9.16.07. #319. 26.2. 5:30 AM.

We've driven the course more than once, since it's the only path from here to Kahului. We've seen it in the dark and we've seen it in the daylight. We've seen the flats along the sugarcane fields. And the winding hills along the coastline, all leading to a tunnel at the top of the hill. Long, gradual inclines. Nothing like Cardiac Hill on Peachtree. The tunnel signals a place to rest before a downhill that levels off to a long, flat road to Lahaina. To be honest, I've spent the last 2 days being scared about this race. Where is the confidence that I've had in the past? I was ready to tackle Chicago and take no prisoners. But this past March, ING Georgia really did a number on my confidence. Now it's time to prove that the work I've done will get me there.

So here I stand in Maui, with all of these thoughts racing through my head.

- It's so early in the morning! You're still on Eastern time.
- It's going to be so hot. You trained in the heat.
- What if I don't have water? You're running with water this time. And electrolyte pills.
- I don't have my nutrition figured out yet. You have Gu. And SportBeans. And gummy bears, just in case. You'll drink Gatorade if you need to. Otherwise, you will have lots of water. You've done this before.
- It's going to be so lonely! You've run by yourself. At 4:30 in the morning through the streets of Atlanta. There wasn't anyone else around. This time, there will be other runners. Doing the same thing you are. One foot in front of the other. You will not be alone. Think of Chandra & Debs running their marathon in NY. Think of Amanda running her first half. They are right there beside you, saying 'Suck it up Princess!' when things get tough.
- It's so hilly! You live in Atlanta. You ran from Peachtree Battle all the way up the hills to Collier. This is just the same. Only this time, it won't be so steep. You'll just keep on doing 5/1. For every 5, there will be a 1. The hills will end. Just get to the tunnel.
- I really want a pr. This is a pr. This will be #3. You've never run 3 marathons before. And you've certainly never run the Maui Marathon. You've also never followed a plan with speedwork and tempo runs. You had never run a 20 mile training run by yourself. You pr'd your 5K. You had a half marathon pr during your 20 mile training run.
- I can't do this. Yes you can. You have done this before and you'll do it again. You don't need big crowds and cold weather to finish a marathon. Remember that race report you read? The one that said "It's already done...You're just running towards your future". The work is done. This is the celebration. Enjoy it. Remember just a few years ago when it hurt to run for a minute? It might hurt this time, but just for a minute. You'll be off your feet with a margarita in your hand before you know it! Think of all the people cheering you on across the country. You.will.finish.