In 30 days, I will complete the ING NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.  I’ll be damned if the third time isn’t the charm this year. (2011 recap and 2010 recap here)

30 days equates 20 more days of work, 15 more work group runs, and a few weekends of fun.

That seems like such a long time for someone who just ran a 20 miler.

For someone who still has 3 long runs before taper begins, that seems like forever.

This year, I’ve put in the training and my mentality is better than ever before.

My plan for the next 30 days is pretty simple in words, but harder in execution.

• Sleep more.
• Eat better.
• Foam roll often.
• Incorporate beet juice and tart cherries sparingly into my diet to help with muscle recovery.
• Practice yoga at least once a week, including 2 Yoga for Runners workshops.
• Run with my co-workers 3 times per week for the next few weeks to keep from getting bored.
• Keep focusing on positive thinking during long runs.
• Take my marathon outfit on a test run during my last long run.
• Attend Coach Cane’s (made famous on Ali’s blog) session on The Perfect Taper at Jack Rabbit UWS on October 17th at 6:30pm
• Start to plan a few informal meet-ups with lovely blog friends who are NYC bound for the marathon like Monica, Christine and Amanda!

While there is still a lot to do for the big day, I think the fact that my  mind is already in the right place gives me more hope than ever before. Someone give me a Sharpie because this girl wants to write a few things on her arm come marathon day:

Here’s to the next few weeks!