Over the past few months, I’ve shared about my running struggles and the Marine Corps marathon several times (here, here, & here, for example). After our move to Colorado, I had a much harder time adjusting to the altitude and hills than I expected. Instead of a few bad runs, it’s been just a few good runs amid a LOT of rough or forced runs.
I’ve prayed, tried several motivation tricks, and forced myself through most of the training. Getting sick a few weekends ago didn’t help, my long runs haven’t gone according to my plan at all. I’ve planned, re-planned, adjusted goals, and re-planned my training again. Did I mention my right foot started acting up again?
You know what…I’m not really having fun and it shows.
I considered dropping this marathon, but I’d really like to check this one off my list and move on. So, I’m going to try something different and run the marathon for fun!
I’ve done enough marathons to know that I can safely cover the distance at this point, but I’m definitely not prepared to race. So I’m going to approach MCM with the goal to have fun, have pictures, and enjoy the day. I’m going to cheer on Kirk and Melody (an awesome friend doing her first marathon!), wave to Lauren and Greg, and see what happens.
Then I’m not going to run for a month. I’m going go hiking, walk the dogs, yoga, hopefully snowboarding, and maybe an easy bike or two. I want to miss running! I have a lot of training coming up for Ironman Cairns and I would really like to enjoy that as much as possible.
In a little over three weeks I’ll be able to answer the big question – can you (really) run a marathon for fun?
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Questions for you:
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Do you take an extended break from training to refresh your mind (and body)?
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Any other non-running activities should I try in November?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t think of any other way *to* run a marathon. That’s a long distance to run if you’re not even remotely having fun. I hope you re-find your running love!
Steph recently posted..Friend Making Monday!
It will be fun!
It should always be FUN! You’ve got a great support system. GO enjoy, have fun, and be kind to yourself. <3
lindsay recently posted..Discovery Monday
If you say it will be fun, then it will be fun! I’ve run some races for fun (not marathons!) and once you take the time constraint off it really is fun to relax and enjoy the atmosphere!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Yurbuds & Nike Women’s Half Marathon
You can do it!! Just take in the scenery, and run because you CAN!! You’ll do great :)
Nicole @ Curly Mommy recently posted..Motivation Monday and Body Image
I couldn’t run a marathon for fun, but I have no doubts that YOU can. You’re sick like that. :)
You know what I’m going to say for non-running activities – weights! Haha. And you’re in CO – you should ski all day, every day. I heard they are already making snow in some places!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Shake It Up to Work It Out
I think you can do it. I know that I can run a half one for fun. I could probably even do that in a month from now after my ankle heals a bit. I know that I can pick up and run at least 7 miles after not running for a month (if I’m not injured — can’t do that now).
You can do it. And besides, who needs to compete anyway (haha I do).
I want to run another marathon at some point. It would be for fun, but also for a PR because my PR shouldn’t be hard to beat. ;)
Calee (@chimes) — life + running recently posted..Tuesday Tutes and Loot [9]: How to Pumpkinify Anything.
Well, the two I would tell you, you already mentioned ;) Definitely do as much hiking as you can! And, of course, since you’re in Colorado you must take advantage of the powder! Although, I would have to put on skis not a snowboard :)
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..I Live Without Closet Doors…
I applaud you for wanting to run it for fun! I know that I could never do it, and that’s why I had to give up full marathons. After a series of stress fractures, I was told not to run more than 40 miles per week, and I know that I can’t run the kind of marathon I want to run on that little amount of training. However, with all of the cross training I do for triathlon, it might be possible, but I’m not sure I want to take the risk of another stress fracture.
I know another blogger doing it: Marcia at http://www.marciashealthyslice.com/.
Have a great time, and I think your idea of no running for a month after is a great one! (although, again, I couldn’t do it — I might last 2 days — I love to run so much!)
Beth recently posted..Things I’m loving about October
You can def run it for fun! I on the other hand would die!! lol! I love that you plan to not run for a while and just focus on other things! I want to get into swimming!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Fall Fun Survey
There was a period of nine month (a few years back) that I ran 7 marathons. I did it by alternating “serious” marathon with “fun” marathon. Ironically, my times weren’t all that different from one race to the next.
Debbie@ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Weekly Reader: My Favorite Vegan MoFo Posts (and Other Inspiration)
Ugh I’m so sorry it’s been such a hard training cycle. I’m in the same boat. Chronic hip injury that just won’t quit. I may be power walking MCM. Not what I’d hoped but trying HARD to make the best of it, relax and just enjoy.
I’ve taken ‘runbatticals’ in the past and plan on a good long one after MCM as well!
You can do anything you want to do. :)
The other night I was running and hit about 9 miles, and I thought, “What if I just kept going and ran my own little half marathon RIGHT NOW?!” Just for ‘kicks.’ I’m sure I could do it if I wanted to…
Who is to tell you why you should or should not do something? If it isn’t fun, don’t force it. I like that you aren’t giving up, just trying to figure out another way to reinvigorate yourself!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Roast Your Grapes. Trust Me.