Let's do this!

Don't be scared, you've got this!! St. George is easy to strategize, just go out slow, take the hill with some effort, then at mile 14 if you're still feeling good race it! You're going to kill that marathon PR!!

first: you are prepared. you've put in the miles. you've done your long runs. you've had some great short-distance races leading up to the marathon. and you've stayed healthy through it all. you are going to do great, especially if you remember to have fun.

second: i always feel bloated and fatty patty during taper week -- it just feels that way because you have reduced your activity level. i know you are very fit right now, and that won't change in a week. just focus on rest and getting in a lot of calories from good foods. you don't have to worry about fatty patty until after the race -- you should see how many chins i have right now.

i just posted that comment on january 1st. sorry -- i've done that twice on your blog now. it happens every time i look at "graph view".

Lily you'll do awesome! from what I've been reading everyone feels like that. I kinda feel like the pillsbury dough boy. my love handles of my reserve energy have returned.

Jess and I were talking last week about how great and smart you have been this year...Listening to your body, taking time off when needed, setting goals, running lots of races, seriously.. don't let this next few days get you down! You have been so GREAT and will continue you to be in your racing career... for SGM and many more to come! We also both agree you look fantastic! :) Don't sweat it Lil. It's Mental. Reality is that are a superstar!

Lily you will do great!! I say take the pressure off and enjoy the race and the experience. Your fitness is where it needs to be to PR and it will happen. Be confident in your training.

I agree with what everyone else has said. I think it is normal to feel nervous, but you have had an amazing year of training. You’re tough and fit and you will do great and I think you are primed for a PR. Hope I get to see you and say hi. Good luck!

I'm going to beat you at the race because it sounds like you're much more unprepared than I am. I'll be waiting for you at the finish line.

I know how you feel! I'm totally rocking fatty patty feelings, and Aunt Flow is NOT helping. I like what Allie said, can't really gain 20 pounds in a week, right? You have been so devoted with your running and that evilliptical--I know you're tough! See ya soon!

OH, WHATEVER!!!! I totally CAN gain 20 pounds in a week. Is that some kind of a challenge?? I can do it.

ANYWAY, Lily, you are one very well prepared marathon. No matter how this race turns out (because , face it, anything can happen), just know that you are READY! You are prepared to buts out a massive PR and go sub 3 as long as all goes well. You can not worry about all of the what ifs, YOU ARE READY!

HAVE FUN, see ya down there. ;o)

Did you do your own water bottles and all of that? i would so love to have my crystal light on the race course for me.

Kelli I have my own bottles yes! Got my bib number on all of them. :)

Thanks to you all for your words of encouragement. I really do sit and stew each morning about how prepared I am. I still feel unsure. I don't remember lacking confidence this bad last year. The injury I had earlier this year has stung me that way. However, I know deep down what I am capable of. I can go the distance no problem. I just want the speed to flow right along with it. I can't wait to see some of you down there. Don't be shy, say hello! :)

no worries about the fatty patty--- if its any consolation I have had one headache after another....but NO MATTER WHAT I AM PULLING MY HEAD OUT AND I EXPECT YOU ALL TO AS WELL :D Fire it up LILY, Kelli, Merri, April and all who read this and feel they are falling apart at the seams before SGM. KEEP IT TOGETHER (allie's blog title).

You'll be awesome and I'm confident you will take home a trophy.

in ways, I think you were MORE nervous last year... You didn't know what to expect. I recall talking to you about it last year, and you probably didn't have to train as hard as you did. This year, while talking to you, you knew what to expect and talked about the build up and the taper and you knew what your body needed. You got the knowledge and the experience down!

The injury from last year has just scared you a little, but I promise Lil...You got this!

Tell me your bib number, I will just run way behind you and use your leftovers!!!

LOL seriously. You are welcome to! Cytomax will be in 2 or 3 of them. :)

OK, just do not backwash in them! I love Cytomax. ;o)