Looking for direction...

[sharon1978]

So I went and did something a month ago which seemed like a good idea at the time...I signed up for my first marathon.

I have done a number of half's and was getting to the point where I needed a new challenge. I knew I would do one at some point but my hand got forced a bit as I had wanted to get into the training for a month or two before committing to actually signing up, but numbers filled up as the day was changed, so I signed up an hour before the race filled.

At the time I was grateful that I did as I know so many others were disappointed but now there have been a number of occasions where I wished I hadn't signed up. I used to really enjoy my long Sunday runs and missed them when our running group didn't do them. But I never felt like I truly got into the distance runs during the week, I'd just about got to the point where I was reasonably happy then my enthusiasm took a complete nose dive.

I resented how much of my time it was taking and felt like I was working running or feeling guilty about not running enough. So last Sunday week I did my long Sunday run of 17 miles, it was fine - I haven't had any problems with actually running my long runs, but I haven't been out since. I have a half marathon this Saturday and I suppose I am wondering where to go from here?? The marathon is the last weekend in October. Has anybody else ever got to this point with their training or how did they turn around their thinking?? Sorry its a bit of a long post. I'd really appreciate any advice to help me out at this point because I fear that my confidence and my pride will take a plummet if I don't do it! Thanks

[ActonHighStreet]

If the marathon is five weeks away and you can comfortably run 17-18 miles you should be OK. I'd recommend two more weeks with a long (c18) mile run in each of them and then three weeks taper. Google "first time marathon taper" and stick to a plan. Best of luck and most importantly, enjoy it.

[sharon1978 in reply to ActonHighStreet]

Thank you so much! It is good to hear that from someone with more experience than me, it really helps. I had hope to enjoy it more but I am a very 'all or nothing' kind of person and I got bogged down by the weekly mileage. My aim was to finish with a smile and to enjoy the marathon in anything under five hours. I had also wondered though would it be better to run it some of the others in my group that have also entered?

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Limited experience myself but when I was training for a HM recently I did start to find it a drain/chore and recognise what you say about only ever seem to work, run or feel guilty. I picked up half way through a training plan and there were less long runs than I was doing and I regained my focus, so I would agree with what ActonHighStreet has posted.

[sharon1978 in reply to ancientrunner]

Thanks for that it helps to know that youre not the only one in the boat!! I have to say its given me a better appreciation for the half marathon distance and the value there is in it!! I hope I get through it and it will be a long hard think before I sign up for another!

[misswobble Marathon]

I like a plan as it saves over-running, which saves your legs and your time.

You've signed up for it now so either just do the training and don't even think about it, just do it. Or you could just run when you feel like it and hope it's enough on the day. Or you could just forget it and don't run it at all if you're not feeling the love

Decisions, decisions. Don't worry about it though Sharon cos at the end of the day it's just running, not life or death. You want to be able to run with a smile on your face so don't let this stuff get you down honey!

[sharon1978]

Hi I downloaded a plan off the internet from a place I have used before and was a sound plan but in reality it was a bit much for me so I got a different one from a friend and although the long runs at the weekend are the same distance the weekly runs focus on time spent running as opposed to mileage. Its funny I wish I could follow my own advice because what you said to me is similar to what I would have said to someone else. I have got too caught up in the fear because I am very 'all or nothing' and I haven't been doing enough or so I feel. The funny thing is a part of me knows I can do it. Marathons really are the queen of all head games!! I really am looking forward to November when I can go out for a run just because... Thanks and happy running

[benwill Marathon]

sounds like your doing pretty well i would suggest at least once going over the 20-22mile mark 2 weeks out before the marathon and then taper. I think you should able to do that you still have plenty of time.

[sharon1978 in reply to benwill]

Thanks for the words of encouragement it really does help to hear it from someone else! I agree myself for my own piece of mind I had said a couple of weeks back that I would feel better knowing I had done 22 as opposed to the usual point mile run point. If I get to do 18 this Sunday, I have a half on Saturday the plan would be to go to 20 next week and the week after then up to 22 the following week, then taper. Saying it like that feels as though then end is in sight!! Thanks again

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I really get what you are saying and understand. I have now completed 2 marathons in 5 and a half hours so I am alot slower than you! You will be fine given your mileage. After my first marathon I had a huge slump and it took me ages to get my mileage up again- I couldnt run on my previous training runs as mentally I couldnt cope! Then for my second marathon this year I only did about 4 long runs above the HM mark and I chose to do them in nice places etc. I balanced that by running my trail frequently. I finished with 'fuel in the tank' and felt strong so it didnt break me. So my plan now for any marathon I do is just to finish and enjoy it. I wont be doing them regularly or i lose the enjoyment of running. I love to just go out on the trails and enjoy being in the wild... good luck...

[sharon1978]

Thanks a mil for your advice I really appreciate it!! It really helps to hear the experience of others it make it so much easier when you hear that its not just you. Its true what they say - if it was easy everyone would be doing it!! Happy running!