The tendon in my left foot is still sore as shit which will only be exacerbated by running 26.2 miles on hilly asphalt and concrete this weekend. But at least I can look forward to taking some significant time off post-race. Other than pacing duties in September, my next race won't be until October (the Long Beach 1/2).
As far as goals for San Francisco go...really, it's just to finish at this point. By now (and assuming I'm healthy) I'm fairly confident in my ability to throw down a sub-4 hour marathon at any given race. But I'm far from healthy right now so to make it across the line would be something of a feat in of itself. If it really starts to bug, I may have to cut it short at the 13.1 mile mark at Golden Gate Park. Hope this won't be the case.
Speaking of which, it was around this time last year at the San Francisco Marathon when I ran my first sub-4 marathon (you can read about it here). I remember at the time just how happy I was to finally clear that proverbial hurdle. Not surprisingly, I kept chasing more ambitious times, only to realize after awhile that it would be a never-ending cycle of seeking that fulfillment that would never quite be met. Maybe that's the point of it - to never hang your hat on past accomplishments. But I chose to focus on rediscovering my love of this sport instead of weighing so much success on how fast you get from 'point A' to 'point B'.Now don't get me wrong by thinking I'm above running fast times - not the case. I would give a lot to be able to run a sub-3 hour marathon. But at what sacrifice? I guess that's more my point. If I have to choose between enjoying my runs versus following a regimented schedule of tempos/intervals/hill repeats...right now, I'm more inclined to choose the former. Especially now that I know what it feels like to not be able to run. Period.
So the plan for the next couple of months is this: finish SFM relatively healthy, rest (and rest some more), pace Stuart on his first 100-miler, try to run a PR at the Long Beach Half in October, and then focus my attention on training for my next 50K (and possibly 1st 50-miler).
Training for a sub-3:30 marathon will come at some point I'm sure. But for now, I'll just be happy to run through a week healthy and painfree.
11 comments:
I like your way of thinking dude. Way to keep the head on straight. Have fun this weekend! That's what it's all about. :)
You pose a great question: at what sacrifice do you want to run a fast race? I read a great quote somewhere that was along the lines of something like "Do you really want to run that 5 mile tempo now, or do you want to keep running the rest of your life?" I think its wise to take it easy on your body for now; there will be plenty more races to come!
Best of luck in SF; I really hope you can run the full!
great post and great question... i definitely started thinking about that after san diego when i was just able to ENJOY the whole race rather than get all worked up about a time. but still i have things to do :) haha... cant wait to meet you this weekend!!! sfm last year was #1 for me! crazy what happens in a year :)
Great post! I whole heartedly agree with you! Having goals is great, but also when running becomes a chore and the fun is no longer there it's time to take a step back! Sometimes it's nice to set new goals that aren't pace driven.
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend and wishing you a great race :)
Great post! I think it is important to mix it up with goal races and fun races. I haven't quite run a half or full at a level I am happy to stop trying to better my time on. But you pose an interesting question... Does that point exist?
Being injured sucks bro. I totally respect your approach to really enjoying your training.
I think that is the only way to keep running sustainable. Otherwise you are just going to get burned out and eat cake.
Mmmm. Cake.
being able to run (and enjoy it) is the main priority. pr's and speed and crazy long runs will come later - then you'll have to find the happy balance of happiness and insane-desire-to-run-harder. :) hang in there dude. sure hope your foot gets in gear asap.
i saw that the la marathon is being moved back up to march next year... we can 3:30 then.
Hey - you're still running a lot, having some great adventures, and looking for more. Plenty of PRs to come in the future when conditions are ripe. Keep up the good work and good luck at SFM - but watch that foot - marathons are really tough on the body and bones.
Very nice post. I agree that it isn't always about how fast you can get from point A to point B. I think we can get so carried away with times and placing that we forget about how lucky we are to be out there. Plus, I think as we get older or experience different things our priorities change. However, it is always good to have a goal in mind and reach it.
Did he just say on like Donkey Kong? Oh no he didn't. Oh yes he did! :) Hehe. I yust yoking.
Good luck in San Fran!
when i was little people called me donkey kong because of my initials. HA. anyways, i agree with you, while being fast is one thing, loving the runs (ew?) and being pain free is another. :) Can't wait to see you this weekend and if you have to cut it short, you have to, and you can run with me and aron! :) ha ha
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