With three weeks left until marathon day, the reality of my journey is sinking in, and emotions are running high. Tapering down the mileage has been a shift, both physically and mentally, as I adjust to a less intense schedule while keeping focused on the big day ahead. Jen suggested I experiment with my long run pace this week, aiming to simulate race day conditions. She encouraged me to start at a comfortable pace and then gradually work up to my goal marathon pace of under 4 hours. This week’s long run was a local route—one I know well—without any of the daunting hills that had become a fixture in my training. Running the same loop twice, I could focus on my pacing and mindset, and for the first time in a while, I wasn’t dreading the inclines.

Sunday – Fartlek Session

I kicked off the week with a Fartlek session, pushing through 7.62 km of alternating 6-minute bursts of speed followed by 2-minute recovery intervals. The change of pace helped keep things interesting, and I felt strong with each interval. Averaging 5:15 min/km, I focused on staying consistent. Reflecting on the session, it’s rewarding to see how far I’ve come in terms of endurance and mental resilience. Starting the week with this intensity set a positive tone for the days ahead.

Monday – Recovery Run

After Sunday’s push, Monday’s easy 6.5 km recovery run was a welcome change. With an average pace of 6:29 min/km, it felt good to ease into a slower rhythm and let my legs loosen up. Recovery runs have taught me to listen to my body and respect its need to heal. Embracing the taper phase, I focused on the joy of running rather than the pressure to perform, which was a refreshing shift.

Tuesday – Strength Training

On Tuesday, it was back to the gym for a strength training session, focusing on core and lower body work. This was about reinforcing my foundation, building stability, and ensuring I’m prepared to tackle the marathon with confidence. Strength training has been an eye-opener for me throughout this journey; I never realized how much it would contribute to my overall running performance. It’s become a crucial part of my routine, adding a new layer of resilience I hadn’t anticipated.

Friday – Long Run (23.62 km)

Friday’s long run took me through familiar terrain, but without the harsh hills that usually challenge me. As I ran the same route twice, I focused on gradually increasing my pace, testing my ability to hit the marathon goal. Fueling was a big part of this run—I took gels at 12k, 18k, and 22k. I remember thinking back to my earlier runs and how I struggled with fueling. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that gels work best for me, keeping my energy stable without any stomach issues. By the end of the run, I was averaging a 5:58 min/km pace. Not having to tackle hills allowed me to concentrate on maintaining a steady rhythm, which reinforced my confidence as I look ahead to race day.

Conversation with Jen

After the run, I had a long chat with Jen. She reminded me how far I’ve come since I started training, and we delved into race day strategy. “Focus on getting to the start line first, then the finish,” she said, echoing a mantra that’s kept me grounded. We talked about my pace goal—under 4 hours—which would mean maintaining a 5:41 min/km pace. I told her how confident I felt after these weeks of intense training and how I’ve learned to enjoy the process. When I brought up fueling, Jen agreed that carb-loading with pasta and protein in the days leading up to the race would be a good approach. I shared with her my plan for the morning of the marathon: toast with peanut butter, which has become my go-to for steady energy without feeling too heavy. We’re planning a call soon to finalize the details, but I’m feeling prepared.

Weekly Reflection

Reflecting on this week, I’m struck by how much I’ve learned, not just about running but about myself. Running a familiar route without hills offered a new perspective, one where I could truly enjoy the experience and focus on my pacing strategy. Jen’s encouragement to experiment with speed added a layer of fun, and it felt liberating to push myself without the mental strain of steep inclines. As I taper down, I’m embracing the time to rest and reflect. This week was a reminder that the journey to the marathon isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about every step along the way, the lessons learned, and the growth that comes with pushing past limits. With three weeks to go, I’m ready to take on the challenge and bring everything I’ve learned to race day.

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Weekly Stats:

• Total Distance: 41.99 km
• Total Time: 4:11:50
• Elevation Gain: 387 m

With the tapering phase underway, I’m looking forward to fine-tuning my approach and building up for the final stretch toward marathon day. The familiarity and steadiness of this week’s runs have given me renewed energy and focus, and my conversation with Jen has solidified my strategy as I head toward race day.