Marathon Decisions

Instead of focusing on my upcoming training instead the focus is on a decision I need to make this week about the marathon I have planned. Over the last few weeks I have started to really question my readiness for the marathon. While I know I can finish, I have enough of that lately I want to race well again, reach for the 3:20 goal and finish feeling strong again. I was behind in beginning my training thanks to not listening to my body when this hamstring injury started over a year ago! Instead I continued to run like nothing was wrong resulting in frustrating races and months of rehab. I was finally cleared to run speed with about 1/3 of marathon training left but remain limited on back to back runs and hills.

I am less than 5 weeks from my planned marathon and the logistics of the race and travel while starting a new job also make it rather tough. Combine this with lack of ideal training (for both Matt and I) and we are questioning whether to run. I still want to run a marathon but am looking at other possible options. 1) the following week but a flat course that is 3 hours away but out of state 2) a slightly hilly course 2 weeks later that is 2 hours away but in my home state or 3) a similar course to #2 that is 3 hours away and would still get another state crossed off my list or heck add 4) some other marathon I have no idea about, suggestions? Something near the Twin Cities in late Fall?

So how did the week go…

Monday: Walk and yoga/core
Tuesday: Strength with trainer. Evening 6 mile run coaching
Wednesday: Core and Run to/from O's dentist and farmer's market (8.5 miles)
Thursday: Morning 12 mile run, walk for coffee and core work
Friday: Spin
Saturday: 8 mile run/walk (helped a new runner finish her longest run of 3 miles) then off to Matt’s triathlon
Sunday: 18.3 miles in nasty heat with a friend who is training for her first marathon. We started at 6am and it was 79 degrees already!

And what’s ahead…

Monday: Strength and Bike tonight
Tuesday: Spin in am and Evening run coaching
Wednesday: Strength and swim
Thursday: Run and core
Friday: Spin??
Saturday: Half Marathon
Sunday: Bike and Strength


How was your week? Stay cool out there! It is nasty here, hot and humid with temps over 100!



Comments

  1. Mindy BobeAugust 26, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    I think you should do what your head is telling you. If you're not ready...pick an easier course for sure. Good luck girl!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 26, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    Can you make it to the Marine Corps Marathon it is October 27th. I know if this happens to you but Gatorade in combination with water helped me allot this week on my run keep a steady pace, especially on the hotter days, we have not had those scary hot temps like yours lately.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenAugust 29, 2013 at 7:56 AM

      No Gatorade for me, I can only drink water nothing else agrees with my GI system!

      Delete
  3. EBAugust 26, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    It's always hard to change plans when you've been focusing on a race, but if you are not ready, it might be a good idea to change. Sounds like you have several good options, just have to see which one works with life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenAugust 29, 2013 at 7:56 AM

      Thanks, I think we have made the best decision.

      Delete
  4. Mommy Run FastAugust 26, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Hmm, I don't know of others in the area, but I think you're wise to push it back a little. Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenAugust 29, 2013 at 7:57 AM

      Thanks, I think the extra 2 weeks will benefit me :)

      Delete
  5. UnknownAugust 26, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    I think you should listen to your head/body. If you don't feel ready, drop out! You don't want to risk injury again, then I wouldn't push it! My training last week went really well and my long run run this morning was amazing, even if it was incredibly slow. Hoping that's a good sign for the week!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Runaway Bridal PlannerAugust 26, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    I agree with what someone else said earlier, go with what your head tells ya! Good luck with your decision!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Angela @ Happy Fit MamaAugust 26, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    It sounds like you've made a decision already - push it out a little farther to give yourself more time to prepare. Good luck it whatever you decide!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenAugust 29, 2013 at 7:58 AM

      It helps to write the thoughts out and see the answer is there.

      Delete

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