26.2 miles, really?
Today was long my long run, 15 miles. Not the longest run I’ve ever done, but still pretty long for me. The last three mile were pretty rough today, but I wasn’t going to walk back to the car so I just kept going. As I was running the last mile today, I wasn’t doubting I my ability to finish the 15, I was wondering how I could run 26.2. That is 9 miles longer than I have ever run. And my pace really starts to slacken after mile 13. How can I reach my goal, of finishing sub 4? I hate to put that goal down in writing because I will be feeling pretty dumb if I don’t make it, but there it is for better or worse. These doubts did not subside during my run or right after, but now that I am refueled and rested I realize that I have a plan, and if I stick with it I can do it. I gave myself plenty of time to prepare, increase my speed, and build endurance. My marathon isn’t until the end of November. I am currently training for another half marathon which is coming up in 5 weeks. After that I don’t have a specific races I have scheduled yet, but I do plan on running more throughout the year, 5ks and 10ks mostly. I will keep my mileage moderate, 30-40 a week until I start my official 12 week marathon training schedule, and as long as I don’t overtrain or injure myself I will be ready. So I guess, in answer to my own question: Yes, 26.2 miles, I will run it and I will finish strong!
Filed under: Running Blog
that’s the spirit!
Why is it always the last 3 miles? You sound just like me with regard to them. I don’t care if I’m hiking or running, the last 3 miles always seem to kill. And it doesn’t matter the distance, if I’m running 5 miles, the last 3 seem long. If I’m running 12 miles, it’s the last 3.
So let’s get real. If the last 3 are difficult, no matter the distance, perhaps it’s a mental thing, and if that’s the case, it can be overcome.
So let’s do it! Good job on the 15.
Yay! We can do it
That’s exactly how I have been thinking lately! But you have PLENTY of time to train if your race isn’t until November! You will be blazing those long runs by then. I know you will be fine, you just have to stay positive and know that your training will pay off in the end.
i just found your blog through twitter
you can TOTALLY do you!!! you have so much time to train and are already at 15 miles – you will rock your marathon in november!! keep up the positive attitude!!
You’ll do great! Once you run 18, then 20, then you’ll know, ok, this is doable. What marathon are you running? I’m hoping to do one in nov or dec again. But definitely not looking forward to training in the summer months!
I am running Philly on November 22. Training in August and September will not be fun down here in Texas, I guess I will just have to make sure I get out there and run early before it gets hot. Last year I adjusted to the heat after a couple of weeks, but of course I never went running between 10am-6pm during the summer months.