In other news! I am worried. The same time every year, as races and goals seem to be over, I start to lose it...not weight (I wish), the running bug. I start to slow down, sleep in, stay home and have more couch time...I also start to gain weight back! I was looking for some local races in the next few months...specifically half's and there are not many....that I can find right now. Last fall I put on some weight and I don't want to do that again. I ran HARD to get that off this year! What is it about this time of year that does it to me? Today I had planned on running since I hadn't run all week, but as the KID FREE morning went on I just wanted to lounge! SIDE NOTE...Why do we not appreciate the years before kids? This morning was so peaceful and quiet. I could get up, flush the toilet without worrying if I was going to wake the kids. I wasn't woken up by my oldest asking for milk, I just got to sleep. I can't believe how everyone morning used to be like this morning...wow I miss that. But really...there is something to be said about silent mornings! Live it up for all of you who don't, yet have kids...L-I-V-E it UP!...back to the post! That all being said...I went on a run. The first mile wasn't that great, but I just kept going. The day was beautiful and a lot warmer then I had expected. The views were breathtaking...loved it. My breathing was a little off...I was tired and felt out of shape. (How did I ever run a marathon...oh yah, with TRAINING! And Running 5 days a week) I finished with 6 miles and was so happy I had got out of the house and ran. Before my run I knew if I didn't go I would totally regret it and if I went...I would feel so much better the rest of the day...which totally held true.
Now with nothing on the horizon, unless I find a half to do, which I hope I do because it would be great to achieve Half Maniac status. I am evaluating what I want to do next. I really need to get back to the weight room and firm up, work on my core and mix-it up a bit. Next summer I would love to do more triathlons. I'm so torn with what to do..focus only on running or mix-it up with the bike and swimming? I feel so partial to running! It's way easier to focus on one thing and give it your all, when you mix-it up it gets more complicated. To be honest...because running doesn't come easy to me, I feel like it's a constant challenge. I also don't feel like I have fulfilled my running duties yet...I really want to run another marathon and see if I could do better, I don't feel great about my marathon and feel like I could do better, so I guess you could see I still have something to prove to myself. On the other hand...training for a marathon is a lot of work...and time. Not sure if I want to commit to that right now. I love swimming...really love it and it comes way easier to me! The problem with swimming is the limited time I can swim in the pool, they don't have a great schedule for lap swim. Oh and the bike...I need a new road bike! Which is not cheap! I need to figure it out and get a plan together...I really feel lost at the moment. Is it weird to think if I do something else...that I'm cheating on running? I have thought of weights 2-3 times a week and running 3 times a week which would include a long run. Maybe join the masters swim team, do some kick-boxing classes.
What to do...what to do!
- What do you think?
- What have you done to keep, keeping on?
- Do you do something else to keep it interesting?
15 comments:
What do I think? I don't get the point of becoming a Marathon (or half marathon) Maniac. Paying to be part of a club based on running a few races close together. Is it an ego thing? Camaraderie? For the shirts? Entering marathons / halfs is pretty expensive, add the cost of maniac membership on top of your 3 - 5 events required to be in the club and you're looking at a few hundred dollars for bragging rights and a singlet.
Do members get discounts that cover the membership cost? Do you get an extra medal at the finish? Is there a secret handshake?
I seriously just don't get it. What does it mean to you Jill?
Nice magnets! Too funny about hubby and the runner girl. He is totally trying to get in on your accomplishments!
I hear you on the "dead zone" for training/motivation. I always try to keep some races on the calendar (hmm, maybe that's how I ended up with 20 for this year?) But also... just remember that if you maintain your current level of fitness, you will be that much stronger going in to race season next year!
What about doing the Amica Seattle half marathon on Nov 28th? That would keep your eyes on a goal during the fall and keep you training / motivated (hopefully!).
Stickers - J wants to put a 13.1 on our family car and I don't see the point. It already has a 26.2 sticker and I think a 13.1 would be redundant. Obviously, if 26.2 is up there 13.1 is a given. I told him no way. Put it up on his own car.
FUTURE - You should come to VA and race there are halfs and 10 milers all the time. Also, at some of the tris in the summer there is an Aquarun option, where you only swim and run. I will never do this as I can not swim at all, but G is planning on it next summer. So if you are looking for an excuse to visit ...
There's a half down in Portland in December. http://foottraffic.us/holiday/ Thought it sounded like fun. A little drive for you, but thought I'd let you know about it. As far as when I'm done for the year (which is in 2 weeks!) I'm going add cross training back it, focus on getting in great shape for next season, and enjoying running just to run.
That's pretty funny about the magnets. Since he only removed the one, I'd say he's trying to get in on the accomplishments too! :-)
I tend to plan and register for things ways in advance to keep me motivated...good luck whichever way you decide to go!
First of all...hiilarious. Hubby is SO busted! I asked Jonathan and he laughed and said he just didn't want to drive a "chick" car and that he most likely didn't even think about the 26.2 and 13.1. BUT I am calling BS since my sister's hubby admitted, to me and her, that he feels like a fraud driving her SUV with the 13.1 and 26.2. So he is busted.
now, I say if you know this time of year is tough for you running wise then it is a great time to cross train! but don't lose yoru base! I would keep it at 15-20 miles per week with weights, swimming, whatever! that way you can do a half whenever one comes up!!! And then roll into a training plan in the new year! But keep doing something throguh Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maybe sign up for Kirklands 12k's of Christmas. that was a good one!!! It doesn't have to be BIG or LONG! Just something on the calendar!!!! There is always Seattle Half Thanksgiving weekend! THat has kept me from gaining holiday weight two years in a row!!
I have a hard time staying motivated to run in the winter too. Let's set up a run together. 'K? I would love to do another half but I don't think it's in the cards until next year. Let's hang girl. :)
I think that my running, like all things, works in cycles. For me here in the south, winter is a great running time and my big races happen then and in the spring, so consequently late spring is my down time and I think that's just fine and actually really necessary for recharging the batteries. Funny story about the car magnet! Cheers!
i like when ppl have running bumper stickers bc when i'm lost trying ot find where a race is i know who to follow!!
I have the Runner Girl magnet on my car too, and I need to get the 13.1. But lately, my hubby has been driving my car because it gets twice the gas mileage that his truck does. I think I need to double check that Runner Girl is still there... =)
I'm with you on the 'living it up' before kids. It's great and all...but never, ever the same!! Second, rockstar on getting out there and running that 6!! I too am feeling lazy and I haven't even run my marathon yet. Since I've had to rest my leg and went on vacation, I honestly think I've gained 10 lbs. but I refuse to look at the scale. Hope you find a fun half to train for. Let me know if you find anything.
My secret to keep on going is racing every single week, a half marathon if available. I raced 4 Half marathons and one 10 miler in the month of Sep. Here in WA state we have so many races...If I don't race I feel like somebody stole something from me....And trust me, you don't need to run 5-6 times a week to get to that... 3 is plenty...Of course, 3 good workouts.
As one of the above comments, I agree, it could be expensive but that's what I do for fun, so my budget reserves an annual amount for races registration and associated costs (mainly gas)
Guess you are just going to have to come to Vegas with me and do the Rock n Roll half! ;o)
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