Let me explain how this all happened. This is my year off. Seriously. I did one 10K as a tempo run only because I had a free registration and the race took place a mile from my house. But, I still wanted to run a marathon. And I wanted to run one I hadn't, one that was scenic and a course that would be impossible to PR(I didn't want the pressure). San Francisco is perfect! Plus, you get jewelry at the finish. Nice schwag!
The only registration info I could find as of last January was that it would open mid-April. I went to the site mid-April and was too late. They had opened it mid-March and it had been a lottery, so registration was closed. Major bummer.
I do know the finish times for this event are slow (very hilly course) and the elite wave in the past has not been too big. So, I pulled the elite card. Sent in my "running resume" and found out today that am IN. Okay, did I say I didn't want the pressure? Here it is. AND, the elite wave starts 20 minutes in front of the rest of the field! I REALLY hope I am not the only one!
So now my thoughts are how to finish off training. I had sort of given up the thought of this marathon. My thought was that I would pace Twin Cities for my friends then try to PR at a half marathon at the end of October. Fortunately, I have been running a lot of hills and have been putting in my long runs every week. But my current overall weekly mileage is lacking. Should I crank it up for 4 more weeks and see what I can do? Or do I go with the original plan, just go and enjoy the marathon?
Comments are encouraged! Your thoughts?????
10 comments:
Go and enjoy. The fact that you will be less stressed means you will probably do just as well or better!
I'm with Kara... Go and enjoy! You heading out alone or with some friends?
Laurie
I say crank it up - otherwise you're going to be "enjoying" the 20 minute start by yourself and running solo.
If you thought you could be in PR shape for a half in October, you can be too out of shape.
You can't go wrong either way with this great opportunity. Once you make your choice, just commit and ENJOY.
BUT, for what its worth, I vote to stick to the plan and enjoy it-Take away the pressure and the expectations...Remember you are doing this FOR YOU, so eliminate stress! This IS your year off. Just keep that trademark Darcy smile and attitude and you'll be the star of the show.
Jeez, I don't know what to tell you. If you run TC, make sure to look for a giant cheering chicken (at he start, mile 15, and mile 26). That will be me. Make sure to say hi!
Also, I loved your comments about peeing on Charlotte's blog! Funny stuff!!
GO FOR IT! (if you don't you might always wonder what could have been...)
:)
I would go with this plan, not knowing you or what mileage/intensity has proven to work for you in the past:
"Better to be undertrained and overrested, than the opposite." If you can run/walk the yellow line and not get carried away I think that you will enjoy both events! As CY says this is your year off...you will know what you are capable of if you dont reach it this time...
Good luck:)
Julia
They both sound like fun - I agree with CY and enjoy! Hey, and I am going to be in San Fran Oc 18-22 but I am doing the Carmel Valley 25K now not the 50K - long story but I think my slogging days are over, and I need to get back up to San Fran earlier on Sunday. Email me if you will be in town for a while - jcunnane@swbell.net ! I am staying with friends in downtown San Fran.
Coming from an injured runner, I say stick to the plan and stay healthy. Sometimes all it takes is a little cranking it up to mess things up???
Your spirit, smile, and energy (along with your natural abilities and solid base you have put in) will get you exactly where you need to go. You are an elite runner, they have already determined that.
So smile and enjoy the day.
Thanks everyone for your input! Very valuable! I am wavering on even going to SF, just due to logistics and several other trips my husband and I have planned over the next couple of months. All I know is that I will be doing at least one marathon! More than most, right?
Post a Comment