Friday, December 7, 2012

Pre marathon training?

I've been contemplating 2013 races a lot lately. It consumes my thoughts when not learning Portuguese.

Do I or don't I...

Run a spring marathon?



The Knoxville marathon has been on my radar for a few years because my mom lives there. The course has some hills- could be a challenge for a PR.



I've run the Shamrock Shuffle the past 2 years and have enjoyed it.

Problem is Knoxville and Shamrock are the same day.



Chicagoland full is in may which is a crapshoot in Chicago weather wise.

I'm not ready to register for anything other than Shamrock currently, but am looking for a decision whether or not I should tackle a 26.2 (and resolve my unfinished BQ business) in the spring.

Without a goal, I'm seriously lacking motivation. My "expensive" jeans are starting to get tight. (hello muffin top!)

If I penciled in a spring 26.2, then I would start my "pre marathon" training to get in shape for 10-14 weeks of dedicated marathon training. It would be a good time to see if my Cr[Ankle] (cranky ankle) can handle more than 15 miles a week before shelling out a registration fee and possible airfare.

I'm just undecided if I should go after a spring race. One positive aspect of a spring marathon would be totally avoiding the over crowded Lakefront during the summer. That is of course if I get my BQ in the spring. If not, I'll be out there chugging away with the hoards of runners to chase a fall BQ...

And this just isn't about the BQ and taking 5+ minutes off my PR, it's bigger for me. I want to beat my Daad's 3:04:59 and take the Family marathon record. (not this year of course!)

Obviously the first step would be get a BQ (and another huge PR), the second would be to remain injury free for a few years while I chase a 7 minute a mile pace for 26.2 miles.

Unfathomable since I can't average that pace in a 5k currently. (and also because I'm chronically injured)

But hey, I like to dream big.

Good thing is that being consistent pays huge dividends for me when I can stay healthy.

Looks like I've made up my mind.

Hello "pre spring marathon" training Here I come with open arms!

Just not sure where the 26.2 bullseye is going to land yet....


-- Xaar

17 comments:

  1. I did the Chicagoland half last year and it was hot as hell. Literally. I was thankful I finished in one piece. If you're not opposed to traveling, there are quite a few spring marys within driving distance. Excited that you're doing the shamrock shuffle. Still on the fence about that race right now. I love it, and this woul be my 8th year doing it. Hopefully I'll see you there ;)

    Dream big girl! You proved that anything is possible last time around. A full 25 min pr is pretty awesome, and the sky is the limit!

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  2. Have you looked into the Illinois Marathon in Champaign-Urbana? It's at the end of April and I hear it is flaaaaaaat.

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    1. That one has caught my attention,,, along with about 15 others, most within a 3 hour drive. The one in Peoria, IL looks cool too. I assume it's flat??

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  3. Making sure your ankle can handle marathon training is obviously the #1 concern. If you think you still need the next few months to rest and heal, you can aim to start spring/ summer training for a fall marathon. But I do agree with Michelle: Dream big!

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    1. Big dreaming- the only way to go right?! :)

      Ran 7 miles with the pup today and the ankle was fine. The ITB started feeling tight again... UGH.

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  4. To echo Maggie's comment, there has been some buzz about the next Chicago Running Blogger weekend getaway taking place at the Illinois Marathon. Since the race offers the full, half, 10K, and 5K distances, and we could stay at Erin's parents house there, I think it would be the perfect race for a getaway!!!

    So excited for your 2013 running and racing adventures!!! No matter what race you do, you will do amazing. And I've always lived by the idea that we should always "Shoot for the moon, because even if we miss, we'll still land in the stars!"

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    1. SHHHHHHHH! Dont tell anyone, but the Illinois Marathon is the one ive "chosen." hehe

      Im going to see how the next 2 months go with my ITB and ankle and if all goes well with getting up to 30-40 miles a week by the end of january, the Illinois marathon will be a go! It would be fun to experience it with a bunch of running bloggy friends :)

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    2. Yay! I am doing the Illinois marathon too! First marathon since 2006. Will be fun to be out there knowing I am in good company:).

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    3. OOH AWESOME! Even more reason to do it! I just hope to be healthy...

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  5. I have been totally obsessing over my 2013 schedule as well. I have a love/hate relationship with the process.

    I say go with your gut and enjoy the training. I know whatever you choose you will do great!

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    1. It is so challenging deciding on races... While this year im all about "quality" and training well for the races, I still want to throw in a few "fun" ones... but that gets expensive :)

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  6. Definitely dream big! I have been trying to decide on a spring race too. I am 99% sure on a spring marathon (actually in mid May), but I am just hesitant to fork out the registration fee until I can get in some good training before the middle of January. I hate waiting to the last minute and I hate having to make a big decision like this. I hope you can figure out what you want to run soon too.

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  7. Yay for signing up for Illinois! Book your hotel now - there are not many in town and it's hard to get one close to the race date ;)

    Now, cooperate you damn Crankle!!!

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  8. Did you sign up for Illinois? I've heard the Wisconsin Marathon (first weekend in May) is a great course to PR and it's hopefully still early enough to cross your fingers for good weather.

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  9. Good luck on the 26.2 decision! I know its a toughie. I am in pre-marathon training right now, but obviously struggling with motivation. Let me know if you ever need a lakefront (slow) pre-marathon running buddy!

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