To run, or not to run...that is the question.
So I have a little confession to make to everyone...
This past Saturday may or may not have been my first "run" in practically three weeks. And when I say "run" I mean really, really long walk with maybe a combined 1.5-2 miles of actual running intermixed.
The truth is...I'm not so sure I'll be able to hack it on 10/7. I had a completely craptacular 16 mile. It was awful. Totally horrendus. And I missed the 18 miler because of the cruise (I also missed the 18 during my 1st marathon). And really, looking back, the half marathon wasn't all that great either. I feel like I've got a great base in regards to distances under 12 miles...but my 12+ mile runs haven't left a great taste in my mouth. And I certainly won't be meeting my desired goal time....which is super frustrating.
We've got a 20 miler on Saturday...so perhaps I'll make that decision as we go into taper.
I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in the meantime. In the event that 10/7 goes out the window (and I hope it doesn't, I just don't know if I want to hate myself for 6 hours and have a rough recovery) I would at least run the Kansas City half marathon on the 20th since we're in town. I may even elect to do both in the end. I just can't let that many months worth of training go down the drain. Should I not run, I know I'd be waiting for my mentees and fellow RBFers with a fresh set of legs around mile 22 and help run people in and keep their spirits up. Plus I'd have a blast doing that. But really...I just kinda want more hardware...especially since this is the 30th anniversary AND the last year it'll be the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
...sigh...
what's a girl to do?
This past Saturday may or may not have been my first "run" in practically three weeks. And when I say "run" I mean really, really long walk with maybe a combined 1.5-2 miles of actual running intermixed.
The truth is...I'm not so sure I'll be able to hack it on 10/7. I had a completely craptacular 16 mile. It was awful. Totally horrendus. And I missed the 18 miler because of the cruise (I also missed the 18 during my 1st marathon). And really, looking back, the half marathon wasn't all that great either. I feel like I've got a great base in regards to distances under 12 miles...but my 12+ mile runs haven't left a great taste in my mouth. And I certainly won't be meeting my desired goal time....which is super frustrating.
We've got a 20 miler on Saturday...so perhaps I'll make that decision as we go into taper.
I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in the meantime. In the event that 10/7 goes out the window (and I hope it doesn't, I just don't know if I want to hate myself for 6 hours and have a rough recovery) I would at least run the Kansas City half marathon on the 20th since we're in town. I may even elect to do both in the end. I just can't let that many months worth of training go down the drain. Should I not run, I know I'd be waiting for my mentees and fellow RBFers with a fresh set of legs around mile 22 and help run people in and keep their spirits up. Plus I'd have a blast doing that. But really...I just kinda want more hardware...especially since this is the 30th anniversary AND the last year it'll be the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
...sigh...
what's a girl to do?
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 6:54 AM
12 Camper Comments:
Barb, all you can do is listen to your body. I know of a certain someone else who did not have a great training season too. You are not alone. Take your time to make the decision. It has to be the best decision for YOU.
Hi JayHawk - I would suggest do everything right for the 20, good prep, good attitude, etc. and see where it goes. One day at a time. Your body will let you know. I know, easier said then done, I am in a similar situation! I missed a 16 and turned another into a 10 because of foot pain. Have no idea if I can go any further right now until I figure out what is going on. Even if the feet held out, I only have 3 long runs left. One day at a time...
Good luck. A plan will come together :)
That's a hard call. I would reserve a decision until after your 20. Do your best with this week, run your 20, see how that goes, and then decide. Of course, actually doing the 20 seems like you might as well then do the marathon, right?
Ugh, I don't envy your decision.
You will do what is ultimately the right decision for you, you always do!
But, if I had to bet... I'd say your gonna run it. Because... well... you always do!
Before every big race you talk about not running it, but in the end you get out there and do it. You're not a quitter, and if you think you have a chance of finishing, I know you'll get yourself to that starting line.
I agree with everyone else, see how the 20 goes, and then decide. We'll love you either way! :)
I was in a similar situation last year, since I missed a few weeks of training from vacation and a cold. I decided to bag the marathon - I knew I could finish it, but I'd finished one before so I didn't need to prove that to myself. However, I also knew that since I was so undertrained I wouldn't enjoy the slog to the finish that it would be, and for me, that was the kicker: If I wasn't going to enjoy it, then why would I do that to myself? It was a hard decision to make, but a year later I still feel like I did the right thing.
Think about it this week, see how the 20 goes, and then make your decision. I think the key will be knowing what you want to get out of running the marathon, and whether or not you'll be able to do that.
I am in the exact same situation as you! And after a lot of thinking, I've decided that I'm getting my tail out there and doing as much as I can handle. If I end up walking 10 of those miles, so be it! As you said, I just can't let all that training go completely down the drain! Good luck in your decision and if you need a walking buddy, let me know :p
I say do the 20-miler, see how you feel and go from there. Remember, you've done this distance before, so your body will kick in when it's necessary.
If you ultimately decide not to run, I'd love to have you run me in at mile 22. :)
BUT...
The swag this year could prove to be most excellent. You'd hate to miss those extras...medal, t-shirt, etc....
Let us know what you decide to do.
You know that you can do it, but I totally understand how you're feeling. I vote that you don't make any decisions until race day. Go to the expo and go to the race - pick up on that energy! You know the energy itself is addictive. Start the race and do what you can - maybe it will be only 15 miles that day, and there's nothing wrong with that. I often tell myself "X" amount of miles is better than no miles. Just by starting the race you're ahead of the million spectators, and the bazillion people sitting at home. My bet though, is that you will set out on race day and make it the full 26.2. You've got what it takes. Listen to your body and push it to its limits, but not beyond its limits. Go for the 20 this weekend, but more importantly toe the start line on 10/7 and see what happens from there. I trained in 2005 and had a pretty crappy training season, and September was the worst month of them all. I also had a bridal shower to attend the same day as the marathon (which was an excellent excuse)... but... it still bothers me to this day to think that I did not line up at the start on marathon day. Ultimately, you know you have to do what's best for you, and no matter what you've got a great backing of people that support whatever decision you make.
I think you know you are physically capable of doing it, but what you're really saying out loud here is whether or not you want to let yourself be disappointed in the results you know you're going to have on 10/7, because you know the level of training you need to put into it to have a good marathon vs what you have done. One 20-miler really isn't going to change all that, and it's not that different than a 16-miler. I think the decision depends on what you want to take away from that day. Are you looking to PR or looking to enjoying the race at a pace much slower than what you wanted? Some people would only be happy with #1, and others would be happy with either.
I have no advice. You must do what is best for you - and you'll figure it out during your last few runs these next weeks.
Stay strong no matter what.
It's only a race, which means you could look at it either way. :-)
Bottom line is your a smart girl I have no dobut you will make the right call.
In my humble opinion though, running a marathon just because, it's not worth it. If you feel ready to run, run if not I would not risk it, 26.2 miles is a looooong way. Good luck. :)
i think bob nailed it. undertraining can lead to bad things. i think you hunker down this week and see how the running goes. you have time and no need to rush a decision.
i too have a 20 miler this sunday! good luck. later.
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