Finally, this evening, the excitement switch clicked in my brain. For the past few days I’ve had a lot on my mind and that has kept me from getting excited for the marathon. Each of my runs has been at taper speed and I’ve enjoyed more sleep than normal and eaten very well. But even though my mind and body was in taper mode I didn’t have the same excitement running through my blood that I’ve had in years past.

Maybe it’s because there aren’t flags lining the streets of Geneva and multiple events happening on a daily basis to welcome athletes. This is the type of excitement and hype I’ve experienced for three years in New York City. Runners thrive off the energy that runs through the city beginning with the day the orange flags go up, marking off the marathon course.

Tonight when I came home from work I sat down to focus on my marathon plan. I checked the Runner’s World packing list twice, I reviewed the course again, watched the marathon video on YouTube, and chatted with Laura and Melissa, who are also running the marathon.

While this all helped me get excited and feel more prepared, it was the 20 minutes on the phone with Gia that brought everything together.

For the past 10 weeks I have focused on this marathon. I didn’t let a move across the ocean derail my hopes for a PR. I found inspiration and running partners in both Geneva and London. Tonight as we talked through my hopes and fears for the event, we put together a plan together. I have never been more thankful for a running coach. Gia’s calm voice and attention to detail was exactly what I needed tonight.

Before tonight I was hesitant to share my goals with readers and friends. When people asked me what my goal was I smiled and said I wanted to enjoy 26.2 miles or improve versus last year. But, that isn’t true. I want to enjoy 26.2 miles but I want to CRUSH my current marathon personal best of 4:53. Below is the plan for how I will hopefully achieve this goal. There is some cushion in the numbers and please keep in mind that this is my plan. What works for me may not work for others.

Race day outfit: Stick with what I know and dress for warmer weather, not colder weather.  I am going to replicate last year’s outfit other than the top – CW-X compression shorts, Team Sparkle running skirt, Pro Compression socks in hot pink, and my favorite New Balance running tank on top unless the temperatures change. Right now it is supposed to be in the 60s with at least 70% humidity which is warmer than I’m accustomed to running in after the cool Geneva and London running weather.

Before the race: Arrive early enough to do some dynamic stretching and use the restroom. Ensure that I eat breakfast at least 1.5 hours before running. Take a salt packet before the race to help with hydration.

Miles 1-5: Focus on keeping my pace slower than a 10 minute mile but faster than 10:18. Take advantage of the gradual downhill and try to find a few running buddies in the crowd. Do not listen to music at this point. Instead, focus on the surroundings and just enjoy, remembering all the work I’ve put into this marathon. Sip water constantly, having at least two sips each mile.

Miles 5-13.1 Take my first fuel at mile 5 then find a groove right around a 10:18 pace. Try and stay in the middle of the road so my ankles don’t grow tired from any slant in the road. Enjoy the people watching along the out and back course. Take another fuel at mile 10.

Miles 13.1-20 If my body needs, slow the pace to a 10:20. Take out my headphones and begin to zone out with some upbeat music. When I fuel at mile 15 also take another salt packet. Start watching for friends who will be spectating the second half of the race. Make it my goal to be strong enough at this point that I can start passing people, slowly but surely. There is a small climb between miles 15 and 17 during which time I can drop my pace if I need but focus on pushing forward and proving my strength up the hill through constant running versus walk breaks.

Miles 20-26.2 I can do anything for a 10k. This is the equivalent of a midweek run in terms of distance. Do a body check to assess how I’m feeling. Try changing sides of the road if one ankle is tighter than another. Check in with my shoulders and back to ensure I’m not sacrificing form as I grow tired. If I get lonely on the course, remember that last year I ran the last 10 miles of Philadelphia Marathon solo and actually loved every minute. I am strong enough to run solo and just need to focus on my breath, music and surroundings. Focus on the goal and how far I’ve come. Know that if I can hold a 10:18 pace I can PR by 30 minutes versus Philadelphia.

So there you have it! If Saturday’s marathon goes as well as my training went then deep down inside of me these legs and this heart have a 4:30 marathon.

I have to keep in mind that there is 12 hours of travel which stand between me and the United States. There is a 6 hour time change. These two things, occurring within 36 hours of the race could screw with me and change my performance. But, Gia and I both believe that I’m strong enough to overcome them!

If you want to track my progress on Saturday, just click here!