Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Change of Plans

After what felt like a never-ending series of crappy runs I have decided to drop out of the Maui Half-Marathon next month. I couldn't put together a solid long run and even my short ones were frequently tougher than they should be. I just didn't have enough of a base running fitness when I started focused training on July 1st. Since I didn't have a strong base I also don't feel that 10 weeks would have been enough time for me to get ready. Sure, I could have walked sections of the course but I have already been there and done that and I want my next half to be something I can run the entire way and improve my time. This wasn't going to be that race.

Once I made the decision after about two interminable miles into what was supposed to be a 10-miler I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. Giving myself permission to quit was such a relief. I was pushing myself for something I wasn't ready for. Distance running is very mental and if your head isn't in the game then nothing good can happen. I will take these next few months and focus on getting faster and stronger and when I am ready to tackle another half-marathon I will give it the proper three to four months that I should. Then I can leave my 12:01 pace in the dust.

So instead of getting up at 4:30 a.m. to be at the starting line at 5:30 a.m. , running 13.1 miles through an area that means "merciless sun" in Hawaiian, Kevin and I will be sleeping in and maybe going down to the finish line to cheer on the marathoners and half-marathoners with breakfast Pina Coladas in hand.

2 comments:

Fishergirl said...

I knew that was just an excuse for you to go to Hawaii.

Titanium Spork said...

Dang! I've been found out. ;-)