As the marathon approaches I am starting to have dreams of failure.
Not really failure, but negative vibes.
I think I am scared of running this great big race that only elite runners are good at.
I feel like I will be washed out somewhere into the Willamette river and flushed into the stream of pollution created by rich democrats.
One side of me knows that these feelings are just like minor nightmares. But I am revealing my inermost thoughts to find out if any other runners are experiencing the same emotions. I feel like a fish out of water sometimes. On the long runs, the other runners are so positive! I hate to tell you about my silly fears. But it is a reality, although an illusion, I know. But it is hard to get above it.
I guess I will have to wait for the actual race to see if I really have it in me to complete the entire distance.
I hope so. I will try. It is something that I have never done. This alone is like climbing a big Mt.
Just disregard this stupid post if you will. I shouldn't have even expressed myself in such a cowardly fashion! I know I will be repremanded by some.
But this is a task that few work toward. I am wondering if I can really complete the schedule. Or will I become another failed,[font=Comic Sans Ms][font=Trebuchet Ms][size=2] dumb runner that drops out at mile 6?
I hope I don't go out too fast!
I am worried about the weather. What if it rains?
I don't think it has ever rained for the Portland marathon, though.
O

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I am absolutely certain that you will make it longer than six miles. Seriously, you have embarked on a big goal - 26.2 miles from start to finish. No wonder you feel apprehensive. However, it is not just elite athletes who challenge themselves with this distance. Some of us regular folks are foolhardy enough to try it too. If you are going to the 21 miler on 9/9, you will see people of all ages, shapes and sizes who are part of Portland Fit. None of us has done this training without doubts. The ones who make it through are the ones who overcome those doubts. As Dave Harkin says, the first 20 miles of the marathon are completed because of your training. The last six come from your heart.

Whether you think you can, or think you can't - you are right.
ACPam

It rained pretty good on PDX marathon 2000. Squish, squish in the shoes, but hey, it was just rain. never a show-stopper for runners. I've prayed for rain on some of the hotter runs.

Rain or shine, I'll be at the PFit cheering station, clicking some photos.

Running the marathon is your reward for putting in all those training miles. I bet you'll do just fine.
99% of us that finish the training, complete the marathon.

It's sure going to feel good when they hang the finisher's medal on you at the end and you can finally stop running! They'll wrap you in shiny Mylar, feed you ice cream bars, and treat you like a hero! Woo-hoo!

Are you an active "Training Member" of Portland/Vancouver Fit, or are you training on your own? In other words, are you out there with your group for the Saturday or Sunday runs?

Doug

I don't think that any person does a marathon without having nerves at the beginning. Whether its because they're scared or excited; it's human nature. Even if you walk and run the entire 26.2 miles, think of the satisfaction of completing and bragging rights you're going to have. Just remember that it's what's between the ears that will either keep you going or let you down.

If you have been following the PFit schedule, YOU CAN DO THIS.

Good Luck!!

Kathi

Hey, dont worry, you arent the only one. I know of many others who have mumbled the same nervous thoughts. And I put myself on the top of the list as to those who are worried about finishing. Im am just going to look forward, enjoy the music and the crowd, and go. If I cross the finish line, or the back door of an ambulance, Ill make sure I enjoy the day. Im getting anxious and look at the marathon website daily only to watch that darn count down timer and get nervous all over again. Cheer up, you will do fine and Im sure you will surprise yourself. Remeber, Pain is only weakness leaving the body"!!!!!