Marine Corps Marathon 2010

Marine Corps Marathon 2010, Next up in the Marine Corps Marathon countdown series: tips and tricks for mentally preparing for miles 11 through 15, when runners start to head through Potomac Park to Hains Point, then turn around to head back into downtown DC for a loop around the National Mall.

It’s part of an ongoing series leading up to the marathon, and it’s based on a chapter from an old edition of Runner’s World’s "Guide to Running," which advocates visualizing the race in manageable chunks during your taper to prepare to run the race in manageable chunks come race day.

Today’s exercise: Imagine congratulating yourself for finishing the long downhill through Georgetown leading up to mile 10, which means you’ve made it through the race’s two significant hills (there’s the quick, .2-mile ascent to the finish line, but we’ll worry about that later).

You still feel great, though you’re working a little harder now. You’re holding your pace, and are excited about the half-marathon point near Hains Point.

You’re enjoying the bucolic park and water views on Ohio Drive, and are looking forward to looping back into the city. You’ve taken in plenty of water and PowerAde, and can grab a Clif shot just before the 13 mile marker. You’re feeling calm, confident and strong.