The Halfway Point
July 26, 2011 8 Comments
A month ago I should’ve accomplished my goal of running in a marathon, but an illness knocked me out of the game.
I’d been preparing for months, and I saw huge improvements in my stamina, going from only being able to run for a few minutes up to half an hour. From half an hour to six miles, and from six miles to more than twelve. Then I got sick, and couldn’t continue my training. My hope of running a marathon was gone.
After recovering from my illness, I signed up for a half marathon. Because I only had about a month to train, I wasn’t confident I’d be able to run a full marathon. Running a half seemed more realistic. So realistic, in fact, that I’ve taken it for granted, and I haven’t been training. Now I’ve got just over a week to train, and it’s going to be a battle.
Even though I knew better, I figured I’d be able to pick up where I’d left off. The only problem is that “where I’d left off” was over a month ago. Sure, I was running half marathon distances then, but that was then and this is now.
And just how are things now? On Sunday I found out. I couldn’t even run two miles without needing a break!
Come Hell or high water, I’m finishing this. I made the decision to ignore my training. I let my arrogance get the best of me. The next week will be crucial in making improvements in my stamina, and I’m going to push myself between now and the marathon. I don’t see any reason why I can’t complete this in under three hours (I was hoping for two and a half), but I guess we’ll see when the day comes!
About Steven
Oh dear. A week to train is like having no time to train at all. If you stop running for more than a few weeks then you are back to square one. I know, it’s annoying. At least running this half marathon will give you some perspective. Just make sure to wear the right shoes and clothes, stretch, hydrate the day before, and don’t eat much (but eat something) on the morning of the race. Other than that you’re just going to have to tough it out. Remember to pace yourself. Good luck!
Yeah, I really screwed myself…but I think I can push through. It’s 13 miles. A little more manageable than 26. I’m doing a “dry run” tomorrow to see how I handle 13 miles. Try to run/walk as fast as possible. I did 8 on Sunday in 2 hours, and I walked…a lot! It’s within reach. I can taste it! ;)
Wow, good for you for not giving up. Good luck to you. Shoo, if it was me I’d be passed out after the first 200 yards. Some of us are not built for running.
Well don’t push yourself too hard this week! I’d recommend not running from Thursday until the race on Sunday. Go in with a realistic plan for your walk breaks, and take them from the beginning even when you’re not tired yet. I bet you won’t even be the last one too finish, and if you are, who cares, you finished. I did the Miami half in January totally under-trained this year, but just decided to still do it because I CAN, and I’d already paid for that shiny medal. A big race like Miami, I was still in a sea of people at 2:45; it didn’t even make me feel slow. A smaller race would have felt different, but in the end, you’ll have a shiny medal like everyone else and with good race organizers there will still be some food and beer for you. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Yeah, I haven’t kept up with my running, at least much more than 5 miles. I can’t believe I did 26 miles less than a year ago b/c I don’t think I could do 13. Good luck and don’t injure yourself. Don’t worry so much about the time. If you have to walk, walk. Finishing is what you’ll be proud of.
Thumbs up for pushing yourself even if you are not in the best running shape. We are rooting for you and I am confident that you will complete this.
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