I did not meet my "A" goal at BDR. I didn't even meet my B or C goal! I wanted to PR and I didn't. Going into the race, I was pretty sure I would at least PR, but at last, a side stitch and calf cramps had other ideas for me.
My plan after BDR was to take it easy and CHILLAX. I am not someone who does speed sessions and tempo runs all year long. I am too afraid of getting injured. I can't be at my peak for more than a couple months or bad things happen. I felt like I was at my peak and November, so that means now I am supposed to take a step back and just run easy for awhile.
EXCEPT I feel like I have unfinished business! I still want to crush the half marathon. I want to do a 1:34:xx. Wouldn't it be easier to do that sooner rather than later and start from scratch?
There are some problems though...
1. My legs are very tired right now!
2. Are there even any flat halves in PA within the next month or two?
3. Like I said, I'm supposed to chillax right now.
I guess it wouldn't be so bad to wait until spring. I could chill now, and then in 2-3 months start doing some speed and tempo runs to get into racing shape. Augh, I don't know what to do!!!!
One thing I know for sure is that I am still MOTIVATED to race and not DEFEATED, so that is good!
Advice/Suggestions?
Have you heard of the Movie Madness half? That's down your way in the Spring. My dad and I did the race one year it was held at Hollywood casino.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of that one. I think it is really hilly. It is expensive too!
DeleteBut soon we might actually get that winter weather, so maybe the race might be icy - so there's that too. I know the feeling, wanting to get out there and just do it! You've got time, maybe best to just rest a bit now? Easier said than done :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think of the winter weather. :( Prob cause it isn't even winter-y here yet but it will be soon!
DeleteHmmm now that is a good idea!
ReplyDeleteI love getting all worked up and feisty for races! I bet if you PR-ed in this last race then you wouldn't get as huge a PR as you will now that you're all super motivated. Adversity either brings us down or lights a fire behind our asses! I can't wait to run again. I'm going to do EVERYTHING. Ha ha!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good point. I mean, I was pretty motivated beforehand but even more motivated now. I am just terrified of calf cramps!
DeleteI feel like a new PR is yours for the taking. Use this fire and and get the next race with a vengeance!! It is hard to find good races this time of year, but if there was one close by, I would go for it!
ReplyDeleteFinding a good race is definitely going to be a problem! This is a weird time for racing. For us northerners, anyway!
DeleteDon't ever give up on your goal! I'm not--this may not be my year for a BQ, but I hope somehow, some way I'll get to run Boston!
ReplyDeleteWendy, you will run Boston because I know you are DETERMINED!!
DeleteWe are of the same mindset. It's hard because you're going to have a real winter to deal with, and actual hills possibly, if you choose to find a half near you and try again soon. If it were me, here in Florida, I'd probably try again ASAP because a half doesn't take TOO long to recover from/train for. But there are other factors out there to think about! You definitely have a PR in you, and I think you could definitely grab it sooner rather than later if you wanted. I have no advice, just support for whatever you choose!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali! I have no idea what to do either! I think the weather and the lack of races up here in Jan/Feb prob makes my decision for me...
DeleteYou could come back down to Florida and do the Sarasota Half Marathon with me! Well, you will be way ahead of me but we would be there same time! :)
ReplyDeleteI am not sure FL likes me! ;)
DeleteFlorida likes everyone! ;)
DeleteOkay, this is a totally uneducated opinion, but I bet (small) hills + cool weather would be easier to race in than flat + hot weather. I don't know why I think that since I have zero experience running on hills in cool weather, but I know the heat can just totally zap your energy and cause cramping. It seems like cool weather could make hills feel less terrible. (Is that true? I actually have no idea, but I completely romanticize running in cool temps! haha)
ReplyDeleteIf your body and mind are telling you that now's the time, then I think now's the time! You know your body better than anyone else and can calculate how outside factors will influence your run. Whatever your instincts are telling you to do is probably the right thing!
Nono, it is true! Everyone I told my race story to was like, Well duh, it's FL!!! Romanticize all you want and soon your dream will be realized running in Central Park! Although TODAY, Christmas Eve, it will be about 63 on my morning run! AUGH! Jet stream.
DeleteI've been obsessively looking at the weather forecast for NY and looking up pictures of central park. I cannot wait!!!!!!!
DeleteEnjoy your run in 63* weather. It's 83*F here this morning!
I am so not the person to be giving racing advice since my running consists of only 3-5 mile "training" runs each week but I do believe that in life, when we have a hard decision to make we really do know the answer deep down. We just have to listen to what that is even if we don't like what's it is saying. I think in your heart you know what you need to do and I support you 100%.
ReplyDeleteI think my heart is saying chillax and wait. If it were Sept, no. But it's freaking Jan.
DeleteThats a tough call...I would say if you found the perfect race that you should go for it, but it sounds like there aren't many options right now anyway. It may be a good time to back off a little bit so you can come back stronger in the spring!
ReplyDeleteI think that is what I am leaning toward, Lisa. Thanks, you know what it's like up here in the winter and lack o good races!
DeleteYour sub 135 is waiting for you, you just need to get the right course with good weather conditions. I remember when Matthew and I went to Florida to run a half and Matthew were in the fall I nearly died from the humidity I was so exhausted! I prefer much cooler weather for racing especially if I am going for a beer.
ReplyDelete