It’s hard to believe in 2 weeks I’ll have (hopefully) run my next marathon. Training is going as best as it can in a short period. This 5-week buildup has been different than any other marathon because it’s short and I’m feeling undertrained. My goal is to get to both the start and finish line healthy. I don’t have a goal to run X time, but I solely want to run healthy and enjoy myself. I am contemplating running the marathon more like a long run than race as a hard race. I would appreciate it more as well as recover faster. I haven’t fully decided though yet.
| Monday | Easy 50 minutes |
| Tuesday: | Easy 50 minutes |
| Wednesday: | 10 miles averaging 8:19 with a fast finish |
| Thursday: | Easy 4 miles with Jen M. |
| Friday: | Swim 3000 meters |
| Saturday: | Easy 60 minutes |
| Sunday: | AC Half Marathon+ 7 miles for 20 total miles |
Thoughts:
The goal on Sunday was to test my hamstring with 20 miles. It felt 100% fine for the entire race and miles afterward. It was the best-case scenario. It feels good that I’m able to push runs I couldn’t a few weeks ago. Fast and track style workouts are what aggravate it the most. Long runs and marathon paced work doesn’t seem to bother it anymore.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sP-Kll5-4/
The Progression of my Hamstring (High Hamstring Tendinitis stemming from the glute medius).
5 weeks ago, I couldn’t run.
3 weeks ago, I could only run very slow.
2 weeks ago, it was noticeable to run fast.
1 week ago, it was somewhat noticeable to run fast.
This week it fine to paces up to 6:55. (I just haven’t done anything faster than that)
So there is progress when I type it out like that.
From here, I’ll run a fairly similar run next week (not 20 miles though) and do a short taper. I’m also realistic that my training cycle has been nothing close to ideal. That’s okay, that’s been the theme of the entire 2019.
I am trying to find the best words to say: I just don’t like marathons. I don’t like the training and I feel like it’s not the right fit for me. After NYCM, I doubt I’m going to train for another for a while (I am talking years). I would need a good reason to want too. Truthfully, if NYCM wasn’t such a prestigious race and big deal, I probably wouldn’t run, but I like New York. I like the race, the environment, and everything else. I just don’t like marathons or marathon training. As you can see, I need to find better ways to convey those thoughts.
In all, it was a good week and it was the best case scenario at Atlantic City.
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Questions for you:
Have you dealt with hamstring pain?
Do you like marathons?
nope, you said it great! i think being straightforward about what you like/ don’t like is the way to go. Have fun in New York!
I don’t really like full marathons either. Surprisingly the thought of an ultra is more enticing (trails, more relaxed pace). Planning to do one next year.
I may however decide to do one or two of the majors in the next couple years, just because (London and/ or New York :))
I always appreciate how relaxed trails and ultras are. I’ve never done an ultra myself, but I’ve done long trail races and I appreciate the atmosphere.