"You should run your first marathon for the right reasons, because you will never be the same person again. You must want to do it, not do it because your boss did it or your spouse did it."
This quote came to me several months ago in a daily "kick in the butt" email that I get from Runner's World. It really spoke to me and I stuck it in my pocket, waiting for the right moment to examine it again. It seems as if that "right" moment might finally be upon us. I have been running for about two and a half years now and I have never had any interest in running a marathon. My big goal was to run half marathons and then it was to run them in less than two hours. I have watched Erik train for and complete two marathons and never felt the urge to join him on any of those twenty mile training runs. But lately I have thought a little about running longer distances during training runs and then I got a big push from my boot camp instructor/trainer Jen.
We were talking after boot camp this week and I mentioned that I would be running a half marathon on Sunday and that it would be number 10 in 2010--one of my goals for the year. I casually mentioned that I would need a new, bigger goal for 2011 and Jen told me that she was setting the goal for me....that's right....marathon. What you don't know about Jen is that she holds a master's degree in sports psychology. She knew me before I started running and even before I was so serious about being fit. When she tells me that I can do something, I fully believe her...no questions asked, not matter how big the task. Her words: Do it. You are ready.
So now I am turning this goal over and over in my mind. I can think of so many reasons to do it and so many reasons not to. I have had so many adventures with running and I know that a marathon would be the ultimate adventure. After this weekend, I will have run seventeen half marathons in the span of two years--I am capable of more. You know how I feel about that comfort zone (see quote in top right column), is it possible that I have become "comfortable" with half marathons? Perhaps it is time to take another big step out of that comfort zone. I have said it before, I am a huge believer in good training. Train smart, invest in the plan, and anything is possible. It is also quite possible that I would be a "one and done" marathoner, and that would be okay too. But then I wonder if I really want to commit to the training. I wonder if training for a marathon would just beat me down to the point of despising running. I have been so fortunate to not have injuries, would a marathon ruin that good fortune? Yes, those are my fears talking to me loud and clear.
Then there is the question of "when" in 2011. I think that a late winter/early spring marathon might be too soon, but then I don't want to wait until next fall/winter (almost a year away). That brings in the option to travel for a marathon--there are some wonderful opportunities this summer in places far from Texas. If I decide to do a marathon, Erik wants to run it with me--sure would make for a great summer vacation!
My thoughts on this idea change frequently--sometimes I'm fired up and sometimes I'm just not sure. As you can see, I have alot to think about. And as the quote above says, I have to make sure that I want to do this for the right reasons. I will not officially set my running goals for 2011 until the new year, so I have time to ponder this over the next two months. However, the Rangers slogan for their recent World Series season keeps entering my thoughts....It's Time.
The jump to the "M" seems so far but I don't think it is! 12 months ago, when I had been running for 18 months, the thought of a half marathon hadnt even crossed my mind. Then, on the 1st of May this year I ran my first followed by my second on the 29th of May. Two weeks later I thought "maybe a Marathon!". Well, which one, how about the Adelaide Marathon on the 28th August. Started testing myself with a 30km, 32km then a 43km run, the last taking 60 seconds under 4 hours. Continued training with 2 X 10km Long Slow Runs, 2 X 20km Long Slow Runs in the week and a 30+ km run on Sunday. This lasted for 3 weeks with the Sunday run going for 37 KM's then I hurt my knee. Over training seem a reasonable assumption. I am not going to be able to run that marathon now. However, my point is, I could but not very well. If you have done so many half marathons in such a short period of time I think you are very ready to do a full marathon! You already have the miles you just need the mind set!
ReplyDeleteGood look and enjoy I am sure you will do exceptionally well!