Okay, the first part of this post I wrote on Wednesday afternoon. The second part I wrote on Thursday afternoon.
Wednesday Afternoon:
The Chicago Marathon is on my bucket list. I heard about how great of a race Chicago is before I was even part of the blog community. But with so many bloggers running it this past fall and singing it's praises, I was prompted to decide that it’s a race I need to do someday.
Someday.
“Someday”
could be a very long time, unless I actively start working toward this goal!
So, how to get to Chicago?
So, how to get to Chicago?
The
first option is to sign up for the lottery and let fate take it’s course. I
suppose eventually I would win a spot and be able to run the race.
The
second option is to try to get a guaranteed entry by qualifying. The qualifying
time for Chicago is not as tough as Boston. For a chick my age, I would need to
run a 3:45. If I maintained an 8:32 pace, I’d have about a minute to spare.
The
kicker is, I would need run a race at this qualifying time before April 12th.
I did find a race in Cape May, NJ on March 20th. It’s flat. It could
work.
But
I don’t know if I’m ready to run a marathon! 26.2 miles seems like a LONG
FREAKING WAY.
I
haven’t run a marathon since April, 2014.
I
haven’t raced a marathon since
November, 2012.
Decisions…
decisions…
If I decide to try to qualify, I'd have to decide soon. Like this weekend, because I would need to increase my long run distance from 14 miles to 18 miles within a month to be on track to run a marathon on March 20.
What to do!?
Thursday Afternoon:
I think I have made a decision! First of all, I asked Heather and Kristina what they thought about qualifying vs. the lottery, and they both mentioned that it's not that hard to get in via the lottery. That's good to know! But it still would be a risk and I wouldn't be able to count on having my name drawn.
Then, during my run this morning, I started to think about marathon training and realized something pretty important: I do not feel like training for a marathon right now! Yes, it is nice to have goals, but I just feel like running for fun at the moment. Not to mention, it's WINTER, and the weather could really mess up long run plans. I don't feel like stressing about it.
Also, running 18+ miles doesn't sound fun to me, and I feel like if I am training for a marathon, 18 miles should at least sound a little fun! At this point, I am leaning toward lottery and letting fate take it's course!
Any inside info on the Chicago lottery?
Does running 18 miles sound fun to you?
Have you ever gotten a big great running idea and then decided... NAH! ?
Does running 18 miles sound fun to you?
Have you ever gotten a big great running idea and then decided... NAH! ?
Running 18 miles does not sound fun; however I have had ideas of lofty running goals in the past (sometimes I still do) but then I think about all the things that would make that NOT resonate w/ me--I would have to run a whole lot more which would be hard on my injury prone body, I would miss my other sports, and I would have to dedicate a lot of time to it and probably feel pretty tired all the time. Things I value would be compromised. But I am pretty sure I am completely in the minority and I am OK w/ that.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your lofty running ideas you have?
DeleteEvery once in a while I will think "maybe I will try a 1/2 marathon", but then I think "nah...."
DeleteA friend of mine who says she dislikes long distance running is considering a marathon. And I told her, if you don't like long distance, don't run a marathon just because it's there. You have to want to.
ReplyDeleteObviously you know that because you've run them multiple times and know the work it takes! So I think letting the lottery decide for you is a great idea. I'd love to follow your training, but if your heart's not in it, I think letting fate take its course is a smart move!
That is good advice for your friend! You don't have to run marathons to be a "runner".
DeleteLast year abou 60% of lottery entrants got into the Chicago marathon. You should throw your name in. It's an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like okay odds!
DeleteI'm really glad you've come to a decision. If it makes any difference I know you would've kicked butt at your marathon, but at the same time I totally understand what you mean by being stressed out about winter long runs. I am facing a battle every single weekend now and checking the weather days in advance to plan my long run. I totally get it don't add that extra pressure to yourself just run for enjoyment if that's what makes you happy. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. :) You know me I don't race a lot and like to just run for enjoyment most of the time. The older I get, the less I like the pressure!
DeleteRight now, running 18 miles does not sound fun. I ran 8 this morning in the wind, rain, and cold, and was just ready to be done. I couldn't imagine running 18 right now. That being said, if I had a marathon goal in mind, my attitude might change. I honestly like the idea of putting in for the lottery and leaving it to fate, especially because you are not totally excited about the training right now.
ReplyDeleteYes, and at least if I got in, I would know well an advance and would have more than 2 months to train.
DeleteYour run this morning sounds tough!
Right now, DRIVING18 miles doesn't sound like something I feel like doing, lol. Wishing you luck in the lottery though!! I'd love to go there!
ReplyDeleteThanks Em! Yeah I hate driving as well!
DeleteI don't know I am not a fundraising type of person. I'm more of a donator! Let's save our $$ and donate to Kristina! :)
ReplyDeleteI say go for it....what the he#& lol. I'm a go big or go home kind of runner.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I think if my heart was in it, I would. I can tell my heart is not in it.
Delete