Where do I go from here?

Back in 2018 I set a goal to attempt to qualify for Boston. I was entering a new age group which meant it was the youngest I was going to be for that age group making it my best chance to get a BQ. I was giving myself one try and one try only.

After researching the best qualifying marathons, I decided on the Revel Big Bear Marathon. I spend a lot of time in our local mountains so I figured qualifying there would be extra special. All of Revel’s races are downhill making them one of the best road races if you want to BQ. 

Fast forward, I qualified and was accepted into Boston’s 2020 marathon, if you want to read the recap you can here. So obviously with the f#@*ing pandemic the marathon was postponed, then changed to virtual, but even if qualifiers ran virtually they were still eligible to apply to run in 2021. Long freaking story, short…I ran virtually (recap here) and applied to run this year. I was not accepted. It’s been frustrating to say the least but it is what it is.

My first thoughts upon reading my “rejection” email was  “Bummer. Whatever, I’ll show them, I’ll run New York!” (As if my running NYC affects Boston in any way, shape or form. Eye roll)  My next thought was, “Wait. Are you crazy? I’m done with marathons.” Boston was to be my last marathon. Go out with a bang an’ all. 

So…

Where do I go from here?

Honestly, I don’t miss long runs and lots of miles. I might run an occasional half marathon but I think I’m going to stick with 5 and 10k’s and work on my speed. That was my plan before I got the crazy idea to train for a BQ. Now seems like a perfect time to set that plan in motion.

Why 5k and 10k’s you ask?

1. Shorter runs. Training for a fast 5k means I’ll only be running 3 or 4 miles on my regular runs and maybe 6 on my long run instead of 10, 12 or longer. 
2. More time to do other things. There’s more to life than running. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a runner and running will (hopefully) always be my go-to activity, but I love cycling, Pilates, hiking, SUP’ing (new to me but love it), and training for marathons is time consuming, leaving little time for other things. Plus there’s yoga, which I don’t love but should be doing. Ugh
3. Budget friendly. Marathons and half marathons can get pricey but 5k’s and 10k’s are usually reasonably priced. I’ve spent A LOT of money on running over the years, as many of you probably have too, I’m thinking it’s time to scale it back a bit. (FYI, I just got an email for Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon, it’s $200 this year!)
4. More races to choose from. I could be wrong about this but it seems like there are way more 5k’s available than half marathons and marathons. I could race every weekend if I choose to. I don’t. But I could. 😉
5. Easier on the body. We all know that marathon training is tough. Those long runs are loooong! Sometimes I’m done for the day after an 18 mile training run. Even a 10 mile training run for a half is starting to feel long. 

What do you think? Are 5k’s more appealing now or are you a diehard marathoner?

In full disclosure, I have said I’m not doing any more half’s or marathons many, many, many times, usually during or right after completing one, so if you see that I registered for a half don’t be shocked. As a matter of fact I am registered for one in 2022 but I did that before I made this new plan. 🙂

I’m linking with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday’s Topics

and Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Jenn and Laura for Runners’ Roundup.

Thanks for reading. 

                 Denise