Pre-Marathon Jitters

I will be racing the Illinois Marathon tomorrow morning in Champaign, IL. Less than 24 hours to race day! I'm much more nervous than I've been for any race in the past few years. Well, maybe the Umstead 100 had me anxious, but not much else. The difference?  I actually have a time goal (similar to Umstead 100). This is my attempt to get into Boston for 2016. Normally I just run races. I try to do OK and I usually end up in the top 25% of finishers. This time, I don't care where I place, but I want a sub-3:30 to qualify for the big dance. It's all about me versus the course...or more accurately, me vs the finish clock. I've trained well, tapered well, and currrently seem to be eating and hydrating well. I'm pumped. This could happen.

My biggest concern is the weather. Looks like a low of 47 and high of 60 with wind and rain (and chance of thunderstorms). Not ideal.  Love the predicted temperatures, but I could do without the rain and wind. It's going to feel cold on the course. Running 26.2 miles with wet socks and shoes sounds...not ideal. I can't control the weather, so I'll deal with it. I plan to have lots of clothing options in my car as I wait for the start. Hats, gloves, shirts, jackets. I'll be ready. Maybe the running gods will be smiling on race day and the weather will be perfect for the 3.5 hours I'm on the course. Maybe. It's possible.

For this trail ultramarathon runner, a road marathon isn't my dream race. Still, I'm excited. This will be ultra/marathon race #99. Howl at the Moon 8-Hour in August will be #100. Howl was my first ultra too. Then the Barkley Fall Classic 50K in September. During Barkley, I'll be wishing I was back on the smooth and flat roads of Champaign!