First Glance

I just had my first look at the elevation chart for the Marine Corps Marathon. They had yet to post this year's chart and only had last year's online. I looked at it and panic set in. OK, OK, I freaked out. The first THREE miles are uphill, with mile 2.5 to 3 being a 150 foot climb. Then we go downhill for two miles and start climbing again until mile 8. Elevation climb from mile 7-8: 100 feet. Then downhill again and a relatively flat course until the last 1.2 miles which are all uphill again.

I was a little worried about the course having looked at last year's maps. Now I'm scared. It's not even so much the uphills because we've been doing some good hill training this summer. Although I will say from now on I won't curse the hills, I'll love them and know that they are helping me. The downhills are what's most troubling. My ankle has been giving me some problems, mostly when I have a long downhill to run. If I have to run the first 1/3 of this race with steep downhills I worry how my ankle will hold out.

I have two months until the race. If anything I just hope I'm mentally ready come race day. I'm putting in the miles, I just need the mental stamina to tackle what's looking like a difficult course.

So here I go taking a deep breath and making sure I tackle every hill as best I can.