a few miles in during the week and keep my legs feeling fresh.

I will do a lot of visualisation work as well as positive self-talk. Both of these techniques are proven to have benefits for athletes and what I always say is that there are no negative aspects to them.

Visualisation

At least once per day during this last week I will be closing my eyes and seeing myself running the Valencia Marathon. I will see myself crossing the finish line and the clock will say 2:49:50. I will feel the medal going around my neck. I will listen and hear the crowds cheering. The finish line at Valencia is quite the spectacle and I will feel the excitement and pride of completing the project successfully.

It is important to also be mentally prepared for those hard times in the marathon, and there are always those hard times. I will visualise myself pushing through when my legs don’t want to go on. I will hear myself using my mantras. I will see myself taking my gels at the right times and feeling the boost the carbs and caffeine will give. I will see myself battling wind and rain. Tucking in and working with other runners. 

The point is, I will run the successful race, before race day. When the event comes around, I will be prepared for most situations. Controlling the controllables. 

Positive Self Talk

In addition to visualisation, I will remind myself, multiple times daily, that my training has gone well. I am a 2:49 marathon runner. I can do this. I will do this. I can do hard things. I am strong and fast. These are the things I’ll be reminding myself. Our inner voice is our biggest motivator and power source, or our harshest critic and worst enemy. I will do my best to remember that I have full control over that voice. I choose the conversation and the monologue. Keeping the thoughts strong and positive is the only way forward.

Whether these mental preparations work or not, there is no downside to them. Neither cost anything in terms of money or energy. While I’m not doing any physical preparation during the week, I will do everything I can to work on my mental preparation. That said, all the positive thoughts you can send me will be greatly appreciated as well 😁.