To do and risk returning without bling

[Pippa49]

A lot of people, some I have met and some not have said that they believe that I can do the marathon. I really appreciate this belief in me and support however I am struggling with the thought that if I do decide to carry on but don't make the other cut off points where the roads are due to be reopened ie from mile 8 onwards that they will stop me from continuing for my safety. If this happens then I will be going home without any bling. OK I will have had a go but as I have already paid a lot of money to get to York it feels a big risk. I have already failed to finish the Brighton marathon (my choice) not sure if I want to risk disappointment and embarrassment of not completing another. I am aware that I could quite easily come back without bling from Cardiff. I will have to write out the pros and cons of doing the 10 mile race and the marathon.

[Irish-John Marathon]

I was thinking of doing a Marathon, and after my recent HM a few friends were assuring me that I have "a marathon in me"

However...IF I were ever to try one, I'd make darn sure it would be because it's me who wants to do it, and not just my friends

It's a loooong process even before the day, I admire those who invest the time and effort - it really is something to be proud of when achieved

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Pros and cons is a good idea👍 For me the pressure of the deadline of the cut off would take all pleasure out of the event. 10 miles is still a fantastic distance to do and enjoy being part of . I really like that distance and it's still a big challenge that a huge amount of the population wouldn't be able to achieve. I feel like you put an awful lot of pressure on yourself and you want it to be a good memory and experience . But that's just my opinion only you can decide. X

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Well these are the cons:

1. Cut off times for road reopening

2. May get slower in the second half of the marathon

3. No paths and street lighting on rural parts of the course

4. No bling for the marathon or the 10 mile race if I choose to continue and I am stopped due to roads reopening for my safety

5. Weather may change

6. Lack of crowd support in some parts of the course

Pros :

1. Sense of achievement

2. Bling

3. Will never need to do another marathon!

4. Cost of travel and accommodation already invested

5. Time and effort invested up until recently doing up to 18miles

6. Pride

Have I missed any or are some better off on the opposite list? . I was looking forward to doing the marathon but wonder if I made the mistake of telling the organisers my times for the 16 & 18 mile run /walk as they worked out my expected finishing time. This sucked all the joy out of the training. Whilst I know they had my safety in mind and wanted me to have a good experience since knowing that my marathon entry is still active I feel confused. I emailed them to ask if it was too late for the marathon but now I am unsure. I could try doing 2miles this weekend but it may be too much the week before the Cardiff Half on 6th October.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

Could you do the marathon distance without it being an official race . ( a virtual event)?Or a more low key event with less pressure and restrictions ? I don't think I can help you to make the choice but as well as pride and achievement we run for enjoyment and I sense that this is weighing on your mind heavily.

I have a tendency to do that myself so sympathise wholeheartedly but you can't let it rule you and stress you out in the extreme;that will make things worse in my opinion in the long run(*no pun intended. )

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

I could do but it wouldn't be the same. May have to decide that a marathon is no longer for me. Thank you for your input. Meant to say I could try doing 22 miles not 2 lol

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I would agree with Ali and John. This needs to be your decision and there can be a lot of pressure to finish in time. It can be a joyful or painful experience also. I was on the fence about doing it for the right reasons, and even pushed it back a year to better prepare. Weigh your options and make a decision you can be happy with.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I have replied to Ali with my pros and cons. They have offered me free entry in next years marathon however I am not sure if I will want to do a marathon next year but don't want to sound ungrateful. This marathon was to see how long it took so I would have had an idea for London but I can't do London now as it clashes with something else and the Brighton marathon is the weekend before but already having second thoughts about that one.

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Hmmmm its a real tough one. I agree its your decision. Hopefully you will make a decision you are happy with it and settle on it. However if you any thing like me you may still keep chewing over the 'what ifs' etc...... in your head

so good luck with what ever you decide

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to Deals1]

Thanks. Lol yes. Initially I was upset and disappointed with their estimate of how long it would take me to do the marathon and was in shock so agreed in haste to do the 10 mile. Wish with hindsight I hadn't emailed them to see if it was too late to change my mind as I would have never been the wiser about my marathon entry being still active. I am still considering just doing the 10 mile race however not sure what to do about the free entry to next year's marathon. I am not sure if I want to do a marathon now but don't want them to think I am ungrateful.

[backintime 10 Miles]

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer - just go with your gut - if you had to decide right now this minute, which one would you choose? Take that one and put it aside. If you choose the 10k it doesn't mean you will or won't ever do a marathon, it's just one race that you are deciding on. The other decisions are there to be made when you need to make them.

Just my 2 cents

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

If I had to choose now I would do the 10 mile race as although I feel that I could do the marathon. The pressure of the cut off times and the lack of pavements and lighting on the rural parts of the course and the possibility that they will stop me from carrying on : these are too great a risk to take to end up with nothing.

You are right. I may do a marathon in the future I may not but at this point in time I don't want to.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Pippa49]

If you don't want to, then choose the one you want to do. Take the pressure off, have a good 10 mile event and decide on a different marathon, or not, at some point in the future.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Whichever you decide we'll still be rooting for you! 👍🏻😘

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you. Will let you know how it goes whichever option I choose