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Bob
TX
Member Since:
04/07/2005 Total Posts: 386
2.0 Years Ago
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As I am now within a month of my first ever marathon, I am starting to see the end. I am also a little down and don't know if it's normal to get this way when you see such a hard task nearing completion. Last year I had signed up to do the half of this marathon and had my back go out two days before race day and I also wonder if I'm having thoughts of that happening again. I can understand getting down after the race itself when you brain starts singing "Where have all the endorphins gone....long time passing" but this is a new experience (before race) for me. I have a 20 mile race tomorrow as part of my training and can't seem to get up for it.
Thanks for any insight you runners out there can provide.
bob |
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Anne C
CA
Member Since:
07/28/2006 Total Posts: 48
2.0 Years Ago
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Bob, I've also read a couple of articles in Runner's World lately about motivation. Here's another one from their internet site:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-332--8137-0,00.html
Hope I clipped that o.k. If not, look under 'motivation' on their web-site.
The article is called "Racing the Gremlins"
One of the articles that appeared in their magazine either last month or this month discussed mental or visual cues such as having a mantra; i.e. slow and steady, etc. or a visual such as running like a Cheeta. There was also a great article this month or last month that specifically talked about putting everything into persepective, i.e. don't take things too seriously, have fun, etc. It was geared to after completing a marathon, but I think it would be an interesting read before a marathon too.
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1143
2.0 Years Ago
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Ok Bob, I can't resist putting my 2 cents worth in on this one. I have come to believe that there's something to the hybernation theory wherein we tend to shut down a bit in the fall, especially when Daylight Savings Time ends. Having said that I can also believe that the right side of your brain is trying to protect you from disappointment. "Oh Bob," it says, "I know how disappointed you were last year not getting to run this race and if you quit now it won't be as disappointing this year. There, there Bob." OK, ENOUGH OF THOSE FALSE PRESUMPTIONS! You are fine this year, you're sticking to your training, and this year is NOT last year. Play a game with this overprotective side of your brain...tell it you're not really going to actually RUN 20 MILES (oh, no...that would be kind of silly, eh?). You're just going for a short run and/or walk then, hmm, maybe you can get in one more mile, and one more and so on. Make sure your right brain has an important job like looking out for dangers on the run (holes, cars, potentially dangerous situations). You'll find how great it was to run, even though you may have changed your running start time, or walked a bit, or whatever it is you do to avoid.
Goodness gracious man, you're training for a marathon, 20 is just a couple steps away from completing your goal! And, I think John is right...it is a letdown to be near the end of something so get something else scheduled, even a 10k just to see how your time has improved with all this training.
Whew, whoever said I'm long-winded? Me. Best of everything to you, you marathoner, you! Beverly |
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Bob
TX
Member Since:
04/07/2005 Total Posts: 386
2.0 Years Ago
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Thanks to everyone for their imput encouragement and articles. I have scheduled a half and a 5K later this year. The Lord gave me the strength to finish the 20 this morning. Near the start time the announcer said that those who will be going a 6 minute mile should begin staging. I thought to myself "wow there going to let bikers be in this race"! The first 10 was at a 12:16 pace and the second was at a 13:36 pace. Slow for most but fast for me. I never knew there were so many hills (mountains) in Dallas. There were a couple of streets where I felt like I was in a wind tunnel. The most disapointing part was that there weren't any finisher medals. In the injury department my left hamstring feels like someone was taking bating practice on it and my feet are pretty sore. I hope I can find another 6.2 miles out there somewhere....more reasons to pray.
Thanks again for keeping me on track....or should I say on street. :-)
bob |
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Vickie
TX
Member Since:
03/10/2006 Total Posts: 108
2.0 Years Ago
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Congrats on your 20!!!! That rocks! You can find another 6. Just think, you found the first 20 what is another 6!! I understand the soreness. I ran 11 miles today for the first time, it was my personal longest run :) My reward was a soak in the new hot tub. Worth every step!! Keep us posted on your progress. Vickie |
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Bob
TX
Member Since:
04/07/2005 Total Posts: 386
2.0 Years Ago
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I think if I could I would get you guys down here on the 10th of December and have you go from mile to mile as my cheering sections. I do have some great encourager's that have been working over time on my brain. I call them team BEST which stands for Bob's Encouragement Support Team. The pic is from the 20. Notice how few runners are in the picture. I was last in my age group and near the bottom over all.....I guess there is no place to go but up now.
bob
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Bob
TX
Member Since:
04/07/2005 Total Posts: 386
2.0 Years Ago
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Here is the tshirts I had made
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Bob
TX
Member Since:
04/07/2005 Total Posts: 386
2.0 Years Ago
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Last but not....well not totally last
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1143
2.0 Years Ago
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Interesting side to the blues.... Here's a link to an article that talks about choosing the right distance for one's personality. Maybe this could have something to do with it?
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--9476-0,00.html?cm_mmc=Extra%20NL-_-2006_11_14-_-Training-_-Course%20Selection |
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