Sunday, August 9, 2009

Reassessment of Goals: To Marathon or Not To Marathon

So today my running buddy "busted" on our Portland or Bust campaign. I have no hard feelings toward her (seriously, I could NEVER have hard feelings toward you Andria), she made a decision that is right for her. I must say it has caused me to second guess my own ability, stamina, fitness level, and frankly sanity. My running buddy is in every bit as good of shape as me, actually better I am sure! She is the one who drags me to the finish. So here I am, fighting THE MIND GAME.

So much of distance running is mental. How much though? I would dare say 50 percent of distance running is mental. Anyone else have any facts on this? I know I can do it. I also know that I am not ready, yet... What are my other Marathon options? I can't afford to travel so that leaves me with the Seattle Marathon in November. Ugh! The half last year was my personal worst as far as time and performance and a killer! So, for now I press on and continue training for Portland.

And don't worry, while my partner has decided not to run the actual marathon she has assured me she will still train with me! I will test her loyalty a few long runs at a time! :)

This weeks mileage goal: 40
Monday 6
Tuesday 4
Wednesday 8
Thursday 6
Friday 4
Sunday 12

I wasn't kidding when I said this 12 week training plan was a doozie! 6 days a week is a lot.

Gratitude Journal:
1. I am grateful that a new week is beginning.
2. I am grateful that I survived my son's kid birthday party!
3. I am grateful that my son is feeling much better and seems to be over his icky
virus!
4. I am grateful for fresh starts and new beginnings.
5. I am grateful for girl talk.

Happy Running!

6 comments:

  1. You can do it! It appears you have a good training program, the miles under the belt, and the fact that only you can complete the distance anyway! Good luck!

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  2. WOw 6 days a week...you are one tough chick. I am unsure how much of it is mental...but when my energy depleted in mile 12 I know that my mind was the only thing keeping me moving the rest of the Marathon. Hang in there!!

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  3. Hi! I just stumbled across your blog from Mel - Tall Mom's blog and I must say, I am impressed!

    I have never finished a full marathon, but I will tell you that I felt the exact same way when I was training for my HM (first race ever). I thought I wasn't ready and that I was crazy.

    I stuck to my training plan, and finished the race! Only you know what you're capable. I don't have any facts on mental vs physical but a funny quote I found about a year ago... "Long distance is 100% mental until you pass out, then it's physical."

    It sounds like you're on the right track! Keep up the good work. Keep training hard! You can do it! :)

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  4. My personal opinion is that once you reach a certain level of fitness, most running is mental. But I only know that about myself, so I don't know about others. You do share at least half my genes though!

    On another note, I am still sticking with the no sweets thing. Haven't caved yet, even with the vacation. How are you doing?

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  5. How great to find another running blog! We must have run together last year. I did the Seattle marathon!

    It's too bad that you won't have a running buddy during the marathon like you planned, but if you've done the training, I think you can run the marathon.

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  6. I know how you feel. My runny buddy just ditched. I'm training for a half marathon. It sucks!

    Wow, running 6 days a week is a lot. Keep it up be careful about your knees. Its a lot of running.

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You're pretty much awesome!!

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