To Marathon or Not to Marathon?
By Jordan, Posted January 22, 2012 under Fitness, Running
And the half marathon training starts again …
My friend Heather and I singed up for the Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon in Edinburgh Scotland, so I am back on the long-run-Sunday grind. Until last week, I was in a wretched workout rut, so I took this week to get back into a routine. I am completely out of shape compared to four months ago, due to my lack of desire to work out last semester, and I am frustrated because my fitness level has diminished substantially. Lifting weights is painful, and my cardio endurance is scary, but, I am happy to say, this week it felt invigorating to be back in the gym. I know some people don’t like the gym, but I love it. After some uphill sprints, cycling, and weight lifting (not on the same day ya’ll – I’m not crazy), my body is sore and tired, but getting stronger.
The thing is, I have really, really, really grown to adore cross training. I love putting myself through intense cardio circuits, and I love cycling. I love lifting weights, and overall, diversifying my fitness routine has improved my physique. Now that I’m training for another half marathon, I’m going to have to give up some of cross-trainimg time for running, and honestly, I am feeling torn. Two days of running is barely enough to train for a half marathon, but right now, it is all I want to commit to. When I decided to come to London, I promised myself I would get back into shape, and for me, running shape and being in overall shape don’t always equate.
I want to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon because I am absolutely pumped about the idea of running a race abroad. I love racing, and I am anxious to feel that euphoria of crossing the finish line after pounding 13.1 miles of pavement. At the same time, my love for running is not what it once was. The last time I finished a half marathon I was in a host of physical pain, and I came pretty dang close to losing my breakfast in a crowd of people. But, once upon a time, I was a girl who had a love-hate relationship with running, and I am hoping to reignite that tumultuous spark as I start training again. I thought that 2012 would be the year I would run a marathon, but I am having cold feet. On one hand, I desperately want to be a marathoner. I don’t think I will ever become a veteran marathon runner, but I do want to run one, and I do have a specific race in mind. However, I also know that a marathon is a huge time commitment. My plan is to feel out my training for a few weeks and see if I can get into my running groove again while attempting to incorporate a little more cross-training into my schedule. I am crossing my fingers that everything goes swimmingly (should I say runningly!) Wish me luck!
Have you ever run a marathon? Should I do it?
Comments on this post
You had better do double training….Remember how hilly Edinburgh is???? Also, you need to run down to Holyrood Palace and take a tour. And please don’t forget to bring back a SCOTLAND Starbucks coffee cup!
Love, MOM
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22. January - 8:38 PMHmm… tough question. Yes, I have run a marathon. Yes, it was amazing… but it is a complete time suck. Training rules your life. Being in London… where there are so many suited men for you to meet
… I would count the time cost. How much of your energy do you want to devote to training? Sleeping? Recovery? Every week. Totally doable. And totally amazing – but doesn’t leave time for much else. Either way – I don’t think you’ll regret either decision.
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Jordan Lynn Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 3:31 AM
Thanks for giving me things to think about! I would not start (seriously) training until after I left London though (Marathon is in mid Fall). I wouldn’t want to waste my time while I’m here.
I am definitely still on the fence though …
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First of all, I think two days of running is perfectly enough for training – as long as you do one long run, some training plans don’t recommend any more, unless you are wanting to reach a certain time!
Oh, and marathon training is my “sanity” with school, work, and PhD program applications – maybe you need to mental health time it’ll force you to take?
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Jordan Lynn Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 12:44 PM
I definitely am not going to have a goal other than finishing, but I am still trying to make up my mind. Worse case scenario, I sign-up for the marathon and drop down to the half if things get too overwhelming. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it!
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I’ve gone through the exact same thought process before. I love weight training and definitely really enjoy running. I do races because of my addiction to the feeling after I finish them – i love that feeling of accomplishment! With that said, I think after the Paris Marathon (the race I’m currently training for) I may stick to one half a year, and focus on my weight training – I really want to give Jamie Eason’s LiveFit program a go!
Hope you are enjoying London! I did grad school there; what a great city!
ps: glad you found my blog! : )
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Jordan Lynn Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
Thanks for commenting Jayme! Since I am in the UK, I have been following a lot more bloggers on this side of the “pond.”
It is hard to indulge my love for running and strength training at the same time, but I think with a little flexibility I can work something out. I have never heard of Jamie Eason’s program, but I’ll have to check it out! And I am absolutely loving London so far!
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