I feel like my motivation to train has been waning over the last couple of weeks. I’m not really sure why. It isn’t that I don’t want to run, it’s that I don’t want to be bound to a training schedule. I don’t want to be required to do 6 miles at tempo pace, or 5 x 1 mile repeats. I just want to run. 3 miles, 4 miles, whatever—just don’t tell me how fast or how far.
In trying to pinpoint the exact point in time when I first felt this way, I’d have to say it was after I finished my 12 mile run at a pace that would have me finishing a half marathon in under 2 hours. It certainly didn’t help that a week later I did my first ever 13 mile run (tacked on an extra tenth to hit 13.1) at a pretty easy pace, in 18 mph winds that gusted to 33 mph, and finished in 2:04 and change. My goal has been to run a two hour half marathon, and it would seem that I’m currently capable of doing just that, given the right conditions. If this is the case, then can’t I just cruise through the next 3+ weeks until the race? Do I really need to keep pushing myself?
Yes. Wait, no. Yes. Oh, I don’t know. I guess so. I want to be as prepared as possible, and with 3+ weeks to go, I’ve still got 3 tempo runs (including a really short one the week of the race), an interval workout, and 3 long runs left. That’s plenty of time for those workouts to have an impact on my race. And even though this is my first half marathon, wouldn’t it be nice to actually race it, rather than just survive it?
Surely I’m not alone in feeling this way. This is something most other runners experience, right? Right?!?
I agree in some respects, disagree in others. I agree with the not liking to be bound by X runs in X amount of time etc. etc. The part where I disagree is on the first half marathon and setting a finish time. I'm a big believer in goals, but having from 290+lbs this past summer to 220 today, my goal is to finish the race. The time will just be a bonus. If you know you're physically capable of 13.1mi, don't over-do it. Run your race and enjoy it.
Posted by Lonnie on 2/4/2010 2:53:11 PM
Lonnie, you're absolutely right about the time goal for the half. Since this will be my first half, I really do feel like I should set some pretty conservative goals. Once I've done one, then I'll have a better idea as to what I'm capable of, at least that was my approach with my first 5K and my first 10K. Congratulations on your weight loss, and keep up the good work. I know from experience that it's not easy, but it is so worth it!
Posted by Bryan on 2/5/2010 1:14:37 PM