My 12-week 10k training program came to an end last Saturday, and the Mother's Day 10k is this coming Sunday. As usual, I feel under-prepared, but am trying to just go with the flow and see what I can do, without stressing too much.
After this morning's run, I looked back through my training logs from last summer and saw how I was running two days during the week, 3- and 4-milers—tops, and a long run/walk on Saturdays. On Saturdays, I would run/walk 15+ min. miles. During the week, I was thrilled if I could break 11 minutes. THRILLED. Isn't that great?
I'm now running 4-5 days a week, have started hill training, and am pretty routinely breaking 10:30 min/miles (JINX ALERT!), so I should be feeling damn good and proud of myself. And I have been proud of so many things I've done this spring. Yet I'm always teetering just this side of "you will never be able to do this again." I will never succomb to cockiness, believe me.
This morning, as I dragged my weary butt out to run, swearing once again, that as God is my witness, I will start going to bed earlier, I felt a profound gratitude come over me. I ran my three miles (all sub-10:30 min miles) (JINX ALERT!), and I thought how freakin' lucky I am that I can do any of this. Most of you have heard me say (read me say?) this before, but it wasn't that long ago that I was using a cane, struggling to walk at all, and considering back surgery. So instead of moaning and groaning and complaining, I want to be so grateful that I can run any miles in any time at all.
So why the title? Cuz I haven't a clear goal for the rest of the year, and it's bumming me out. My goals this spring were to run an 8k, a 10-miler, and a 10k. And I will have completed them all on Sunday (JINX ALERT!). What I really want is to spend my Saturdays this summer training for something big, bigger than me, bigger than I think I can do. I want to be up early on Saturdays, running with a group through the miserable humidity that is D.C. in the summer. I want to run long on Saturdays and get hot and sweaty and push myself, and I want to do it with a very structured and organized group.
So, I'm looking around. Looking for the next event, and looking for the next group to do it with.
Is it possible I have pre-race funk?? I know how I like to get a jump on these things.
17 comments:
Funk me?!?!?!
No...Funk you!!!
;)
Oh, I feel ya sister. I'm feeling the post race funk right now. I finished my goal race and now I feel lost. I'm finding my way, although slowly. You'll find your way too. By the way, thanks for the lesson in perspective.
I'm impressed with your improvement year over year. You've got a lot to be proud of. I'm sure you'll think of something brilliant to do next. Maybe a nice 1/2 marathon??
Look forward to hearing about your next step.
Repeat after me:
Virginia Beach Half-Marathon
Richmond Marathon
Oh, yeah, baby!
No No - do not repeat after Bex - repeat after me - San Francisco Marathon. You can test that hill climbing and everything!
That sub 10:30 mile thing has me humbled. I need to get to work!
You can come join DCFit, we meet at the Pentagon on Saturday mornings to train for Marine Corps or other Fall marathons. There's also half marathon training if you don't want to tackle 26.2 again just yet.
There is a cost to join, but it covers water stops, etc.
See www.dcfit.net. I am in my second year with them, ran marine corps last year.
Of course, you know there's always DC Road Runners Saturday runs from Iwo Jima.
Good luck on Sunday. I'm still trying to decide whether to run, as a I know the hills will kick my butt!
Sounds like it's time to enter another marathon!!
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/home/index.php
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/
jeanne, that's inspirational!!! That's awesome! You're doing an incredible job, brilliant.
It sounds to me like you need to find a marathon...PF Chang's Phoenix RocknRoll??? Or do the Tucson Marathon - net downhill, get a PR!!! :)
Of course, you could always give an ultra a try...
;p
lol. everyone wants you to run with them!
repeat after me: i am the shiz-nit because i run sub 10:30 miles and my dork-ass friend a. maria couldn't keep up with me if she tried!
damn woman!
but i'm with susan on this one.. do an RBF marathon. fo-reeeeals. i know chicago sells out quickly, but there are a ton of RBF'ers going there.. and its flat as a pancake (although i like rolling hills, but thats me...) and the crowd support, from what i've seen/heard is RETARDED good...
or... KC marathon in november! (ha. kidding. it blows.)
but yeah, sounds like you're ready to be "in training". sub 10:30's? you suck!
:)
...or you could train for something shorter--5k or even a mile. The different workouts may help balance your training. Of course they--both the workouts and the races--hurt a whole different way, though. Just an idea...
Two words.
New Haven.
That's why keeping a log is so great, and so motivating! Congrats, and good luck w/ a goal!
So if you want to do well this weekend you better do what Susie sez: visualize victory (sounds a little too Republican to me but give it a try).
Good luck this weekend in your 10K. I like your attitude of looking for something bigger than you. YOU CAN DO IT!
Have a great race!!!
Have FUN!!!!
I have the opposite problem: too many "clear goals" that eventually create a big mess. But I think I do it to avoid the funk you described. Enjoy the haul back home. We get to do that in a few weeks and can't wait to see where all the stuff is gonna fit.
Good luck this weekend!!
I always have to have a plan for upcoming races! I think that will help you out of your funk!
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