You’re finally here — after days, weeks, months of work — and the moment is almost upon you.
Countless miles. Early mornings. Drops of sweat. It all comes down to Sunday morning: Newport Marathon.
Sub-2:40 — is it doable?
As the race approaches, the inevitable questions creep in.
Have I done enough?
Am I capable?
Do I even look like the kind of person who runs this fast?
These doubts? They’re normal. In fact, they’re expected. During the taper, when the body slows down, the mind speeds up. And if you’re not feeling some doubt — maybe the challenge isn’t big enough.
Doubt Is Part of the Process
I’ve felt this before. Every time I aim for something big, the same doubts show up.
But now, I don’t try to resist them. I recognise them for what they are — a natural part of growth.
Setting yourself a goal that matters will always trigger questions. That’s not a weakness — it’s proof that it matters.
The key is not to avoid doubt.
The key is knowing how to respond when it arrives.
This Is How I Handle It
I keep it simple.
First, I look back.
Over the last 16 weeks, I haven’t missed a session.
I’ve done everything I said I would do.
There’s no hidden gap in the training, no shortcut taken. I’ve shown up consistently — and that’s where confidence is built.
Then, I shift my focus to what I can actually control.
- My mindset
- My nutrition
- My week-of routine
Some things I can’t influence — the weather, other runners, traffic on the day — so I let them go.
If I can’t control it, why panic?
One of the most important things I’m holding onto is this: I want to be present.
Not just get through the challenge — but actually live it.
I want to feel the adrenaline.
The focus.
The joy.
The reality of standing on that start line, fully aware of what I’m about to do.
Like life, race day might not unfold exactly as I imagined.
But I’ll know I gave it everything. That I stayed consistent.
That I grew, mentally and physically, along the way.
The Bigger Picture
And here’s the thing — this marathon isn’t the end goal.
It’s a milestone. A challenge in its own right, yes — but also another step on the path to something even bigger.
The big target is still ahead: the 100-mile race in July.
Sunday is a checkpoint. A test. A moment to sharpen the tools I’ll need for what’s next.
It’s about strengthening my mindset, deepening my resilience, and showing up when it counts.
The Last Push
I’ve done the work. And while the outcome isn’t guaranteed, my effort has been.
This is the final stretch — one last push to leave it all out there.
No stone left unturned.
No questions left unanswered.
