Marine Corp Marathon and the Athletic Mind
Why I Will Win My Upcoming Marathon
My former manager Tommy Lasorda said, "The best possible thing in baseball is winning the World Series. The second-best thing is losing the World Series." With that in mind, I will settle for second-best in my upcoming Marine Corps Marathon. It is often said that no one remembers who came in second place anyway, so I will claim second place. Kidding aside, my goal is to finish, and if that happens, it’s a win. In another respect, I feel as though I have already won the Marine Corps Marathon because I am getting to the starting line. The point is winning is going for it and giving your best. Trying guarantees you can’t lose, a message I continually pass on to my hitting students. I also know I will win because my past sporting experiences have created an athletic mind.
Training Update
Over the last few weeks, I polished off two 20-mile runs. After neither run, I felt I had 6.2 miles left, so my confidence is a little shaky, but that is usually for the best. Self-doubt is a natural in the sports mindset and a great motivator. That emotional roller coaster makes playing sports thrilling, for the most part. The philosophy of running 20 miles is that the adrenaline of race day will carry one over the finish line the last six miles. Having been there before, I question having any adrenaline after running 20 miles, but the athletic mindset is of hope springing eternal.
Waiting - Ugh
Now I am in the training phase where the number of miles lowers each week. With the race day approaching fast, a gradual slowdown follows the highest workload. Instead of forty-five-plus mile weeks, the schedule eases each remaining week to only about 10 miles the week before. Doing less is surprisingly tricky because the competitor wants to keep pushing. The addiction to the daily workouts and many weekly miles makes doing less feel like you are settling for mediocrity. But, even though it is natural to question whether I have done enough, I must trust the process, with rest critical now. I will use the last few weeks to restore my mind’s enthusiasm and the body’s power. The next few weeks are all about preparing to “dig deep.” Before that, I give thanks for remaining healthy through another year of training, which is never a given or taken for granted.
Marathon Mind’s Journey
The excitement of having to “prove it” again on race day brings me back to my baseball playoff experiences. It’s do-or-die, win-or-go-home time, so I know I must put it all on the line. My fifteen previous marathons and baseball experience help deal with the inevitable adversity. Here is how my mind’s journey usually goes in the marathon.
Early Miles – It’s All about the Pace
To be among 40,000 runners, who are as excited as me to begin, is a rush. The first lesson is to ensure the excitement does not get the best of me by going out too fast. If I want to finish, I must stick with the strategy which is established by two phrases. One, “speed kills,” leading to the second one, “Start slow, and taper from there.”
As the early congestion thins out, I plan on setting in at a comfortable pace. If things go as in past races, both the mind and body will feel great, and they will say, “This is the day; I will run my personal best, and the marathon distance is not as tough as it is made out to be.” However, I’ve learned the painful way that there is a long way to go, and overconfidence and false hope are never good. My baseball career taught me never to get too high or too low. Sports are often a humbling experience.
Middle miles – Reality
I know the adrenaline and exhilaration will wear off, and reality takes over. After running for a couple of hours, and still a couple to go, I realize just how far a mile is. Every time I see a mile marker in the distance, I believe I have run at least two or three more miles. No, the sign shows it has been just one since the previous notice. I want to swear, but do not have any extra energy to waste. The whole body begins to feel the pain, and it starts to affect the mind. I try to stay focused on just running one mile at a time without thinking of the 26.2 as a whole, which is a daunting task. Once again, I use my past to know that things work out for the best if I keep at it. There is a way!
Late Miles – Grinding
My whole body will scream, “Stop,” but I cannot allow myself to listen. Every ounce of the competitive spirit is necessary, and it requires perseverance I am not sure is within. The best part of being an athlete – the mind goes into the “not finishing is not an option mode.” I must recall all the times the odds were against me, and yet I found a way. I know the mind will start considering a finishing kick, but the body will say, “No, not today.” That’s OK.
Post-Race Analysis – Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
Yes, I will crave food when it’s all over. Immediately after the finish, I will think, “This is my last marathon. I will never do one again. “But, a few hours later, when some of the pain eases and the chicken kicks in, I know I must do it again and better. Once again, the mind of the athlete at work.
Much time and sacrifice went into reaching the dream. Was it all worth it? Of course, no matter the outcome. One can always do better, but it is the journey that counts. “Running the race with perseverance” was the goal, and getting back up after the punches is what makes an athlete. Life is short – I must keep going for it. Happy trails!
