Looking back on last year (my first-go-round), and all the training I did, this time couldn't be more different. And a GOOD different. I am no longer held back by the ball n' chain that is my treadmill. In the past 9 or so weeks...95% of my runs have been on the road. I haven't run more than 3 miles on the thing since August. What a feat that is for me! Overall, I just feel more ready. Not necessarily more ready because I'm faster (I think I may be a litte bit...but not much), not necessarily more ready because I've done more miles, but totally, because I'm more mentally prepared this time. I think that has a lot to do with not being a marathon virgin anymore and also because, I surpassed the marathon distance 2 months ahead of schedule when I decided to run an Ultra Marathon in September. Which brings me to my biggest struggle right now....this moment...
To run the 20 miler, or to not run the 20 miler.
Ugh, and I just can't decide. About a week ago, I ran what I felt like was a very strong 18 miles. I finished, even after all my possum adventures, and still felt like I had A LOT in the tank. Had it not been for the adventure of that run, I probably would have kept going. And this "season", I've run more long runs in the 10-15 mile range than I ever thought about last year. My 10 miler on Thursday was by far my fastest, and I wasn't even meaning to go fast. I've been clocking 2 double digit miler days a week for a little while now.
Soooo why am I obsessing about whether or not to do a 20 miler this weekend??
Almost all marathon training plans include the mammoth 20 mile run. Literally, almost all of them. When I didn't get the distance in this weekend (I was out of town...as I have been 6 out of the past 8 weeks...its really a wonder I've been able to train at all!), I really started to doubt the distance's merit. I mean come on, is the difference between 18 miles and 20 miles really going to make a difference? Is that 2 miles THAT critical? Can't I just let myself rest? Can't I just do a 15 miler? Can't I be forgiven for not running 20 miles this weekend and attending the most fun surprise wedding of the century...and having one too many adult beverages? Can't I just pretend like I did it? Can't I just wait and see how I feel on Sunday?
YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAA. I googled it, and turns out there are a lot of people that say the 20 miler is simply, a MENTAL distance. For many, knowing that they finish that training run, and only have a 10k left is critical in preparing their MENTAL state. Also, many training plans now go by the wisdom that an 18 miler is more than sufficient, especially if you have been doing more than your fair share of 10-15 mile distances as well. After perusing over 9 articles on the subject (from legitimate places...), my mind is more at ease. Mentally, I know I can do more than 20 miles (and yes, I'm saying that like it's an affirmation...). Mentally, I've already surpassed that when I did almost double that a few weeks ago. Mentally, I feel ready. And I know I'm physically ready. And that is what matters to me.
Now, I'll say it. I DON'T recommend this for everybody. Every person and their training is different. Every person has a different journey and a different mental can and can't do threshhold. So for many, doing that last long distance is a make-it or break-it. I fully understand that. In this case, where I'm at right now, I'm ready to start backing down the mileage to give myself ample time to recover from all the running I have done, so my legs are fresh November 13.
So here's to breaking the rules, even if they are my own rules! And here's to probably my most boring blog I've ever written! So to break up the monotony...here are a few pictures of some marathon runners in some wacky outfits!
Now this would take ENDURANCE! WOW!
Stewy runs the 26.2!
ANNNNNDDDD my favorite!!!!! :)
Thanks for cheering me on!
Lacy
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