I've been meaning to write this post for about a week now but I just really haven't wanted to. I have decided after much thinking and advice from Todd & my mom to not run Boston this year. And you know what? Once I made this decision, I honestly felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I've been overwhelmed the past few months with work and wedding planning (it's almost like a full time job at times!) and to add marathon training on top would be way too much. Not too mention it was going to cost Todd & I at least $2000 to go to Boston. I'd been feeling unmotivated to get out and run and the thought of having to do long runs all winter long sounded pretty miserable. After training for Boston the past 2 winters (and then not even running last year), it's sometimes pure torture to go out and run in the cold. Let alone, go out and run for 3 hours when temps are below freezing. I've put my body through a lot the past few years training for and running marathons and I think I'm going to give my body a little bit of a rest from running 26.2 miles.
After running Columbus in October, I took some time off from running and tried some new classes like yoga & TRX suspension training.....and I love them! Unfortunately, once I dive into marathon training, I won't have time for those classes because not only do I have to focus on running and some occasional strength training, but I also have a full-time job, a wedding to plan, and a wonderful fiance to spend time with. Not too mention, Todd & I are moving in together in April.
I had a few friends that had amazing races this past year and to see the passion and dedication they have for running is incredible. I feel like I used to be like that and I want to get back to that place. Now don't get me wrong, I don't hate running and I never will but right now, running Boston will not light that fire for me that I need. I know that sounds funny because if anything, Boston should be the motivation that I need because hello, it's BOSTON. I think I'm burnt out from training for marathons and I miss the awesome group of girls I ran with a couple years ago.
Of course, I'm not going to give up running completely but just take the year off from marathons. I have a few races planned for 2011 and a pretty lofty goal in mind too. I'm hoping to train for & race two 1/2 marathons in Columbus this year, one in May and one in October. To non-runners, it seems like if I'm burnt out on marathons than why in the world would I run a 1/2 marathon. Trust me, there is a world of difference between running a 1/2 and running a full marathon, both in the time commitment to training and on race day.
My goal is to hopefully get an automatic qualifier for the NYC Marathon. For me, this would be to run a 1/2 marathon in or under 1:37. My PR is 1:38:30 so it's realistic but will be challenging. My Hood to Coast teammates from last year have also mentioned possibly running Reach the Beach Relay in September and Todd & I just signed up for the Warrior Dash in June. So despite not running Boston (and it's too late to turn back because I already cancelled my hotel reservation), I still have plenty of races to look forward to in 2011. And oh yeah, I'm also getting married this year!
4 comments:
you can only do so much.. you're only one person. i'm proud of you for doing what you think is best for you and you can always go back to running later.. but right now you have enough to focus on - and you should enjoy sometime with you and todd, living together, planning wedding.. i'm happy for you!
you're doing what's right for you. props. you have your priorities in order and that's awesome. although, not going to lie: i'm going to miss seeing you in boston!
I'm so proud of you that you EVEN qualified FOR Boston - I think that is something I will only be able to dream about. I admire your ability to know what your priorities are and to make the choices that are right for you. I'm sure this was not an easy decision by any means, and I am inspired by what you have said about being able to balance your running life and non-running life. This is something I seem to struggle with a lot - especially as I try (again) to train for my first marathon in May. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I can't wait to see what great things are waiting for you in the future!
Sounds like a good decision that will keep running fun for you. There is no reason to do it if you won't enjoy it.
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