I have done all of the Saturday runs except the 21 mile benchmark. I was stressed out and metally freaked myself out over it. But, I did run about 10 miles on Sat. Is it still possible for me to complete the marathon?

Kelly,
It's too bad you didn't get to run the 21-miler. A mental freak out can happen, but one of aspects of the benchmark runs is to get mentally prepared for 26.2. There is a mental advantage to being out there and knowing that it is only about 5 miles farther than your last long run. Unfortunately, although I think you may be physically able to run the distance, you still need to overcome the mental stress of the marathon distance, and you really won't know until you cross that finishline on marathon day.

For some, that may be too late. I have no doubt that you can physically complete the distance, it just may not be the performance you were expecting. At the very least, you do it one step at a time.

Good luck with your decision, only you can answer the question.
Doug

Kelly,

Before the 21 miler last Saturday, I was a serious emotional basket case. I hadn't done the 18 mile benchmark because I did Portland to Coast and used that as my benchmark. What I am saying is that I had only walked 15.5 miles so far in our training, and at that benchmark I felt miserable. I WAS SCARED.

But then I remembered that from the beginning of our training, JR said most of what we can and can't do is between our ears. I listened to that advice very seriously and then I mentally planned for the 21 miler. I was still scared the morning of, but I made it and I amazed even myself because I realized I could have actually done the marathon that morning.

If you have done all the miles, but the 21 (oh well), then you are ready. Now it's up to you MENTALLY. You have to decide if all your training is going to end before the Portland Marathon or after it crossing the finish line.

YOU CAN DO IT.

I wish you all the luck in the world and hope that you can get over your mental block and I pass me up on the course.

Kathi