Question- or comment- or whatever you want to call it. Someone on another board said they look at their races as a 10 mile run, with a 3.1 mile race at the end. In other words, they don't race from start to finish. The race happens for them at the end. I liked that idea because mentally it might keep me at a better pace in the beginning so I have something more for the end. Does anyone here think their races through like that? Or how do you mentally run your race?
The first mile I'm "finding my feet", getting into a rhythm, and then 2-5 (for some reason I never see the mile marker for 4, I know, weird), I'm enjoying myself, just happy to be running, but trying to keep a pace. I just relax through the MK, determine if I'll be making a pit stop, and enjoy the crowd. Miles 7-10 I'm focused on just keeping myself running, and trying to ignore the fact that the good part of the race is over ('cause for me, it is

). Getting myself up that overpass is always a challenge, but I know it's coming. Mile 11-13, I just try to keep running, or at least moving forward with some purpose. Even though Epcot is in sight, when I have to make the turn and go up the overpass (the second one, after Mile 11), it is mentally really tough for me. The people near the entrance are a huge boost, most will cheer even if you are not their runner, and then the cast members as you go through Epcot are great, so that keeps me going. I don't like the long turn around in Epcot, especially since by the time I get there they are holding guests back for runners, but it's a small price to pay. Then I try to put on a little speed after the Gospel Choir, because I know I have made it!
I guess I look at it in four sections -- The Good (pre-MK), The Great (MK), The Gotta Keep Going (miles 7-10), and the Get Me Through!
Maria
