WELCOME TO RACE WEEK, MIT!

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Before you read this, find a quiet space with no distractions. Take a few deep breaths and let go of any lingering thoughts pressing on your mind.

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Big inhale. Big exhale. Big inhale. Big exhale.

 

Okay. Ready?

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The race day you want is already inside you. Yes - It's true! You already have what it takes to achieve your goal. It is possible. You’ve proven it in training. And even if you had a less than ideal training block heading into this weekend, you can still run very, very well. I’ve seen it over and over and over!

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The key is to get out of your own way.

 

Only you can put limits on yourself. Everyone else thinks you are amazing for doing this whole marathon thing anyway, so why are you doubting yourself? It is time to be more kind to yourself and become your own cheerleader! 

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YOU will be controlling the dialogue in your own head throughout this race, so let’s start scripting a positive result. Use the next few days to find a mantra to use when times get tough to remind you that you are more than tough enough to handle the challenge. That's why we made the mantra bracelets last week!

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Here are a few to inspire you

 

“What I need is within me.”

"Time to believe."

"Be here now."

"Chin up, dig in."

"Do it afraid."

"Trust the process."

"Be brave. Be bold."

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When you say your mantra, put your head down and get the job done --- realizing no one else can do this for you.

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Will you get tired? You bet! Your legs will ache. Your mind will get fuzzy and you’ll just want the thing to be over. But, you must fight. You must keep going just like you did in training runs. Just get to the next mile marker and then the next and so on. I guarantee you that if you can just keeping going the finish line will surrender. It will acknowledge your bravery and toughness and appear before your eyes. And, the more you can be engaged while in the latter miles of the race, the sooner the finish will come.

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As soon as you start having a pity party (and I’ve had my fair share), you will fall apart. My advice is to accept that you are hurting; embrace the pain with positive self talk and self-compassion. Make it your friend. Treat it kindly. 

 

If I've taught you nothing else through this training cycle, I hope that it is that you can dig deep, and that there is a strength and grit within you that you never knew existed. 

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So as a team, let’s commit -- right here, right now -- that no matter what happens in the race, the weather sucks, you get a blister, or you feel like a million bucks (FINGERS CROSSED!!), you are going to give the absolute best that you have to offer. And whatever the day has in store for you, you are going to revel in the self-love, confidence, and grit that you've built after showing up for yourself week after week.

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I love you all. I believe in you. Let's freaking do this!
 

Happy Running, Walking, Moving & Shaking,

Coach Hannah