Saturday, February 7, 2009

a little advice please......

So I am needing a little advice from my fellow marathon running/blogging buddies.

I registered for a marathon back in September, and the race is Next Sunday, the 15Th. I was training for it and doing fine until December came. I didn't train so well that month and found myself doubting that I could do it. I ran a 14 mile run in Dec and then kind of slacked until January. I did not pick up where I left off, I started at mile 10. So today I ran 14 and I felt pretty good considering the fact that the wind was trying to blow me over. So this is where I need some advice..... I want to go ahead and run the Marathon next Sunday.

It is called "The Last Chance for Boston" marathon, and it is in Dublin, Oh. It's only about 3 hrs from me, and I really want to try and finish it. I realize I wont PR, or even come close. In fact, my goal would be about a 4:30. But I am wondering from you all, what you think of this idea? Do you think I am crazy? Do you think I will have big time trouble finishing? This would be my 7Th marathon and my last 26.2 was 9 months ago. Any words of advice?

Oh ya, and the course is a one mile flat loop. If I do run this race, I think I will end up dizzier then anything else.... ;)

18 comments:

Marlene said...

14 to 16 miles sounds like a huge stretch to me, but you also have a lot more marathon experience than I do. If you really want to do it and intend to 'run to finish', why not go for it? Just take your time, walk when you need and and try to have fun.

As for the course, that's kuh-razy! Sounds kind of fun though. Good luck deciding.

Stacey said...

If you are excited about doing this marathon, I say go for it. If you aren't "feeling" it, I would't, but then again, there is a medal involved...( : Good luck!

Just got our computers from the Post office today! I have officially been running in paradise for nearly a week. Saw whales breaching the water on my morning run yesterday...absolutely GORGEOUS!
Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

I have no idea what to tell ya!! I don't go much furthan than 5-6 miles EVER! :)
I say; If you are feeling it than go for it and just have fun! If your not feeling it then don't worry about missing it.
An entirely flat run may be easier on you so that is something to think about, just don't get dizzy :)

Kelli said...

do you get adrenaline rush while in a race? that could help you finish? or ??? sorry nothing else from me

Unknown said...

You've been there and done that. Question: Will you be ok if you bonk...or drop out? If so, I'd say go for it. Spring marathons - especially in the midwest - are tough; weather is rarely of the sort that it fosters lots of time outdoors and long runs (with cold and wind) become pretty tough (not to mention, throwing some major holidays in the mix in December).

Bigger question: Will running this with minimal base make other plans difficult to execute later in the year? When I've gone this long, I find that between taper and recovery, I lose 4-6 weeks of good training. If you're gunning for something more and are not one of those folks (like me) who can go out the day after a marathon and log 20 mile, you may want to reconsider moving forward with this run.

When time comes, bottom line is do what you want - in running, it should never be about what I "ought to", "need to" or "have to" do (there's enough of that in the rest of life!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

never done a marathon... but you have, you know what to expect. Sounds like you are excited about it, so I say go for it, as long as you're still feeling good, and run to finish!

Mindy said...

I think you could do it... but I've only ever run a 1/2. Like everyone else says... just make sure that you're prepared to take it easy if you need to, and that it won't be devastating if you decide you can't finish. You're amazing, Janice, I'm sure you can do anything you set your mind to. :)

Denise said...

If you're registered, I say just go and fun for the fun of it. Take it easy and enjoy yourself. And since it doesn't sound like the most exciting course, you can stop whenever you want and not be that far from where you started!

Anonymous said...

Hello my marathoning friend. You have to run for like 2 hours extra next sunday to finish right. I honestly think you could definitely finish the race. To me, if you have mental toughness, you will make it without any doubt at all. I might not feel good, it might not be your most enjoyable marathon, but you will make it to the finish line and once again by of the 1% of the people who finish a marathon every year.

I used to think that with something like a 14 mile long run it would be impossible to finish a marathon. That was until I ran a 50 miler. You can't run run a 50 mile long run before your 50 miler. I did around 30 so that means I had to push the last 20 miles. You will be pushing the last 12. I think you can do it. You are the captain of your own running ship. If you want to do it, go out with gusto, take walk breaks from the beginning, don't worry about time at all, and make this a marathon that you can truly experience what is happening all around you rather than watching the watch.

You may find that you like it. You can spend more time talking to others, or watching them in the battle to beat their PR's. It is amazing how you can see it so different when you run a marathon causually.

By the way. i am doing one tomorrow. It is gonna be great.

Missy said...

If you don't think there is risk or injury or your season and you're OK with hanging back (starting slow), then do it. My max run for the Ironman 'marathon' portion was ~16 miles - I never went to ~20 and finished in 4:40 BUT my base training was huge???

Best of luck in your decision!

Carly said...

I say go for it. If you are a seasoned marathoner and if you are not doing it to PR, just do it for fun. What is the harm in trying?

Run Mommy said...

I say go for it too. The worst case is if you don't feel it, then don't finish..you've done marathons before and this is just for the run. Anxious to hear what you decide!

Marci said...

Go for it! I wish I could run it, but I don't think its in the cards this year. Its not as dull as you might think, plus there is water every mile, so lots of support, and the food after was good!

joyRuN said...

I agree with what most have commented so far - go for it! As long as you're not pushing yourself too hard during the race & just doing it for fun, I think you have the experience to get it done.

Aron said...

you know what it takes to run a marathon and as long as you have goals going into knowing your training wasn't as much as you liked i say go for it! :)

Unknown said...

I haven't run a full so I have no advice, but just wanted to say good luck with whatever you decide.

Felice Devine said...

I wish I had advice for you but I've only run one marathon. I feel like you are into it and so you should go for it, though :-)

Julie said...

Honestly, I probably wouldnt do it. BUT, I am a little gun shy from having to DNF my first half IM attempt. You know your body and what it's capable of. If you think you can finish it without being completely torn up afterwards, go for it! Good luck!