We are getting so close, y’all. This weekend is my last long run (I’ll be running a half marathon as a marathon day simulation) and I only have a handful of workouts left. Taper starts at the end of next week – I can’t believe it’s almost here. This training cycle has felt long but short, if that makes any sense. It has gone by quickly, but the race still feels somewhat far away. I am feeling good, but I will be honest – while I know that logically, the fitness is there to hit my goals, there is a certain amount of disbelief. I know I need to get a handle on that because on race day I am sure that hitting my goal will come down to my brain’s ability to continue to believe I can do it. I’m getting there – each successful workout really hits home that I can do this. And also looking back at my spring half where I ran 13.1 miles at an 8:22 pace really helps me to feel more confident that I can run 26.2 at a 9 minute mile pace. I will do a goals post before I head across the ocean – I’m still writing that one in my head. Anyway, here’s how this past week shook out. 
Monday: 5 easy miles
Tuesday: 3×2 mile repeats in the rain. This was a hard run – it felt hard all throughout and I remember thinking “why is this so hard?” I was glad when it was done!
Wednesday: Rest day is the best day!
Thursday: Oh man. I had to run after work because of an upset stomach in the morning and this run sucked. I ran ten miles at race pace and it felt SO HARD. I ended up with an 8:58 pace, which is great but oh boy it was rough.
Friday: I was heading to Ohio for the weekend so I did my long run Friday morning. Ten really lovely miles – with the most gorgeous sunrise. I mean, man oh man was it perfect!
Saturday: 5.5 miles in Ohio.
Sunday: Two very easy miles – I started coming down with a cold Saturday night and so between my travel and the cold Sunday, I kept it short and easy.
I’m going to hit 1,000 miles for the year this upcoming week. This will definitely be the earliest I hit the 1,000 mile milestone. Have you ever run 1,000 miles in a year?
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Bummer about the cold – hope you feel better!
And I have all the confidence that you’re going to crush Berlin. You’re one of the strongest ladies I know!
Thanks friend, means a lot to me!
Sorry about your cold 🙁 A few of my friends have gotten “summer colds” over the past week, there must be something going around!
I can’t believe that Berlin is so close and that you will hit 1,000 miles for the year so soon – that is just awesome!!
I’m sorry to hear about your cold. I hope you feel better soon!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Log – Week 13
What a great feeling to count down your final workouts and long runs until race day! I think Thursday’s run speaks volumes. It was long, you had to do it after work, it was very hard–and despite all that you nailed your pace. Just like you will on race day!
Thanks Jennifer. It was really challenging and I was so happy when it was done. I am definitely hoping that on race day I can just get it done!
Hooray for a great week of training! You are totally ready for taper, too. I feel like your training has gone really well besides the calf issue but things like that always seem to creep up (and now it seems like it’s gone?). The cumilative fatigue is so real though. You’ve run through rain, summer heat and humidity, and travels, and I’m totally confident you can hit your goals in the race. Regardless, you have a LOT to look back and be proud of.
I hit 1,300 for the year last week. I am still hoping for 2,017 this year but not gonna push it because that means running like 40mpw the rest of the year. I usually run that but you never know with things like vacations, injuries, or just needing days off. I feel like mileage totals are great but in the end you only have one body and many, many years to run. Plus, a better race performance is a MUCH nicer reward for training than just a neat looking training log.
Your last line is part of the reason I respect you so much, Amy Lauren! So so true. Thank you for words, as always!
I have no doubt that you’re going to do great at Berlin and I can’t wait to read all about it!
Back in the day I hit 1,800 to 1,900 miles per year, but these days I’m lucky to hit 1,000.
Thanks for the linkup!
DEbbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Running During A Tropical Storm And OBX Half Marathon Training (Week Six)
Holy moly!! That’s some amazing mileage!
I don’t really track my mileage over the course of a year but I can’t imagine running over 1,000 miles!
Berlin is getting so close! Even though the workouts may seem hard, you are killing it. And on tired legs to boot. You will be awesome in Berlin. Let the countdown begin!
I’m so excited for the race and the trip!! Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Enjoy Berlin! It’s an amazing marathon, one of my favorites. Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Nice sunrise pic! Wow! It is getting close. I’m sure you’ll do awesome!
You’re still killing it!! Great job and I hope you’re feeling better from those cold symptoms. The race does seem to be so close, lol!
1,000 miles is awesome. I’ve never hit that milestone. What an accomplishment!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Rock ‘N Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon Training Week 6
It’s amazing how much of it is mental, right? Once your brain is there, the legs will follow. This will be my first 1,000+ mile year – pretty crazy to see the number!
Sorry about your cold but at least you are getting it over and done with long before race day. 1000 miles! Wow! I can only dream about that now! Well done, that’s an amazing feat. That sunrise is gorgeous – my hubby was in Washington DC a few weeks ago and inspired by your blog, I got him to take a morning run in that spot before he headed out to the airport!
So exciting that it’s so close now! Berlin is so awesome, you will love it! Are you doing the Breakfast Run on the Saturday?
I always seem to get a little cold during marathon training! I think it’s because we are really asking a lot of our bodies. Hopefully you’ll be in tip top shape by the time you arrive in Berlin!
I hit 1000 miles once but I noticed I was really close at the end of the year so I had to crank up my mileage to do it. It IS pretty early in the year to hit it! way to go!!!
Wow, race day is coming fast! I hope it’s a great race for you. I can’t wait to see pictures from it. I’ve heard great things about it.
Hey, trip to Ohio and no Cedar Point?? I’m going on Sunday again 🙂
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…Training Tues – 9/5 Columbus half edition
I already said that next time I’ll be going!! 🙂
I feel like a tiny bit of doubt is a good thing because it keeps us humble… that being said, I have 100% confidence you can run a sub-4 marathon. You’ve worked so hard these past few years and have gotten so much faster and stronger. Don’t go out too fast and stay focused on your pace/effort and I am confident you will be coming home with a great new PR!
Thank you for the kind words! I agree – the doubt does keep us humble. I am getting excited and know that I will be super grateful to pull this off!
What an amazing sunrise shot!
I’ve run 1000 miles in a year several years in a row. I had ankle surgery this year so it will be the first time in year that I wont hit 1000 miles. That was a tough thing to accept.
Oh, wow, three more weeks sounds so soon! Your training has been on point. That sunrise is amazing — we missed it in Rehoboth.