Trying to get motivated for Ogden

Okay, so it is taper time for the Ogden Marathon on May 6th, and my mind is playing games with me. To combat it, I am trying to think of all the progress I have made since my running disaster at the Newport Marathon last year. Here goes:

My racing times over the last year:

10k- 57:13 in March 2005 to 49:15 in September 2005
1/2 Marathon- 2:38 (very hilly trail course in the mud, very difficult for me) in March 2005 to 1:58 in November 2005
5k- The last 5k I ran was in May 2002 and it was 27:10 and in August 2005, my goal was to average 8 minute miles and I ran a 24:15 (7:47)!
Hood to Coast- I ran Leg 1 in 2003 and in 2005. In 2003 I ran it in 48 minutes (8 minute miles and the fastest I had ever run a mile in my life. It is straight down a mountain road, so gravity helps!) In 2005, I ran Leg 1 in 44:10- again the fastest I had ever run a mile in my life!)

I feel like in some ways I am fighting the fact that I am not a "natural" runner. I have loved getting faster and I am curious to see what I am capable of.

For all of the disappointment that Newport Marathon was, I am very proud that I stuck to the training. I had my darling little girl in October 2004 and started running consistently again in January 2005, working up to the Hal Higdon Beginner Marathon Program. In 18 weeks I only missed one day on the schedule. I am not usually so dedicated to anything, so I was very proud of my training. I averaged 30 miles a week, with a peak at 40. I didn't run any speedwork. (And I was still crazy enough to start my first marathon at 8:50 a mile when my training runs were at 10-ugh! What was I thinking?!) After the marathon, I kept up my training averaging between 25-30 miles a week. In January 2005 I picked up to 5-6 days of training and 30-40 miles a week, now peaking at 50 miles. I know I am a stronger runner physically and mentally. I just have to remember that on May 6th. At least I will have Suzie there to remind me.