Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Des Moines Marathon race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Time flies when you’re training for a marathon. It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the last taper week before next Sunday’s race. Before I forget to tell you, they are accepting late registrations still for the marathon and the half-marathon, even walk-up on race day if you decide to enter. Please use code: dmmbibravediscount18 to save $10 on the race entry by entering on the web. Here is the Des Moines Marathon website if you need it for your convenience: DesMoinesMarathon.com
Training has gone well. We got in the 20 mile runs we needed. I decided upon a 3 week taper based on past experience and recommendation of running professionals that I trust. The three weeks worked well for my last marathon in Lincoln. And training-wise, there has been a lot of rain, sunshine, wind and a little snow today so I’m ready for any kind of weather. Fair weather would be preferred of course.
There’s always a little uneasiness when you haven’t run any of the actual marathon race course yet. I’m hoping to run in Des Moines on the course on Friday and Saturday to catch a couple short glimpses. Although I haven’t run the course, I have run all over in Iowa (including Clive and West Des Moines) and I think some of that familiarity could help. It’s similar to Nebraska in many ways and that helps too.
There is a marathon app for those who are participating and families/friends who are tracking marathoners. The countdown clock is there (see above). I’ve really enjoyed the countdown clock to keep me focused on the race and to help me check my training schedule and make any necessary adjustments. 7 days (minus a few hours) from today we’re running. Come join us!
The training plan I’ve used is a modified one from what Des Moines provided us for the I-35 challenge (combines Des Moines and Kansas City). As a run-streaker, I’ve had to modify it a little bit to make sure that I’m still getting my mile runs in on “rest days” and easing the mileage a little after the long runs to get recovery days.
Excitement always fills us late in the marathon training cycles. But we must be very careful to keep that under control until race day. A little nervous excitement is ok but too much (especially too soon) is not.
It will be fun to meet some new friends, some of whom I’ve known through the internet/social media and to see my brother and his family who live in the area.
Is it challenging to run a full marathon? Yes, it is. We can never underestimate it or take it for granted. But we should not let it intimidate us either. We simply have to rise to the occasion, day after day, giving our best effort and letting the rest take care of itself.
My last marathon was in Lincoln a few years ago and I think I ran a 4:19. I’m aiming for a 4:15 finish in Des Moines. We have a favorable weather forecast for good running conditions and fall foliage will be on full display. Fall marathons are well-timed for avoiding some of the allergies that affect me and others during peak allergy season (spring-summer).
Will I see you in Des Moines? If so, let’s meet and celebrate the joy of running and challenging ourselves to do our very best. We have to expect the best and trust our training.
Happy healthy trails! See you soon Des Moines.
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