On the Run: Feelings I Want to Avoid on the Starting Line
Days until NYCM: 78
Number of eye-rolls from the husband when I bring up marathon training for the one billionth time: I can’t count that high
Running is not my everything, but it does mean a lot to me. It’s that thing I’ve been able to rely upon for years when I need to deal with life, a bad mood, anger, or to hash out something that’s been stuck in my head for days. Assign the words “marathon training run” to my runs and suddenly my brain begins to crack under pressure. And I can’t figure out exactly why.
Half marathon training doesn’t have the same effect. I confidently head out for training runs and enjoy nearly every minute of it. Perhaps, it just the fact that full marathons are 1 billion times more difficult and I’m scared that causes this mental weakness… or maybe I just like torturing myself.
This morning I woke up, threw on some booty shorts, laced up my Brooks and headed out the door for what almost wasn’t a tempo run.
I jogged slowly towards the park as I immediately started to convince myself to just run five easy paced miles instead of the planned tempo work.
I arrived at the end of my warm-up mile and began to hesitantly pick-up the pace. Uncommitted to the pace and the workout, my thought flashed forward to November 4th.
I saw myself standing at the start line on Staten Island disappointed and wishing I had trained harder
I picked up the pace.
Good for you! I read just yesterday that when your motivation is flagging to think of how you would feel when it’s race day.
We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
GAH!! 78 sounds so scary when you put it that way
I’m really trying to keep up with my treadmill (incline) workouts to prepare for the hills. I did 10 miles this AM & was tempted to slack off (QUIT), but I know every training I skip out on will make the next run & the final run (race) that much more difficult. I’m going to run NYC to enjoy it- I’ll be having fun, taking it slow, but I still want to finish & finish feeling well. I’ve got Philly to run 2 weeks later 
Way to go! That’s such a good mental trick!
It’s so hard to not think/talk about a marathon constantly when in training. Last year during my first marathon training cycle, I was so thankful to have this blog as an outlet so friends/co-workers wouldn’t have to listen to me ramble about my runs so much haha : )
Way to go Jess! Nicely done!
Come marathon day you’ll think of this moment and smile!
First of all, I just wanted to say I loved what you said – “Running is not my everything, but it does mean a lot to me.” No one else in my family/circle of friends runs, so I feel like I’m constantly having to explain that while I do make running part of my day every day, it’s not the only thing that’s important to me.
And second… great job getting through the mental barrier. Have you read much about the “central governor” theory in exercise? How fatigue starts in the mind and whatnot? It’s so interesting. Best of luck in your training!
Way to go! One step at a time–you’re getting there. It’s gonna be awesome!
It`s great that you got that Tempo run in! I need to work on my mindset still and think that visualization is one of the points I need to start with.
I also love talking about running. My partens with whom I still live think it`s ridiculous but the runner friends I have are the best listeners and we have the greatest discussions!
NICE! Keep it up Jess!