Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Great Marathon Debate

November 2013
Run Stats:
- 18 days
- 70.6 miles
- 8:42 average pace
- 2 races (Ragnar & local Turkey trot)
- Longest run: 8 miles
- Trimmed another 1:44 off my 5k time from September!

CrossFit Notables:
- Power Clean 1RM: 130# (up 5# from September)
- Squat Clean: 95# (squat needs work... lots of work.)
- Isabel (not Rx): 2:51 (30 snatches for time, 65#)

So in my last post I admitted that I signed up for a half-marathon and though I'm not expecting a PR (hello rolling hills) I think it should go well. What I failed to admit was that I was still hemming and hawing over a full marathon too. I've been wanting to run the Mercedes marathon for years - solely because I think the medal is cool and unique - which is held in February. I was am afraid that I won't be in shape in time (even though I did survive 17+ miles of a Ragnar last month, for what that's worth).

The Mercedes marathon is now 9-10 weeks away, and my "long" runs have been a whopping 8 and 6 miles. I don't need another 4-hour marathon, I have plenty of those already. I want to train consistently for one and be able to run it well. I suppose this is me talking myself out of it...

I'm eyeing another full in late March, which seems much more feasible to get in shape for as long as I can be more diligent with those weekend long runs. With this in mind, my internal debate switches to considering running Mercedes easy to remind myself that I can still survive the distance, and then continue to train for a (hopefully) faster late-March marathon.

Overanalyzing, I know. Thoughts?

15 comments:

  1. GracieDecember 11, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    I'd do a later race. A slow marathon - even as a training run - is demoralizing. I like the idea of having some half marathons or 30ks leading up, though, if you can find any.

    ReplyDelete
  2. One Crazy PenguinDecember 11, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    I would say to just focus on the March marathon. A slow marathon is butt kicking and like the comment above me says, demoralizing. I would say just go for the gold with the March race and save Mercedes for next year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. TeamarciaDecember 11, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    That is a purdy medal....but if you won't be where you want to be training wise I'd say hold off too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kate GeisenDecember 11, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Sounds like you should hold off on the full. Way to go chopping that 5k time!

    ReplyDelete
  5. B.o.B.December 11, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Go with your gut on this. Maybe get through the half and see how you feel.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ThatGirlRunsDecember 11, 2013 at 6:48 PM

    Forget Mercedes and see how training for a late March marathon goes. Then do another full in the fall

    ReplyDelete
  7. ajhDecember 11, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    What they all said!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JohannDecember 12, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Well, I for one would do a slow training marathon, but most people do not enjoy that. I love it! For a cool Mercedes medal I would definitely.

    ReplyDelete
  9. DianaDecember 12, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Because I'm a "member" of this group.....I speak for those who come in well AFTER the 4 hour mark.
    To say "doing a slow marathon is demoralizing" is a very shallow comment. Anyone who has the spirit, drive, determination and gets a marathon finisher medal is just as good as the person who comes in first. Not everyone is "blessed" in the area of speed or whatever it takes to be "under" 4 hours.

    ReplyDelete
  10. macnicDecember 12, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    I say train for March. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  11. KatieDecember 12, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    If you really want that medal, I'd say use it as a training run. But if you don't want to risk getting injured you'd have be smart about it. You could use the Galloway Method: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/. Run, Walk, Run. It's not something I would typically suggest, but it would be training. I think Galloway's method would help you build up some endurance, reduce your risk of injury, and get the medal. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  12. MarkDecember 12, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    I definitely agree that when I run a marathon I want to do the best I possibly can, and not just getting another notch in my gun (so to speak). However, you could do it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. SupermomE13December 12, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    I would say go with the later spring race and then do Mercedes next year. :) So happy you are running well again!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Feet 26.2December 15, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    I've personally completed many marathons as training runs. I enjoyed it, and it served me well in my training. with that being said, if you are injury prone, maybe not. I can tell you be prepared for some hills at Mercedes. I ran the half in Feb. and it definitely has some rollers. I ran my half PR there, so it couldn't have been "that" bad. :)

    I say if your not injury prone, and can truly go and run it as a training run, go and ENJOY.

    Hoping to see you in a few weeks in SC

    ReplyDelete
  15. kDecember 18, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Hello long lost friend!! How have you been?!?! I will be living vicariously through you (again) with regards to your running as I'm having a fairly complicated knee surgery on Friday! No running for one year!! Ack!! Not happy about that. Hope all is well with you!!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)