January 5, 2009

I’m not really a runner… I just play one in marathons

On Sunday, I tried to go for a run. It was the first time I’d run since the Honolulu Marathon, which was the first time I’d run since the Atlanta Marathon, which was… you get the idea. I hadn’t really been motivated to run lately except when I had a race, but I wanted to change that. And you know, with a marathon seven days away, I figured it was time to start training! So, as stated, I tried to go for a run.

I did the first mile at just above an 8 minute pace (that’s pretty fast for me). I thought, “woo hoo, I should take more time off! Look at me go! Maybe I’ll BQ on Sunday!” Then I started mile 2, and I dropped to about a 9:50 pace – but I felt like I was putting in the same effort and goign just as fast. “Stupid Garmin, must be losing signal and thinking I’m not going anywhere.” I hit mile 2.1 and was at a 10:40 pace, and this was when I tried to start cursing my Garmin. Unfortunately it didn’t work because I was totally out of breath. By mile 2.4, I was so out of breath that I couldn’t run anymore, and I slowed to an exhausted and defeated walk.

You all tell me that I’m down to earth in my writing, and that I tell the good, the bad, and the ugly. Well, there it is, in black and white. Little Miss I’m-Going-To-Run-Twenty-Five-Marathons-This-Year couldn’t complete an easy three mile loop in perfect conditions on a beautiful January day. Three days after I made my New Year’s resolutions, I wanted to give up and call it quits. So what if I don’t run all 50 states – I had a good run last year (pun intended), and there would be no shame in quitting. Right? Right? (Thanks, MizFit!)

Though I’d never admit it because of how dorky it looks, I’ve gotten to like my fuel belt fanny pack, so I brought it on the short run to hold my cell instead of my Gu. So I dialed Boyfriend, and I whined. “How am I going to do the Disney Marathon this weekend if I can’t even run a three mile loop? I’m so tired. But I wanted to do a long run around Central Park today. I’m so pathetic!”

Boyfriend, being the amazing boyfriend that he is, agreed to go for a walk around the park with me instead. After all, running or walking, mileage is mileage, right? We stopped at Starbucks to grab coffee and then meandered through the park, taking a narrow path around a lake that had some good inclines and got us just a bit sweaty. Boyfriend never does stuff like that, aside from his (actual) mountain climbing. I tell you, we’re two of a kind – I don’t run at all unless I’m doing a marathon, and he doesn’t hike at all unless he’s scaling the summit of a mountain! We both had a lot of fun on our Sunday stroll though, and decided we’re going to do this more often – but walking a few miles isn’t really going to keep me in marathon shape.

I think if my goal of running 25 marathons this year is going to come true without injuries along the way, I need to become a lot more consistent in my running. But how to get motivated to do that? Stay tuned as I try to figure it out.

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23 thoughts on “I’m not really a runner… I just play one in marathons”

  1. I think you’re right about being more consistent to avoid injury. Still, don’t beat yourself up too much – everybody has a bad run once in a while.

  2. You have already completed some pretty amazing things…I don’t see it as a problem to that again this year! It is hard to get motivated, and I don’t really have any tips for you, but I can’t wait to read about it!

  3. you will find it… the only way to find motivation is to find it yourself, everyone has their own ways but i know you will find it!! and everyone has those bad runs… i bet you could try it again and would be able to do it no prob 🙂

    good luck this weekend!!

  4. I’ll be at the Disney marathon this week, too. I doing the Goofy challenge. But, my goal this year is only two marathons: Disney and Gasparilla, which may be the Mic Ultra challenge.

    I ran 20 miles two weeks ago and my runs during the holidays have been pretty pathetic. I have trained really hard over the past year and feel ready, but I am still nervous about my first marathon.

    Good luck this weekend!

    Visit me at Run DMT.
    http://denisermt.wordpress.com/

  5. Laura i think your amazing no matter how far you run or even how fast!!! You will get motivated and you are certainly not a quitter!!!

    Just listen to the body and go from there!!!

    I am here for you if you ever need to talk!!!

  6. I’ve had the Hardest time running these past two weeks. Maaybe because when I’m home, the altitude is above a mile, and here I’m at sea level? Maybe because I’ve been a little bit of a slacker? Or, probably both. But, I feel ya. It’s so frustrating.

    I’m SO jealous that you’re running Disney this weekend!! My goal is to do it next year. Can’t wait to hear about it!!!! Good luck*

  7. I had a shitty time on my 2 miler today too if it’s any consolation ;-).

    Man cheese did the right thing, that’s the kind of shizz envy is made out of 😉

  8. How about developing a between marathon training plan. Develop a plan for one week between, 2 weeks between etc. Then put it on your fridge and cross it off as you go.

  9. Laura,
    Everyone has bad running days. I bet your marathon is going to go well. I do agree, however, with trying to be consistent with your runs. This is probably harder for you because, unlike the rest of us, you CAN actually run a marathon without training. Think about the PRs you’ll achieve with a couple of runs a week…Good luck, Ana-Maria

  10. Girl, I will be living through you on your journey to 25 marathons! I can totally relate to the title of your post though, I often felt like I wasn’t “much of a runner” except on race day! Right now I’m completely crushed that I won’t be able to do that this year because of my ankle….uuugghh!!!

  11. we all have those days! And I’ve found that we marathoners don’t do so well when we start out fast 🙂 I’ve been known to stop and walk during a one mile race, so don’t sweat it!

    I have a friend named PR Paul, because he never trained, he just ran marathons – and he PRed in his first 10 or so, because all his “training” was on race day. We all have different motivations, and I know I have trouble running if I am not following a formal training plan. Some other folks will never pin on a bib number, but they’re happy to knock out 5 miles daily. Different strokes for different folks!

  12. Everyone has crappy runs so don’t beat yourself up too much about it! I do think more consistent running will definitely help you avoid injury though

  13. Don’t be so hard on yourself! Look at what you’ve done – and most people can’t even come close to that! You’ll find what you need to get you going again!

    That is sooo exciting that you are going to do Disney! I might see you there!!!

  14. Good luck in your quest to run 25 marathons this year! I would not get bummed for a single off running day.

    I am sure you will recapture the “magic” of running at Disney. I am sure you will be well ahead of me (and my camera which has goals of taking 500 pictures).

    Happy New Year

    Tammy

  15. Running more consistently will DEFINITELY benefit you, but I know you’ll be able to rally this weekend. It could be worse — you could be doubled over with abdominal pain like I am! (Fortunately I’m on the mend and should be able to get through Goofy this weekend). Hope to see you there; I’ll be wearing my maniac colors for the full!

  16. Hey Laura! Notice a pattern here with you and others? We’ve all had crappy runs, myself included, especially lately. I think a lot of it has to do with the weather (at least here in the east coast) and the post holiday blues and excess snack factor. Anyhow, I’m confident that you could sit on your ass for a month and still kick ass in a marathon. You seem to have the “Wonder Woman” genes and stamina. So, be thankful for the beautiful winter day you spent with your boyfriend walking and talking. It will all work out. Looking forward to reading your updates in the next week. YOU CAN AND WILL DO IT!!

  17. OH MY GOD!!!

    I really haven’t run much since my marathon in November, but with a half and a full looming in three and four months, I decided I needed to run…so last Friday (right before I got sick, I think this is why) I attempted to go for a run…a 5K distance…no problem, right??

    WRONG!! I didn’t come close!! So don’t feel bad, I feel your pain! : ) Plus, I have no doubts it will all come back soon!!

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