I'm brutally honest with you guys about my bi-polar relationship with running. It's almost abusive. I love it. I can't live without it. Yet, sometimes it tortures me and I struggle. I think I'm finally realizing that in order to have more love in my life for running, I need to train smarter.
I'm not running to the computer to sign up for another marathon. But if I do run another (which I think I will), I need stronger workouts. I spent yesterday morning strategizing with Corey on how I can do this. We've come up with this: I will run 4 days a week, with each run having a solid purpose. I'm consistent with my Speed Workouts so I will continue those. I will also add a Tempo Run where I learn to hold a faster-than-comfortable-pace for longer-than-comfortable. I will do a "Marathon Pace" Run between 4-8 miles. My projected marathon goal pace will be 9 minutes. I want to run as close to a 4 hour marathon as possible. There I SAID IT. And lastly, I will do a Long Run and I will spend more time keeping a consistent pace.
I'm determined to become the runner I know in my heart I SHOULD BE. And I going to attack these goals this summer.
This is where I SHOULD BE:
5K- 23:15
10K- 49:30
10 Miles- 1:20
Half Marathon- 1:49
Marathon- Anywhere between 4-4:15
I'm going to give myself some time off distance training before I refocus myself on reaching my goals. I am going to rely on the runners who I respect so much- my brother, Leah, Corey, Lauren and Emily. Together with Becky, we are going to finish a marathon PROUD of our efforts.
** Oh and to my food blogger buddies- I have a plan for next week so expect to see food on this blog soon! I promise!**
This post makes me so happy! This is what running is all about- coming back from a race and wanting more, changing up your training and setting new goals. You can do this, I know you can, and I am always here for you!
ReplyDeleteI really respect you for posting this. It's so hard to admit these types of thing and I think you are so brave for doing so. I once ran a marathon with only 16 miles as my longest run and it was a tough lesson, but one that I needed. I think you realized that'd lesson and you WILL get to that dream goal. Keep your head up, it will come.
ReplyDeleteI really believe that with the support of our friends and a solid training plan, we will attack our next marathon and run a strong race. Since the day I returned from DC, I have been reading lots and planning for my next training cycle. We are going to work hard, hold each other accountable, an have lots of fun! I knew you couldn't stay away for long...addiction is like that.
ReplyDeleteYessss. You are SO capable of running a kick ass marathon that you are proud of. I am really excited to support you and help in any way I can! Don't beat yourself up for Boston...you agreed to run it way close to M-Day and it's a mother-effing tough course. You will kill it with proper training and the right day!
ReplyDeleteYour determination is so incredible!!! You've got a lot of support and I know you can do whatever you put your mind to, train like a pro!!! Congrats on finishing the Boston :-)
ReplyDeleteYay, I knew you'd come around and realize you have better races in you! Training smart is the best way to train. I'm excited to do it this summer!
ReplyDeleteThose are awesome goals, and you work so hard that I know you can achieve them. And hi Judy! :)
ReplyDeleteLizzy I love this post!! Honestly - you're making ME excited about training...and helping you reach that 4 hour marathon goal however I can (and however you need me). I truly believe you are capable of reaching your goal. Marathons are really REALLY tough and the only reason I keep coming back to them is because I'm convinced that next time I can do it better (it's a crazy addiction!! haha). I'm glad you're feeling motivated and happy to hear that your break-up with marathoning was only temporary :)
ReplyDeleteAlso - I love that quote from your friend's mom. It's so true!
Good luck with your goals. It sounds like a very smart training plan. You should definitely NOT be embarassed about your time.
ReplyDeleteYou did great! And it's great that you have goals for doing even better! You may want to consider a coach - it's a little $$ but can totally take you to the next level (shameless plug for my coach - www.trimoxiecoaching.com :) Great job!
ReplyDeleteMmm yes. The abusive running relationship. I know it all too well! I found this race to be super frustrating too...it's so sad to me that I used to be so fast and now...not so much. My goal for my next race is to definitely work on strength training and building up my muscles so that (a) I don't get injured again and (b) I can be fast again! Loved the honesty of this post! Marathons are HARD.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has this relationship with running! You are amazing for finishing the marathon. It takes drive and determination! I am looking forward to hearing how your next marathon training goes and how you feel after the race!
ReplyDeleteI love your honesty about it! I'm definintely far from where you and your running buddies are, but I definintely get the frusteration in general. I know you'll reach your goals!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me that I need to stop slacking on that 3rd "easy" run each week...woops. But I'm about to go do my 10-miler right now and a fwe months ago the thought of running miles in the double digits seemed impossible to me...so THANK YOU!!
this is a great post, Lizzy. I love that you have really looked at your races and come up with a plan that will for sure work for you. You never know how a marathon is going to turn out and whether it's going to be your day, but as long as you train the best you can, that's all you can really do, you know? Good luck, lady, and I look forward to following your training!
ReplyDeleteLove your honesty here- I totally get it.
ReplyDeleteBut, you should be so proud of yourself. You had a short training cycle and still pulled off a pretty good race!
I am doing the same thing this summer- focusing on speed and then I will start bringing back distance.
I'm in a similar position as you in that I should be able to reach goals that I haven't been able to. I'm really excited to follow your new training and learn some tips from you!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to dominate your next 26.2, I'm sure of it. I felt the same way you do now when I was coming off of the Philly Marathon in November and one of my running colleagues made the comment, "sure, you're training to run a fast half or a fast mile here and there, but until you decided to commit to a season of training to run an entire marathon at your goal race pace, you're going to keep running marathons at your training pace." Let me know what you ladies choose to run next -- I'd love to tag along on your training!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspirational post Liz! Making the commitment to train smarter is the absolute right step to get you to where you want to go. Being disciplined and determined will be the answer. I look forward to reading about your progress and will be cheering you on from WA!
ReplyDeleteYou can do a 4 hour marathon, Lizzy! Training smarter physically is just the first step. I feel like sucess is mostly mental though and you have a great attitude.
ReplyDeleteYou did great and your goals are totally achievable. Can't wait to see you do it, or atleast read about it....LOL
ReplyDeleteAwww Lizzy, you should never be embarrassed with you time! You can definitely achieve a four hour marathon, I know you can. I think a big part of it to is the mental game that a marathon plays with everyone's head. This is so honest and I think by putting your goals out there you will 100% achieve them.
ReplyDeleteI know EXACTLY how you feel. I think I have the same abusive and loving relationship with running and I KNOW I should be faster but then I give up mentally and finish short of what I know I'm capable of. You will do this. I know you will!!
ReplyDelete