The furthest distance I have any desire of running at one time is a half marathon. I have much respect for those running full marathons and further. That's just not my thing. I just don't have the attention span or the will. Plus, I need to keep it real with my cross-training also. That being said, the reason I started my Daily Mile account was to hold myself accountable for my training runs. I understand that, by posting my runs, I open myself up to ridicule. I know it's out of love. Right, you guys? RIGHT?? Anyway, lately, my brain thinks it's more of a tool to compare myself to everyone else.
In training for my half marathon, this past weekend my long run was seven miles. Friends who are running marathons at the same time as my half marathon are running 16–18 miles at this point. Considering a marathon is exactly twice the distance of a half marathon (duh) it totally makes sense. I, however, feel like a pansy. But I shouldn't. I'm right on track with my training plan.
For the first time in a long time I had a running buddy for my seven-mile run. It was a tough run and I kept having a hard time catching my breath, even though I wasn't out of breath. I know, it makes no sense. Maybe it was the humidity? I have no idea. I kept apologizing to Mike (my running buddy, who is training for a full marathon) for slowing him down. When we were done, he told me I'm better than I give myself credit for. In other words, "Hey idiot, believe in yourself." Lesson noted.
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| Journey would approve. |
In other news, when I was in Boston in June, I got new running shoes.
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| Defyance 5. My "Boston shoes". |
After so many failed pairs of running shoes, I had high hopes for these guys. I'm happy to report that they are awesome! I finally found a running shoe guy who knew what he was talking about and put me in a pair a half size larger than my regular shoes. It was magical advice. I'm pretty sure now that I've found a shoe that works, they're going to retire it. Next time I need shoes I may just have to have Alyssa fit me for shoes (you know, since Boston is pretty far away). Get ready, Alyssa. It shall be your payment for taking a summer job at a running store.
There are no pictures of Pippi in this post and that totally confused me.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, there is nothing wrong with training for half marathons. I did that pretty much exclusively until last year. The half distance is perfect - short enough to be fast, hard enough to be a real distance event...plus short enough to not make me hate training ;)
Honestly, my reward for eventually breaking 3:30 is that I get to go back and run halfs all the time. That is my primary motivating factor right now.
I don't think "secondly" is a word. Sorry.
DeleteI'm connected to a ton of people on Daily Mile, but I really don't look at any posts other than my own. I know I'm putting 100% into my training, so that's all that matters to me. If you just go in and enter your workout and log off, it might be easier for you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you're worried about comparing your training to others, I think you just have to look at the end goal. If your training fully prepares you to rock your race and reach your goal time, then you've trained well and what other people are doing doesn't matter. Training is all about what you put into it.
Also, ahem, I believe I'm the one that told you to go a half size up!
I think comparison can be really useful, especially if you're comparing yourself to someone who is training for a similar time/distance goal. Beyond that, there will always be someone faster than you and people who run further. You can't really let that get to you, especially if you feel like you're running as much as you want to at this point in your life.
ReplyDeleteMath isn't my strong suit, but half of 16 is 8...correct?
See? I don't limit my ridicule to just Daily Mile. You're welcome.
Exactly, which is why my goal for JFK is 9:25 :) And I am teaching math this year, so you are correct.
DeleteNice job on your 7 miler:) I try not to compare myself to others just because I am usually way lower on the mileage end compared to everyone else. Plus my body tends to be injury prone, so that's my lame excuse for sucking. Glad you found a shoe you like. Hoping they don't retire it:)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Anything over an hour in training and I fidget with something (fuel belt, noodlehugger, ponytail). I can't imagine doing long runs more than once a week. For me, 5 miles is long. I should be up to 9 miles with my half in October, and I just can't get motivated.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Defyance shoes! It is all I run in and have been with them since the Defyance 2.
ReplyDeleteWe always recommend customers go a full size up for their running shoes. I am ready to take on my job! Mike is freakishly smart, like probably the smartest person I've ever met. We use "Mike-a-pedia" as a verb.
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