Decisions and race goals




I have spent the last week trying to decide the best option for me, going back and forth and attempting to weigh the pros/cons of both decisions. I think the back to back longer runs a couple weeks ago really caused me problems and the resting and lower mileage has greatly helped this. Last weekend I ran 12 miles that felt great, followed by another good run on Tuesday which solidified my decision to stick with the marathon. I know mentally I have an easier time if I have to take it easy at this distance rather then another half where I need to take it easy.

I will remember this on Sunday :-)
Through the last couple weeks I have tried to be smart and learned (something I already knew) that I don't taper well. I have limited my miles, only running twice this week and filling in the days with biking and elliptical. I get restless and frustrated, I feel I need to be out running. Yesterday I decided to sleep in after a long Wednesday and skip my morning workout, but I then spent the day hoping the downpours subsided because I needed to get out a run. In the end the rain continued and we hit the gym instead where I realized a downfall to working there and knowing so many people. My workout got cut down to only 35 minutes because it took me nearly 20 minutes to get upstairs after everyone wanted to talk. This is okay, I need to remember I will gain nothing by an extra workout this week and have done what I can which may not be needed as the forecast for Sunday is a high of 90F! My best training might just have been the easy, hot race in Boston last month.

Here it is Race Goals:
A. Feel good, run smart and finish < 3:50
B. < 3:40 with a negative split
C. PR with a sub 3:30 (ultimately I was hoping for < 3:20 but with all the leg issues I doubt this is possible)


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I think this pretty much explains my decision!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! How ironic, Jill also talked about being flexible and setting new running goals today.

Comments

  1. Danise JuradoMay 25, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Hi, stopping by from Jill's blog hop... New running goals or fitness goals in general are so important especially when we are not feeling quite 100%. Mixing up the fitness routine and introducing other types of work outs is good when we need to "rest" a certain area of our bodies. I have a hip "thing" that flares up every once in a while from running a marathon 8 years ago... usually I just need to change things up a little and its ok. Hope you feel good and get your time / PR! Blessings~

    I blog about faith and fitness at http://danisejurado.com

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 26, 2012 at 5:44 AM

      Thanks :) Rest is a tough concept for me, one that I really need to work on more!

      Delete
  2. Rachelle QMay 25, 2012 at 10:07 AM

    Way to be flexible! When I am at the gym, I wear my headphones and I try not to talk too much to anyone. This way I get in and out and bypass the social aspect since I am there to get in my workout. It's hard to do that when you know lots of people there though:) One time a friend came up to chat and I was fine with that, but I was thinking in the back of my head that I should be pedaling harder on the bike:)

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 26, 2012 at 5:45 AM

      Being flexible is not one of my strengths! Maybe next time I'll have to put the headphones on as soon as I walk in the door...hahaha :)

      Delete
  3. Kyria @ Travel SpotMay 25, 2012 at 10:17 AM

    Taper is hard. Good luck with your race. No matter what, it will be a good one, although I know how we are always chasing that time (esp that 3:40 BQ time)! Just go and have fun -- remember that is why we run (just like Kara said!)

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    1. Coach JenMay 26, 2012 at 5:46 AM

      Thanks! Not pushing and being competetive with myself is tough, but it is so important to remember to have fun with it :)

      Delete
  4. Suz and AllanMay 25, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    Have a great Memorial Day weekend as well! It sounds like you have some great goals in place for your upcoming marathon!

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 26, 2012 at 5:47 AM

      Thanks :) The changing weather may cause a change in these goals yet again.

      Delete
  5. fancy nancyMay 25, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    Have a great weekend!!! Best of luck with your race!! Thanks for the follow!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Laura BollMay 25, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    You've got some great quotes! I'll be thinking of you Sunday. I'm running a 10k tomorrow, and we have a high of 90 degrees, too, ugh! Take it easy if you need to- running in the heat is no fun. And remember Kara's quote! :)

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 26, 2012 at 5:48 AM

      I thought after Boston I was done with hot marathons, guess I was wrong! Good luck to you at your 10K :)

      Delete
  7. jillconyersMay 26, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    I agree tapering is hard. And for me, so is being flexible. Happy to report I'm getting better at both.

    It sounds like you've made the right decision. Good luck tomorrow! Enjoy the run!

    Kara's quote is one of my favorites.

    Oh and thanks for the mention :)

    [Fitness, Health and Happiness]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 26, 2012 at 5:49 AM

      Thanks! Sounds like we are both making progress in these areas :)

      Delete

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