Today marked 8 weeks until the Walt Disney World Marathon. And thanks to a not-so-great run yesterday morning, I am starting to doubt my decision to pursue the full marathon distance.
My pace group sort of fractured this week - only 3 of us showed up to do the full training distance. One guy decided to bump up to one of the faster groups, and one of the guys bumped down to the slowest group. I knew that there was no way I was going to stick with the faster group, and the slower group was doing 1:1 intervals, which is what I prefer anyway, so I decided to go with them. They were planning on a 16-17mm, which seemed so slow, but for the planned distance (22-23 miles), made sense.
It was a cool, overcast, very windy morning around the lake. About halfway around the second loop, and at approximately 13.5 miles, I was really starting to feel tired and worn out. Chatting with one of the other group members, we decided to start walking at mile 14, and just re-evaluate how we felt periodically about starting to run/walk again. We eventually ended up walking the rest of the second loop and stopping at 18.2 miles. A disappointing finish for me - but I do have one more 20+ mile run left before Disney so I wasn't too upset about it.
As we finished out the loop, we were talking about our planned races and discussing training and race day concerns. Having completed two 18-mile and one 21-mile training runs now, I am doubting my decision to try to do more full marathons (specifically ones on my bucket list like MCM). Now that I'm deep in the heart of full marathon training, I'm realizing just how hard this is. I knew it would be. But, really, this is HARD. I truly don't know that I have it in me to do it again.
At this point in my training, I'm not doubting my ability to finish the Disney Marathon (knock on wood - unless something injury-related happens). But I'm definitely going to have to wait until after Disney to make a determination on whether this distance is something that is really meant for me.
Saturday's Run:
- 18.22 miles; 5:02:59; 16:38 min/mi
Jenny, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteThe first 20+ mile run is a killer. It does get easier. Okay maybe not easier, but more doable. It wasn't until training for my third marathon that I realized this is something I really can do. Come on! If Rod can do it ...
:)
This is normal thinking. You are right at peak training and doing things that seem impossible. You're feeling a little worn out and the doubts creep in. I felt the same way last year around this time. Work on positive thoughts out there on your runs, remember that you will be in a very exciting location with tons of support and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAs for deciding on another full marathon - wait until you finish in Jan. I said the same thing until I finished my first full marathon and you may feel differently after the race. If you decide to never do a second full marathon - so what? You tried it, worked hard for it and found out it's not for you. No one can take away the accomplishment and you can go back to half marathons if you want to!
Hang in there and remember you're doing great and can do anything you set your mind to!!!