Training Plans

A Little Pep Talk

[caption id="attachment_8886" align="alignright" width="237"] My 4th Vermont City Marathon[/caption]

Well - Mother nature sure has not taken it easy on you. I know how hard training through a tough Winter with Vermont City Marathon in your sites can be. I have run 30 Marathons including 8 VCMs. I have run in snow, sleet, rain, wind, sub zero temps and heat. My first marathon quest began  just like yours; signing up and trusting in the training miles. I missed some runs, had to cut some short due to sickness, work or poor weather conditions, but in the end I toed the start line knowing I had done my best (which was not always perfect) and ultimately got to the finish line with a smile on my face and craving potato chips like crazy!

My advice to you is enjoy it as much as you can - even when it seems like work and you are so tired all you want to do is crawl back under the covers. I ran alone for most of miles when I trained for my fist marathon; if I could go back in time that is one thing I would change. Most of my very best friends I have met through running  - what better way to pass the miles but by solving the world's problems.

You are in good hands with Coach Sam. You will start hearing from the Marathon Office a bit more regularly about Race Week details. If you start to get nervous, reach out to your coach, a friend that has run a marathon or connect with the other newbies on the New2-26.2 Facebook Group - so many great stories being told there! You are not alone in this journey. Can 't wait to see you all at the finish line.

Miles with smiles,

Jess Cover USATF Level 2 Certified Coach Communications Director - RunVermont Lover  of all things running...

p.s.

[caption id="attachment_8885" align="alignleft" width="300"] My shoes after 8 miles today[/caption]