The idea has been in the back of my head for about 6 weeks – get past Derry and decide if I was ready for a Spring marathon.
As the weeks passed and my runs became longer and more focused, I started to develop a sense of entitlement – not only was I going to run a Spring marathon, but it would be easier and better than my last (only) one.
Then I went to Derry, and I was humbled.
The confidence that I was feeling after a 17-mile Christmas Eve run evaporated.
The sense of entitlement in a Spring marathon – born from that confidence – seemed completely misplaced.
How could I ever imagine that I was ready for the challenge of another marathon?
I’ve spent the past week struggling with that question.
I know that running is @ least 50% mental. I see it every Wednesday and Sunday with Rick.
Wednesday mornings I push myself around the track as fast as I can while Rick slowly jogs in the outside lane. I push myself because I know that I can. It just feels right. I know that the workout is short and the pain will subside.
Meanwhile, on Sunday morning Rick’s a blur a half-mile ahead of me. I know that I’m going to struggle – those damn Service Rd hills will be my undoing again.
It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, and I fall for it every time.
Next Steps
I’ve got my running shorts on. It’s 5 degrees (F) outside and I’m grateful for the treadmill in the basement. If all goes well, I’ll get in 5 miles this morning.
Tomorrow, I’m meeting Rick for a 10-miler around Cotuit – no Service Rd hills this week.
Sunday afternoon, I’ll take another look at the marathon schedule and see what I think.
4 comments
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January 27, 2007 at 11:37 am
lsabin
Now I am really feeling like a whimp, complaining about running in 30 degree weather in Seattle.
I am shooting for a fall marathon. But, I have my work cut out for me to overcome plantar fasciitis.
Good luck with your training.
January 29, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Ted
I just got back in from walking the dogs. I’m chilled to the bone and putting on some hot cocoa. The weather guy has issued an advisory for tonight…. keep your pets indoors people. it’s going to hit the low 50’s tonight….. Have fun running in your spandex tomorrow.
Lots of Love,
Teddy Bear
January 29, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Dave Fravel
Low 50s!!! Damn!!! Thank god you have all that chest and back hair to keep you warm on those chilly Miami nights.
Speaking of spandex …. did the doctors ever diagnose that rash that you had? Do they think that you’re allergic to the lycra that you’ve been wearing on your nights out in South Beach? Has the ointment been helping?
January 31, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Ted
The rash is still a mystery. I told them you had a similar looking rash circa 1988. They asked the usual questions.. 1. Have you recently worn a pony 1/2 shirt, shorty shorts and tube socks pulled up to your knees? (No) 2. Have you recently worn a jean jacket with the collar flipped up over a mullet? (No) 3. Have you recently made out with any skanky girls with unusually large noses and work at Dunkin Donuts? (No) 4. Sit on any furry car seats? (No) 5.Tromp through any bushes on Counrty Lane to peak in your “friend’s” bedroom window….. The doctors are dumbfounded!