This past weekend’s Marine Corp Marathon and the upcoming ING New York City Marathon have gotten me thinking about finally planning for a marathon (we are talking long term planning here!). In the mean time, I am living vicariously through two fellow bloggers and tweeps – Lauren and Dorothy. I am in awe of their races last weekend at the Marine Corp Marathon, 3:18:09 and 3:21:46 respectively! After doing my first half about 7 1/2 years ago, I remember thinking to myself that I really had no desire to run a full marathon. The half distance was perfect– enough of a sense of accomplishment, but easy enough on my body that I could wake up the next morning and not be in pain. The marathon, on the other hand, requires a whole new level of commitment and dedication. It’s not that I doubt that I can run a marathon–deep down I know I can do it– it’s the experience I think I fear the most. Will I be able to get enough sleep with two young (and notoriously crappy sleepers)? Will my husband leave me if I insist on making Sundays long runs even longer? Will my thirty-something body hold up to the stress of the increased mileage that accompanies training for a marathon? Will I be satisfied with just finishing f I don’t get the time I want? These are all questions that cross my mind when I contemplate making the commitment to the marathon. With my latest round of half marathon training, I think I am moving closer on the continuum to making the leap, but I am still not quite there yet. So tell me, for those of you who have run a marathon–what made you finally commit to take on 26.2?
hmmm, i have done several half marathons, a bunch of 5ks, & only one full marathon. quite honestly it will take some convincing for me to feel ready to do another full. granted, i did not prepare & train for the full like i should have which left me with a really crummy (embarrassing) time. i also think my motivation for running it was off. it took me awhile to get over the time disappointment. maybe, just maybe, some day i’ll do another one to prove it only to myself.
I feel like that will be my biggest hurdle when I do run–what if I am not happy with my time? As runners, we are so obsessive! 😉