Not Admitting Defeat
On New Year's Eve, Leah (who posted some absurd photos of Mike and I earlier today, by the way) articulated exactly what I really never truly wanted to admit (cause in my mind, I was convinced it was admitting defeat)...
"I know I have a full in me this spring...I just don't know if I want to train that hard right now." (okay, so it's not verbatim, but close enough...)
That's when I realized that sometimes even the best runners need a break in mileage from time to time. And while I know that I'm not the world's greatest runner, I--the back of the pack wannabe swift chick--understand that every once in a while you just have to cut yourself some slack. That changing the plan isn't defeat...it's smart. Sometimes it's needed.
...I will likely be resigning from the Nashville 26.2, and setting my sights on kicking some serious ass in the CMM half. Attempting to shave off more than a minute per mile. Walking away feeling accomplished and knowing I ran a good race. I want to run a smart race. I want a challenge that won't wipe me out. I want to be able to keep the momentum going directly into my Chicago Marathon training when I get back from Music City. Doing the half...and doing it right...I think, will make me a better...stronger...runner. It'll give me an ideal base for spring/summer marathon training. It'll be a quick recovery...one where I am capable of walking the following day. Heck, I might even be able to dance around like a maniac after finishing the half, rather than waddling and crawling home on all fours.
...and with adding triathlon training into the mix...brick workouts...evenings in the pool...and zipping along the lakefront with my new bike...it just makes sense to me right now...the logical decision...the right one...but most importantly, the smart one...
Afterall, I'd rather post a great time in the half and feel awesome rather than finish the full, feel deflated and likely be disappointed with my time. Honestly, I don't really have the drive to incorporate the necessary speed work into my routine to post the time I most desire. It's winter. It's cold. And when I wake up on mornings like today...with a negative four wind chill...going outside for a few miles along a frosty lake with wind gusts is the last thing on my mind. And as you know, I'd rather dig into my eyes with a spork than spend more than 45 minutes on a treadmill.
I know that my sub-5:30 'thon is reserved for Chicago--come hell or high water.
I've got a lot on my plate right now and I'm simply aiming to make my winter/spring training more enjoyable all around. So yeah...there's no reason for me to admit defeat...right?
"I know I have a full in me this spring...I just don't know if I want to train that hard right now." (okay, so it's not verbatim, but close enough...)
That's when I realized that sometimes even the best runners need a break in mileage from time to time. And while I know that I'm not the world's greatest runner, I--the back of the pack wannabe swift chick--understand that every once in a while you just have to cut yourself some slack. That changing the plan isn't defeat...it's smart. Sometimes it's needed.
...I will likely be resigning from the Nashville 26.2, and setting my sights on kicking some serious ass in the CMM half. Attempting to shave off more than a minute per mile. Walking away feeling accomplished and knowing I ran a good race. I want to run a smart race. I want a challenge that won't wipe me out. I want to be able to keep the momentum going directly into my Chicago Marathon training when I get back from Music City. Doing the half...and doing it right...I think, will make me a better...stronger...runner. It'll give me an ideal base for spring/summer marathon training. It'll be a quick recovery...one where I am capable of walking the following day. Heck, I might even be able to dance around like a maniac after finishing the half, rather than waddling and crawling home on all fours.
...and with adding triathlon training into the mix...brick workouts...evenings in the pool...and zipping along the lakefront with my new bike...it just makes sense to me right now...the logical decision...the right one...but most importantly, the smart one...
Afterall, I'd rather post a great time in the half and feel awesome rather than finish the full, feel deflated and likely be disappointed with my time. Honestly, I don't really have the drive to incorporate the necessary speed work into my routine to post the time I most desire. It's winter. It's cold. And when I wake up on mornings like today...with a negative four wind chill...going outside for a few miles along a frosty lake with wind gusts is the last thing on my mind. And as you know, I'd rather dig into my eyes with a spork than spend more than 45 minutes on a treadmill.
I know that my sub-5:30 'thon is reserved for Chicago--come hell or high water.
I've got a lot on my plate right now and I'm simply aiming to make my winter/spring training more enjoyable all around. So yeah...there's no reason for me to admit defeat...right?
Labels: CMM, Half Marathon
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 8:12 AM
16 Camper Comments:
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!WE'LL STILL BE THERE (MAYBE EVEN WITH RED HAIR) CHEERING YOU ON!!!! LOVE YOU, MOM
hey girly....sounds like a good plan for sure. totally not admitting defeat and I think you will be so ready for Chicago marathon training after that. jason and I did a half in early may last year and felt great going into marathon training....as jason likes to say, "you have to have a good base" :-)
the picture btw is awesome....nerdy....but awesome
Sounds like a very smart plan!! Way to go making a tough decision!!
You are absolutely right. Running a half marathon is the smartest move you could make. You have a lot on your plate, especially adding your first triathlon season. It is definitely not defeat.
I think you're a genius!! It will be so fun!
It's a brilliant plan. Better to take a break now than to burn yourself out later. As I said on Leah's blog, it's not about admitting defeat, it's about saving your sanity.
Sounds like a plan to me, back of the pack wannabe swift chick.... You could even concentrate on a super fast 5K time, the options are unlimited.
You made the right decision. Well thought out.
I'll see you at the finish line at the Chicago Marathon this fall!
Its not defeat Barb...it is just a well thought out balanced plan!! Great call!
A-MEN! the great thing about running is that YOU define success and failure. no one else. you do what's right for you and what makes you happy and that's ALWAYS success :)
good luck!
Sounds super and well thought out. Go girl!
I'll see you smokin' past me on 10.7.07. :o)
No, it's not defeat! It's just using your head and being smart about what you are ready for. It sounds like a smart, well thought out plan to me!
((Barb)) You are making a smart decision. Hang in there. Hopefully it will be MUCH warmer soon.
That sounds like a smart decision. You're doing a lot right now, and if you trian for the tri, you'll be pretty wiped out from that. Plus, with the half you can still enjoy the race, but you won't kill yourself over it. Good luck with Nashville!
A half is WAY more fun anyway. I'm so burnt out on marathon training myself right now. It's such a huge time committment that I really don't want to make right now! We will have MORE fun at CMM because we're only 13.1 tired!
Sounds like a good plan - we all need breaks in life. Sub 5:30 is on your way.
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