Thursday, September 22, 2011
Looking toward 2012 already
Although I have a race I should be focusing on this Sunday and another one in October, I can't not look at what I want to do in 2012. I think as athletes we're always looking for what's next.
I've completed 4 half marathons and soon that number will be 5. I've cursed that distance and I've loved that distance all at the same time, I've even said "I have no desire what-so-ever to run a marathon." Something has changed over the past month, the mountain that is a marathon is calling my name to climb and conquer it. I never thought I would EVER have the desire to train for a marathon, but then I watched Spirit of the Marathon and got inspired to run 26.2 miles. Dang movie. :)
So I've been looking into 2012 marathons and I know I want to run a "big race." I want there to be a lot of spectators, support, lots of runners with me, etc. The race I found has all of that AND its in a place where running has deep, deep roots: The Eugene Marathon.
I haven't registered yet, but if I do before Oct 1st, it's only $80. That's a deal for a marathon! I would really like to find a group or one running buddy to do the long runs with I know those will be the hardest part and I want someone to battle them out with me.
The ONLY thing holding me back from registering is the lingering thought of doing a Half Ironman in the summer. I'd like to do one in July and there would be overlap between the two training schedules. What do you think? Marathon in May and Half Ironman in July? Is it possible without burnout? I'd love your thoughts, blogworld.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My 2012 schedule also includes a marathon-Jan 15. I have one 1/2IM left this season at the end of October so I am incorporating the beginning of my marathon training into the last bit of my 1/2IM training. :) I plan to train for the marathon while continuing to swim and bike as my first tri of 2012 will be the first week in March. I think with careful planning and maintaining swims and bikes along the way you can pull it off.
ReplyDeleteI guess it depends on your overall fitness and your goals for the marathon and how well you want to do at the Half Ironman. By training for both, ur gonna have to sacrifice something, but yes it is possible to do both. Ur run training for the HIM will be taken care of by your marathon training, but u will need to find a way to mix in bike workouts where can see improvement while not hurting marathon training. It's a fine balance. One thing I'm worried about is how much recovery time ur gonna need from the marathon that will eat away at ur prime HIM training time, which will be the months of May and July.
ReplyDeleteEerrrrr, May and *June*
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jon as my first thought was how many weeks between the Mary and HIM. That being said it is possible.
ReplyDeleteFor example I am racing a Half-Ironman on October 23rd, a Half-Marathon November 6th and a Full Marathon December 4th. It is possible but I have to make sure I'm juggling my daily life to reach all my training goals but forth by my coach.
And with that may I suggest you get a coach that can help you with this training as it will be a fine line and they will know the best way to maximize your training. If you can do it on your own that is even better, but I know I am not capable of doing it.
Yay for marathons! "Spirit of the Marathon" has that effect on lots of people :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what Jon said above. I think a coach could help with deciding if this is do-able for you, and if so, laying out a good training plan.
Since this is your first HIM and marathon, I don't think it's going to be your best idea, especially with the marathon first. It'll be hard to really build your bike and swim base up while getting enough miles in to run the marathon. It's doable, but not ideal. Burnout is also a definite possibility, since you'll start training for the marathon in January or so, which will give you 6-7 months of good, solid, GO time.
ReplyDeleteSince you have a coach, I'd talk to them about it. They can show you what your training plan might look like as well as give you an educated opinion about whether or not it will work for you, since they've been working with you for a few months. They may also be able to suggest alternate race arrangements that might work better for you.
If you decide to do one in May, consider doing the BMO Vancouver Marathon, it's the first weekend in May. I'm pretty sure I'm going to make it my first marathon as well! Perhaps we can train together!
ReplyDeleteYes, I say go for it! And Eugene is a perfect race to pick. Track Town USA!
ReplyDeleteI have heard great things about the Eugene marathon and I am definitely interested in running it. However- I am student teaching this spring and think I need to wait until that is done! I don't know much about training for a HIM, but good luck with whatever you decide!
ReplyDeleteMy thought would be pick one and be good at one. Can you get through both. Sure....but who want's to just get through it.
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely do both! I say go for it!
ReplyDelete