To Run or Not Run Another Marathon?…That is the question.

As some of you may know, I have been toying with the idea of running another marathon. It began with all the hoopla surrounding the Boston Marathon. I may have mentioned also, that I am advancing (getting older sounds way better when you can use the word “advancing”) to a new age group which gives me more time to qualify. Woohoo!

So every night since Boston I go to bed dreaming of the possibility of running the Boston Marathon. I lie there, awake, and I ask myself:

Do I want to invest the amount of time it takes to train for a marathon?
Do I have what it takes to run 26.2 miles at a qualifying time?
Do I even want to run another marathon?

I don’t have answers to these questions yet but I am going to continue to move forward doing all the things I need to do to make this dream of mine a reality.

just dreaming gets you no where

My 5 rules for success:

Strict running schedule. Usually my runs are random or dependent on how much time I have, which dog I am bringing with me or if I am training for a race. My new schedule will be mapped out to include a speed workout, a tempo run and a long run. If I choose to run a 4th day it will either be a short run before Pilates or hill repeats.
Strength training. This will done with Pilates once a week, resistance bands on non-running days and nightly weights before bed.
Focus on nutrition. I feel best when I stay hydrated and eat lots of protein for recovery. My plan is to cut back on empty calories (chips) and increase my veggies.
Stretch and foam roll. This is a constant battle for me but I know as my miles increase this will become vitally important.
Get plenty of rest. I’m not exactly a night owl but sometimes I stay up later than planned scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix, while thinking…6 hours is enough sleep, isn’t it? :-/ My goal is 8 hours every night…and ideally an afternoon nap. 🙂

sleeping dog

I haven’t fully committed to the whole marathon thing yet but I am registered for a half marathon in October so I have time to decide and then transfer my registration to a marathon if need be. The half I’m doing is the REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half and is all downhill (perfect for a BQ!) Take a look! Maybe someone wants to join me!

Are you training for a marathon? Hoping to qualify for Boston?

Leave me a comment. I love to read your comments and I will reply to every one. 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

I am linking up with Coaches’ Corner with host Running on Happy, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs. Be sure to check out their blogs before you leave. Thanks!

Keep running!

Denise

10 COMMENTS

kookyrunner | 3rd May 18

You are right to give this a lot of thought before committing to a race. I think that if you’re ready for the time commitment, then you’re ready to train for a marathon.

One thing I would keep in mind is the length of training you want to do. I completed my third marathon in March and I used a 12 week training cycle and that worked best for me. Previous training cycles were 16 and 20 weeks and they were just too long and I got runner burnout.
- Denise | 4th May 18
  
  Good point. The plan I was looking at is 20 wks. I figured the more training the better never thinking about burnout. Thanks for the input!
Amy C. (@RunningEscapade) | 4th May 18

I’ve always been in awe of people who can run marathons. I found half marathons worked for me, but I can totally see how running Boston would be a dream.
- Denise | 4th May 18
  
  Half marathons are a perfect distance…a challenge but doable.
Wendy | 4th May 18

Now that my running has come back, I’m actually thinking like this again. Like, could I BQ? But that means I’d have to do a qualifying marathon. I don’t know if I want to do another marathon. I’ll see how things go at my next half in a couple of weeks. I think I’m kind of liking just doing halfs…
- Denise | 4th May 18
  
  I totally think you could qualify! I see your pace, it’s just a matter of increasing the miles. It would be great to have a cyber friend to train with! 🙂
  Good luck on your half!
Marcia | 5th May 18

You’re smart in the way you are going about the deliberation process and have a solid plan in place should you decide to proceed. I’d so join you if I didn’t already have Sea Wheeze and Zooma Great Lakes on the calendar in October.
- Denise | 5th May 18
  
  Sounds like your calendar for October is pretty full. Maybe someday a bunch of us bloggers will do a race together. That would be so cool!
Coco | 6th May 18

Since all the answers have been “no” for me, I’m no help! I’m lacking motivation and discipline!
- Denise | 6th May 18
  
  You certainly don’t appear to be lacking either one. It must be hidden beneath the workouts and all the miles you run and cycle! 😉 You motivate me!

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