Pre-Marathon Jitters

Remember that picture I posted yesterday of our driveway? Yeah, it hasn't changed. I was planning on posting a picture of a snow blanketed yard, but we got nearly nada! It snowed all day, but it never stuck. It melted pretty quickly and we just have spotty areas of white and green.

Although I probably could have ran, I opted out. Not only is it messy and wet out, but I'm genuinely tired...or lazy. I haven't figured out which yet. I still did my strength workout so I wasn't completely sedentary and I plan on running tomorrow too. I should have the treadmill delivered before I get home from work and grocery shopping. Awesome!

Aside from that, I've been exhausting myself by having pre-marathon jitters.

My "jittery" photo ;-p

How does one deal with it mentally? I know I can do it, but at the same time, I've only done 20 miles at most! I've read numerous articles and books that say if you can run 20 miles, you can do a marathon. For me, extending a run from 20 to 26.2 miles is about an hour added to the 3+ I've already done. That last hour is going to be a complete mind game. I'm rather afraid of what I'm going to see out of myself. I mean, during my 20 mile run, I was emotional. I went from laughing to crying back to cheering myself on. Add six miles to that. I'm not sure if I'll be the same as I was during 20 miles or if I will break down, maybe even give up.

I don't want that to be an option, as I know I would regret it and be disappointed in myself. I just don't know what those final 6 miles are going to bring. I guess we shall see.

Until then, I'm trying to stay focused on prep. What do I need to bring? What do I need to wear? What am I doing afterwards? How much rest do I need before and after? How much should I eat? I'm trying to stay focused on making this run as easy and comfortable for myself. I'm not doing this for time. I'm doing this for the sheer satisfaction of completing a marathon. Then once I'm done, I can say, I'm already looking forward to having lots of food and sleep. Ah...nothing better than a victorious meal and nap!

How did you mentally prep for your first marathon? Were there times you wanted to give up? If so, what did you do to keep going?

Do you reward yourself after accomplishing a difficult run? Do you reward yourself in food, rest, etc?