11.15.2009

Is that how it is?

The last few races and long runs that I've done, I've been cursing in my head while I've been running wondering why I am running, and planning out my next phase - triathlons. I'm telling myself - I'll just become a triathlete and stop doing marathons and not focus so much on running. This will be my 5th marathon - 5 is a good number to stop?? Or maybe I just need some time off to replan and take a break from straight up running. When I'm done the race or long run, I feel GREAT for the rest of the day. And I can't wait to do it again. But while I'm running - totally not the case. Does that happen to you?? Is that how it is? We're pushing and working hard and the finish feels great but not so much the run itself?


Today I did an 8.4 mile "race" down on Kelly Drive with my sister. It was a beautiful day with great views! I ran the first 3 miles with my sister and then got competitive with myself and knew I could go faster. But - I was out there for an easy 8 mile "long" run - the last one before the marathon. Around mile 5, I was cursing and wondering why I left my sister behind and pissed that I wasn't running and enjoying it with her. Instead I was trying to pick up my pace and pass people. So annoying! I ended up just under 9 minute mile pace, and the last 3 miles did not feel easy. I wanted to stop and walk! I wanted to turn around and run with my sister. Why can't I just do a race for fun and not try to beat people? Agh. It was a great day out there though. Kristen finished 4 minutes after me. What is 4 minutes in the long run? I need to get some perspective, especially because this was not a race to race.

In the end I felt good for having done the run and it made me somewhat excited (and nervous) for next weekend. 1 week to go!

13 comments:

  1. Sorry :-(

    I still can't get back into running.

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  2. You definitely need to get into triathlons...I can't believe you haven't done one yet with all the swimming you do.

    I've got the running blahs right now too...maybe it's just going around.

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  3. take a break from running for a while and see where your heart is. running will always be there for you no matter what! :)

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  4. i know what you mean, for that reason i miss pregnant running...it was great just to be out there with nothing else to prove. hopefully a break (just exercising, not training, like mama simmons wrote) will help it be fun again!

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  5. I am SUPER excited that you are going to do a triathlon! I think they are so much more fun than plain old running races. I think that marathon training is really hard, mentally and physically, and considering you have done 5 I definitely think you are due for a break. I have already picked out a couple sprints races that my husband or I (assuming my hip is better) will do. There is one in April at the YMCA in Berwyn and another in May in Lebanon, PA.

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  6. This is exactly how I got into triathalons. Well, not exactly, because I've never trained for a marathon, but boredom with "just" running (oh yeah, and injuries) pushed me over the line into triathaloning. I bet you will love it. Best of luck to you in your marathon. Even if you do switch over to triathalon exclusively, this probably won't be your last marathon - Ironman distance tris INCLUDE a marathon!

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  7. I think taking a break sounds like a great idea... give yourself a breather and then see where things take you. Just gotta get through 26.2 more miles :)

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  8. That's definitely not how it has to be.

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  9. OK, I really hope the break after the marathon does the trick for you! But I think you'll love tri's. Not that I've done one before, but you already have the swimming down and that's a huge thing! I want to do tri's but the only thing I know is running.

    Here's to a great LOW MILEAGE last week!!! Yay!

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  10. We're pushing and working hard and the finish feels great but not so much the run itself?

    All three of my marathons have been like that. But the finish feels great enough that I've been willing to endure the meh-stastic feeling 3 times to get to that point!

    I'd love to figure it out one day...

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  11. I struggled for a bit to get through runs after I did the ultra. I was so burnt out. So for a week I ran based solely on time. No pace, no distance...just time. It was so nice to run just for fun and that was all I needed to get out of my funk.

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  12. Aw, it sounds like you just need to switch things up! And yes, especially during a long running week, I question my sanity and why I am out there logging the miles. And then, like you, I get home and feel awesome and so proud. You're normal, don't worry about it!! ;)

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  13. Maybe you just need a break from the training. After your race, try a tri (heehee) if that is what you think you'd like. Only one way to know for sure!

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