HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
This is my first Friday link up with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up For What, and Mar On The Run. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
I have been tossing around the idea of running a full marathon for a while now, way too long actually. I thought 2014 was going to be the year...it wasn't. Instead, I decided to do 14 halfs in 2014 {*check* and still going - at least 3 more} and I put that marathon on the back burner.
Well now it's back on the front burner again. YES, 2015 will be the year! And immediately, I'm full of doubt and fear.
What SCARES me most about running a full marathon...
- TIME. The amount of time it will take to properly train for it is intimidating. I don't do anything half-fanny. I will want to be fully trained and give it my all. I do have other commitments and already feel over extended. {Does anyone feel as exhausted as I do? What would I do without coffee? That would truly be scary!}
- MISSING OUT. I enjoy racing and hanging out with my running buddies. It will make me sad to miss races while I train for it (and recover from it). Yes, I can probably still run a few 5ks, but I know I shouldn't do my favorite race - the half. (Or, maybe just one? Two?)
- PAIN. I'm concerned that my Achilles, knee, IT band, hip or other previous problems will rear their ugly head while running those extra miles. Then, I'll be required to back off. That just won't work!
- INJURY. While I'm accustomed to the issues in #3, I'm afraid I'll develop something new that will prevent me from participating at all. All that training for nothing...
- FAILING. When I cross the finish line of a half marathon, I can't imagine running another single step. How in the world will I be able to sustain a 26.2 mile run? True to form, I'll probably assign myself an unattainable finish time. Never having run one, I don't even know where the ballpark is located much less how to be in it.
I say go for it. You never know unless you try.but you will always wonder if you don't. You could always use other races as part of your training for a full. I would suggest any marathon that is pretty flat. The Shamrock In Virginia Beach is a great one. Also Disney because that is not intimidating at all. That was my first one and it was the perfect first. It will also be my sister's first one coming up in 2015. -L
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was Disney because I did my first half there but it was already sold out for 2015. The miles just fly by at a Disney race!
DeleteWelcome to the link up! I am marathon training right now and since i've started my training in July, i've already ran 4 races and will be running another 2 in just a few days. You won't miss out on things, just use those races as training runs!
ReplyDeleteHi from the Friday Five linkup. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon as my first (2007) and I think approximately 1/3 of participants are 1st timers. You encounter all emotions while training (probably similar feelings that emerge as runners progress from 5K to 10K to halves etc) - happy, excited, scared, nervous. Perhaps you can convince one of your running buddies to train with you? Or you could meet some new running buddies from a marathon training group. I know others (I have too) used half marathons as part of my long runs for marathon training this year. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYes, hopefully I can run a few halfs for my long runs.
DeleteNever done a full marathon. My first (and last) 20K was in pouring rain and 50 degree weather. It took my body 6 months to recuperate as everything tightened up during the race... bad experience. So, no interest in doing a marathon and not being able to run after it. I have found that my body's limit is about 15k before things start really hurting or getting out of whack. So, no marathon for me...
ReplyDeleteNope. Thought about it. Same fears as you.
ReplyDeleteWow 14 half races!? Impressive! #FridayFive
ReplyDeleteI've never run a full marathon, but commend you for facing your fears! I would think that it would be helpful to have a long training plan for your first full, but it''s great that you've already got a great base for running. I'm sure you'll do great!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Friday Five Link-up! So happy to "meet" you here! I am currently training for my first full marathon; it's a rather lengthy story, but I trained to run my first full in March and was only able to complete about 21 miles (weather snafu). Anyway, I don't find that the training is too much more time consuming than what I normally do; I also find that cross-training and some strength training have helped me combat injuries, but I've learned that the hard way. It's definitely a tough decision, so just make sure you're having fun! Hope you have a great Halloween weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm not good with strength training. I should work on that! Good luck with your training!
DeleteSo happy to find your blog through Friday Five! I've run 40 marathons and it was my favorite distance for years. Now I run halves and shorter. Sure, you can still run races with your friends. Let's say you have a 16-miler on your schedule and you don't want to miss out on the fun of running your favorite half... Run 3 miles before or after the race, and then run the race as part of that day's training run. It certainly won't hurt to race a couple of those races to see how you're doing with race pace, fueling, etc. You can even race a 5K on Saturday, and just take it a little easier than normal on your long training run on Sunday. As a running coach, I highly recommend throwing a few races into your training cycle! If you decide to run a marathon, the most important thing is to have fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Deb. I do love racing!
Delete1. The only big different between what you are doing now and a marathon is a longer long run. So, it should take you THAT much more time. 2. You can totally still do races. You may not be able to "race" them all, but you can definitely do them. Running a half marathon as part of your long run is a nice way to break things up. 3. Follow a good plan and add miles slowly and run your long runs SLOW and you should be ok. 4. Listen to your body. Take a break if something goes wonky and you should be fine. 5. Run your first marathon for fun. Revel in the experience. High five every kid you see. Save the time goals for your next one...
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You can totally do a marathon if that's what you want to do.
Thanks for the advice. There are so many different training plans, some with crazy high weekly mileage. I hope I can just add to my long run and maybe add a couple of miles to a midweek run.
DeleteI've procrastinated way too long. I haven't selected the race yet...still looking. Do it! We can share training notes.
ReplyDeleteI think your going to do fine! Let those intimidations go, and just love and enjoy the experience! I ran 39 marathons and several back to back and I was never injured doing any of them. Their is an important thing about training for a marathon and if done correctly you rarely hear of anyone getting injured by it. The key is build up gradually, get the long runs in, and do not mix speed with distance build up.
ReplyDeleteSure you'll be tired, but half the fun about training is to get that part past you so you can enjoy the race even more:) I'm excited to read you blog as you train and get ready for your first, I bet you do awesome!!!
Thanks. Sound advice from someone with lots of experience!
ReplyDeleteactually lots of people (including me) run half marathons while training for a full. it can be a great thing! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope I can too!
DeleteI've had a lot of similar concerns about a full marathon. I'm doing my first half in a couple weeks so I don't have to decide any time soon :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your half!
DeleteIt took me a long time to get up the courage to run my first, and even more courage to run #2 (3 years!). But now that I have that successful, FUN marathon under my belt, I won't rule out doing another. Just make sure you train properly. That was the key for me.
ReplyDelete~Wendy at Taking the Long Way Home
You did great in Chicago. I'm having a hard time choosing one! So many to pick from.
ReplyDelete