Of course, I am not starting from scratch here. I do have a pretty good base of marathon training from the fall, winter, and early spring marathons and the 50K. But the question is how to train for a marathon when I had already stopped marathon training?
The Instant Classic was on March 17, and then I ran a trail 25K the next weekend (March 24). For about 3 weeks, I didn't really do anything long, then last weekend (on April 14), I ran 12 miles at a 7:58 pace. It felt nice to push it, and it was a hot day, so I felt especially pleased with the time.
But that was before I knew about the marathon! We were still deciding about the marathon this Saturday morning, but I went out for a good 15 mile run just to make sure I had increased my long run enough to be able to do 18-20 miles this coming Saturday. I was able to get a 7:32 average, super fast for me and a nice combination of a marathon-pace run and a long run. It gave me some confidence that I can train for this marathon and be ready come June.
Now, for the real confession. I don't want to just run this marathon. This marathon might be the last one I do for awhile. I have always said that I don't put marathoning before my family, but I was wrong. I have put marathoning above my desire to have a third baby. I have let marathoning become so important to me that I can't "find a good time" to let my body carry and nurse another baby. I have been selfish, and I am ashamed.
This race may be it. We are talking about the third baby in more real terms than ever before. So, I will give Marathon #26 everything I've got. Will it be a 3:10? Rick says there's too much elevation change, and, with part of the course run on loose gravel, it's not a good course to get a PR. There's the lack of training to think about and the fact that this race was an afterthought, a quick addendum to an already good season. Plus, it's in June, for goodness' sake.
Yet if there's something that can be said about me, let it be that I never throw an opportunity away. I know that the odds are stacked high against me. I know this whole thing might not make any sense or even seem downright foolish. But it's all I've got, and I'm going for it.
Katie you are amazing. Just remember you have the rest of your life to get a 3:10. I totally understand how you feel though. I'm training for my last marathon before I make baby number 4. I think I can do it in 3:40 but if I can just manage to take five minutes off that I can have bragging rights of BQing. I don't know what it is but I feel like that five minutes it tempting my breaking point and chances of hitting the wall. I have to keep telling myself that there will be other marathons. I don't need to kill myself! Of course I write all that while in my head thinking maybe I can still do it. Something is definitely wrong with us runners. I will admit I'm a amateur and you of course are not. I think you know what you are capable of. If you think you can do it I say go for it.
ReplyDeleteSarah, Thank you for commenting and for reminding me of that. I hope you get the 3:35!
DeleteSometimes those last minute races are the best! Last year I ran a disappointing Saturday race and signed up for another the very next Saturday - and it was a PR. So good luck!
ReplyDeleteGracie, I appreciate your advice so much---I admire you and your approach to training and running!! Thanks!
DeleteI say go for it! You've had runs that were "stacked against you" before and you have totally rocked them. You are one tough cookie - both mentally and physically so coure mechanics and training only matter if you decide they matter.
ReplyDeleteJane, glad you know me well enough to remind me of this :) You are right. I am going to replay your comment in my head when I have doubts!
DeleteGood luck Katie! You are such a strong person and such a strong runner that a 3:10 is within your reach.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suz. I appreciate you taking the time to say that. It sure helps to have others believe in you--even when you are doubting yourself!
DeleteYou can do it! You are such an inspiration to so many! Keep inspiring us to go the distance and do things we thought weren't possible! And I'm so excited to hear you guys are talking baby #3!
ReplyDeleteTracey, Thank you for the encouragement! Isn't it amazing that, through blogging, we can inspire each other? You and Greg are an inspiration to me--a big family that is doing their best to stay active and to encourage others. I will need to get with you about the Baby #3. I do not know how you do it with 5--3 sounds like a lot to me, but we are really feeling more ready now, and happy to see what God had planned for our future.
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