Saturday, October 4, 2008

Running...what's that??

These past few weeks have been so tiring and yet rewarding at the same time. We were averaging 15 hour days (talk about raking in the overtime!!) I was constantly having to push myself more and more. Stress levels were through the roof (As evidenced by my stupid pimple-ridden chin...I'm an adult for goodness-sakes!! Where is this acne coming from!!??!??). I am so glad that I went, even though it completely wiped me out. I was really able to help so many people and re-pay the kindness and hard work that so many provided in our area after Hurricane Katrina. But, with all this came a big sacrifice...my running. I haven't run now in over two weeks - there was just no time while I was in Houston. If we weren't working, we were sleeping. Period. No free time for anything.

So, that brings me to my next delima. Do I still try and run (walk...) the full marathon in San Antonio? I'm really struggling with myself right now. I have about 5 weeks left to train. I've managed one 16 miler without too much problem. I can still squeeze in two 18 milers and one 20 miler as my training program schedules, but will I be able to do it since I've been off for the last few weeks? I can always run the half on that weekend instead of the full, but my heart was really set on running my first FULL marathon. I need some advice here guys. I may just plan to run/walk this one and then keep up the training for the Mardi Gras full marathon in February. And then I can shoot for a better time on that one than San Antonio. And I guess it all comes down to how my body holds up. These last two weeks my body has just been exhausted. I came home this week on Thursday and have done nothing but sleep. It's all finally catching up with me. And I have to turn around and head out to Washington D.C. again all next week. Maybe I can run on the mall which is one of the most awesomest, coolest, inspiring runs EVER.

Ok - enough whining for now. I'm going out tonight for my first run in weeks. Wish me luck!

**EDIT**



GREAT RUN!!!!!!!!!

4 comments:

RBR said...

I think your 'edit' answers your question.

You have time, you have been training hard. I vote you go for the full. I personally feel that your first marathon should be about finishing and going the distance. You can always improve time later.

What a rockstar you are going to help in Houston. You definitely get the 'Good Human Being' award from me.

I hope you get some rest and get back to getting yourself ready to rock it out in San Antonio!

Willie said...

Who are you again???!! Just kidding, it sounds like you were off doing wonderful things. I'm very proud to know you (sort of).

As for running the marathon, OF COURSE YOU SHOULD! Why are you even asking? Do you think that you will stop running after San Antonio? Of course you won't, you will run another one and another one and another one and so on for the rest of your life so don't even consider not running one because you are afraid you will not do well. If San Antonio is rough it will give you motivation for Mardi Gras, and you will know in your heart that you can do better! Stop looking at running as a one time race, you are a runner girl and always will be. Running is not a one time thing, it's a way of life.

Ok off my soapbox now. Didn't mean to preach but I learned these same lessons and only want to help.

Great run tonight! Take it slow please. Don't try to make up the miles or rush a 20 miler. Whatever you think you should do, subtract a few miles and do that. It's so easy to get injured after a long break and you don't want that.

Oh I love running in D.C. and the mall is my absolute fav! I always feel like I'm running with lots of high-power people. Everyone I pass I wonder if they are important. Plus the sights are wonderful. Enjoy and pictures would be nice... hint, hint, hint

Unknown said...

I think you should still do the full, but if you don't feel up to running as fast as you wanted, just run it steady. Use it as a primer for your next race.

Good luck!

Junie B said...

I was going to say the same thing...do the full in San Antonio. its super flat i think...nothing major thats for sure. and judging by your run, then yeah you are good to go. if you can get in 1 18 miler, a 20 miler then taper the last 2 weeks...yeah...go for it. and save the goal time for mardi gras marathon...or not :o)

just focus on getting those miles in and you wont have any issues..i just HOPE AND PRAY for great COOL weather in san antone for you guys! who knows i might show up to cheer everyone on as i have several friends doing both the half and the full