Nathan Chamber – 2021 Winner of the Route 66 Marathon. He set the record at the Oklahoma State Masters Marathon.
It’s Route 66 week, and I hope those of you running in Tulsa on Saturday or Sunday (or both!) are enjoying your second week of tapering (or maybe a modified ‘back-off’ if running a shorter race!).
This week is a good time to start the celebration! What am I talking about? Simple: Reaching your Starting Line! That you’ve prepared for race weekend, having fulfilled your training and reaching your Start Line intact and uninjured! Whatever distance you’re aspiring to, that’s reason enough to be proud, and especially if training for a longer distance (Half or Full Marathon), something that’s not a “given!” And whether you’re a veteran or this is your first foray into your upcoming race distance, part of the romance of your pursuit is that it’s not easy, and intangibles can come into play.
One of the great marathoners of all time, Bill Rodgers, once told me on a run that he had dropped out of eight or nine marathons in his career; something I hadn’t known. That could put it into clearer perspective – you’re doing something only a tiny percentage of the world ever does, or even aspires to! That’s noteworthy, and you should be proud! Be smart this week, as “less is more” leading to race weekend, and even quietly and within yourself, enjoy this week with a bit of extra inner pride. We at Team OK RUNNER are proud of you!
Join us at the OK RUNNER OKC (519 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103) on Tuesday, with a 6 pm start, and we’ll discuss any Q&A you have, as well as share experiences and insights about getting here. Feel free to do an easy 5K (‘Run the Alley’ course or shorter) and share some camaraderie. Coaches, team members, and I will be on hand for a 45-minute sit-around, or feel free to pop in before or after your run! A nice way to celebrate your week leading up to Tulsa, or whatever else you’re training for.
Come by the store anytime during the week, or reach me there or here, as well as here at the website.
Stay loose this week-body AND mind-but only spin the legs for a short time once-if at all-for a short time with everything else easy leading to the weekend. Come say hi in Tulsa; I won’t be at the race, but on Friday and Saturday, I’ll be at the Expo at the OKC Memorial Marathon booth. Would love to visit with you!
Keep thriving, all, and again, great job getting here… I’ll await hearing of your victories!