An open letter to Aleks, 5 days and counting

Dear Aleks,

I just read your most recent blog post, and feel compelled to respond.

In your post, you discussed goals - and how you're throwing away the numbers and focusing on "the experience" - since at the Seafair Half Marathon, you met your time goal but didn't "experience" the race.

Well, let me tell you this: Seafair, though it's a fabulously-run event, is not a race to experience. It takes you through ugly, boring parts of Bellevue and there really is nothing to focus on except your running.

And what I am reading between the lines of your most recent post is FEAR.

I think you know you don't have to be afraid of your friends thinking less of you if you don't meet whatever arbitrary time goal you set or we believe you can achieve.

I think you're afraid of how you feel about yourself if you don't meet your own high standard.

But remember this: You have trained well. You look incredibly strong - even when you say you don't feel strong. Your natural pace is quite a bit faster than 10-minute miles, and though I'm going to try to keep you around 10s for the sake of comfort and "the experience" I am confident that under good circumstances, 4:22 or even faster is completely within your grasp.

That said, there is much that's completely out of your control. The weather, other runners, the course, availability of water and fuel along the course, and random things your body may just decide to do the day of your race. You've dealt with all kinds of obstacles and issues during your training; hopefully those things will prepare you for the unexpected. But I am sure the unexpected will happen, and it could be things that help or hurt your race. Who knows.

Take comfort in how well you've trained and how strong you are. Remind yourself that you are indeed a distance runner now - you don't need a marathon under your belt to prove it.

One of the things Danielle always does for me when we run or ride together is point out parts of "the experience" - rabbits on the side of the road, a pretty flower, a cool pair of shoes on another runner. I'll be doing that for you.

I will also provide you with mile split times if you want them (meaning, you ask for them) and keep my mouth completely shut about times and numbers if you don't. I'll even run up ahead at the two places on the course where they have clocks and cover them so you don't see if you just want to run on RPE (rate of perceived exertion - my recommended method, not that I've actually taken this advice and done it myself).

And I've got a few surprises up my sleeve as well; you will not be able to help enjoying "the experience" - whether you're out there for four hours, five hours, or six hours.

I meant it this morning when we were running and you were pulling away from the group (as usual) that you are a stronger runner than me. You have an efficient stride, a strong pace and best of all, a great attitude. I think you could use some more self-confidence, but I'm guessing this marathon will help provide that to you the way it did for me last year.

You're so ready - let's rock this Seattle Marathon course!

(By the way, my blog reader friends: yeah. I'm running the Seattle Marathon to support Aleks. Yay!)