What's a Gal to Do?
>> Sunday, December 13, 2009
As most of you know, I've been training for the Disney Marathon for the better part of 3 months now & I'm less than 30 days away from Race Day...but I've HIT THE WALL. I've realized that I REALLY DON'T LIKE RUNNING LONG DISTANCES. I've done several half marathons over the past few years and thought those were bad, but training for a marathon doesn't compare at all. This has been harder mentally and physically than anything I've ever done.
I think part of it is nutrition - I've been struggling with finding the right breakfast (peanut butter toast w/ a banana has been the best so far) and then the best nutrition/supplements to carry with me on long runs. I'm OK until about mile 8, then no matter how many gels I take in, how much Gatorade I drink or how many lifesavers I eat I just feel wiped out, weak and shaky.
The other part is motivation - I just don't enjoy the distance. I never thought I would say "Thank goodness today's run is only 10 miles", but I'm there. I dread anything longer than that. And as soon as I start to feel physically weak, my mind crumbles and I totally lose it. Poor Ryan has been yelled at MANY times on long runs because I get so crabby!
So now I'm beginning to wonder - Can I do this? Can I really finish 26.2 miles? I only have 26 days left to figure it out.
Part of me wants to back out now and not even bother lacing up my shoes on January 10th. But I know I would regret that come race day when everyone else is gallivanting around Disney with their Finisher's medals and I'm standing there with a bare neck.
So now I have some soul searching to do. Will it take away from the accomplishment if I need to walk several miles in order to get across the finish line? Should I back out and cheer everyone else on?
What do YOU think I should do? I've set up a poll on my blog...feel free to cast a vote!
1 comments:
GO THE DISTANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!