A Re-evalution....
The short version is my 18-miler did not go as planned.
The long version is this....
I am seriously reconsidering this marathon. I have noticed that as my runs get longer, I tend to get more and more frustrated and impatient, I just want it to be over. I am having fun until about mile 15 - then I get aggravated and cranky. In fact, it got to a point this week that is where I stopped - 15 miles. Its not so much that I couldn't have possibly finished (although I was very tired and had to stop and rest just a mile before that) its that I reallly had NO desire too. I had been on the trail for 3 and a half hours and I simply had enough. I turned around and went back home and not an ounce of me feels bad, guilty, or dissappointed in that.
One question I have is that maybe these trails are longer than posted, because at that time, I am running a FOURTEEN minute mile which can't be right at all, I know that there is no way that I am THAT slow. I would have to be walking to do that, and I was running! Also, ALL of my long runs on these trails seem to be slow.
Nonetheless, I really have no way of knowing how long those trails are, I can't exactly call up the SC State Forestry Commission and demand they re-measure the Stewardship trail! Should I finally invest in a Garmin so I can get a more accurate measurement of pace/distance? Or am I really and truly that hopelessly slow on my long runs?
I don't recall my long road runs (had a 14 miler and a 12 miler on roads that were definitely on target for an 11 minute mile)
All I know is that regardless, I feel really unprepared for this marathon. I am looking at a possibly a longer than 5:00 finish here, if these 14 min miles are right (which may not be the case), we are talking a 6:00 finish!
I really am not sure what to do, but I am reconsidering the marathon for a couple of reasons:
1.) Its getting to the point that on long runs, I am not enjoying running anymore. I won't spend 4+ hours on a Saturday doing something I am not enjoying at all.
2.) I am doubting if I even have the time to devote to this. Devoting 3-4.5 hours on a weekend to just running is more daunting and frustrating than I thought. Again, I am having a blast until mile 14 or so and then it I get pissed. (Or the 3 hour mark which, again who knows how far I am going, I have my doubts)
3.) I seriously doubt my ability to do it at all. I won't run a marathon if it is going to take me 6 hours to finish. Maybe other people are ok with that and I respect that, but I just don't have the patience or the endurance at this point in my running life.
4.) I wouldn't mind focusing on 10K's and Half-marathons because I think, eventually, I could kick ass on that eventually I think (especially the 10K) and probably enjoy myself alot more which would keep me more motivated, and thus healthy and happy.
Well that's my rant. I welcome anybody's input...
Comments
If you have a bicycle maybe you can get one of those bicycle computer with a trip meter that allows you to monitor the distance - this is how I measure my running trails. It seems to be fairly accurate (within a 10 yards/mile).
When I get over 50 miles a week during my peak training weeks I start experiencing the same feeling during long runs. What seems to help me is to get more sleep the couple nights before and to eat more during the runs. I also cut back on the cross-training to give myself more time to recover.
Posted by: Jack | August 10, 2006 04:50 AM
My pace for long runs is about 2 miles slower on trails than it is on roads. Is the marathon a trail marathon?
If you aren't having fun than maybe you should step back a bit and concentrate on shorter distances. That said, marathon training is hard and part of it is developing that mental attitude to stick through it. Running with a partner helps too.
Good luck whatever you decide!
Posted by: Sarah | August 10, 2006 09:52 AM
yes, maybe you are a short distance runner - but I can totally relate to the 15 mile mark. Have you tried running courses/trails that you don't know? I always get annoyed when I have to run the same course over and over. Not knowing what to expect helps.
Posted by: steph | August 10, 2006 10:15 AM
If the trail is distinguishable from satellite imagery, you might try mapping it on favoriterun.com (uses google mapping). I suspect either the mileage is off, or as Sarah noted, it's just a harder trail to run on. Is it a smooth surface without too many hills?
Three and a half hours is normally enough time for your longest training run. Some programs recommend you not exceed 3 1/2 hrs on any run (except the marathon itself) -- though I recall one of them suggesting you do 3 1/2 hrs in the morning and then if necessary, finish it in the evening -- I don't think I could do that.
Are you carrying enough nutrition? I tend to get really tired around 12 to 14 miles, but after a gel or some energy drink, I'll start feeling better again (until around 20). Heat and humidity can take its toll as well. Trust me -- I know.
You've put a lot of training in so far... Good luck!
Posted by: Kurt in Boston | August 10, 2006 11:38 AM
Frustration is definitely part of marathon training. Those long runs do take a lot of time and (especially for your first marathon) take additional time to recover from. I remember when I was training for my 1st marathon - I came home from my first 18 miler. My sister happened to be at my house and when she saw me getting out of the car, she had a look of panic on her face and said, "are you ok." (We still laugh about that.) It gets easier. Trails and parks are very often not marked properly. If you are not training for a trail marathon, try marking a course on your own (with your car) so that these long runs are accurate. Another solution is joining an area running club. These clubs mark out routes, provide nourishment during the runs, and often times you can find a partner to run with. Partnering up with someone that runs your pace sometimes takes the boredom out of these long runs and helps you get through the final few miles. It also shows you that others struggle with the longer mileage - you are not alone. Don't give up yet. Make sure you are getting enough hydration. Maybe taking a granola bar along with you would help as well. Just some suggestions. Good luck.
Posted by: D | August 10, 2006 04:39 PM
Well. I know I sometimes get frustrated when out for a long run by myself. It helps me tremendously to run with others and make it more of a social time. Even when i ran my marathon I found people to run beside and talk to along the way. For me, the social aspect is actually a big part of my running.
Measuring trails is tricky. Your pace on a trail will definitely be slower than on the road. For me this can mean as much as 3 minutes per mile depending on terrain. I have found the most accurate tool is National Geographic Topo. Or if you can get the Nike+ or some similiar thing you can track your distances that way.
And it's certainly no crime if you don't like the marathon distance. We are all built and desire to run different. that's why some people like ultras and some like 5K's! You just need to work out where your "sweet" spot is :)
Posted by: Jessica | August 10, 2006 04:58 PM
you are running your long runs on trails? Add two to three minutes per mile on to your pace. Trails slow you down big time. Bonk at 15 miles? revisit your fueling strategy. Used to take me a good hour or two to warm up and feel good, then about an hour later (15ish miles), I'd crash. are you taking electrolytes? That can help, in addition to food/water. Working through frustration is part of the training - so much is mental!
Posted by: angie's pink fuzzy | August 11, 2006 02:53 PM
sorry to read about your frustration. you could use http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ to measure your route, it's a pretty neat tool. as for pace, i'd say trails make you at least 2 minutes per mile slower. also, my pace tends to be 2 minutes more for runs longer than 13 miles. good luck with your decision. although there's always a mental struggle, i think we should be enjoying ourselves out there, or it makes no sense to run. have you tried using an ipod? more fluids? more food? electrolites? take it easy, and again, good luck.
Posted by: nattie | August 12, 2006 06:27 AM