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Aug 1, 2013

Re-assessing my Goals


Well, this week has been a week of reflection.  I've not had a good week in regards to running.  Oh, I'm ok, I did the right thing which is to rest but that doesn't mean I liked it.  In times like this, I have more time to think about what my goals are and what I really want out of running.  With that, I've made some changes.
  1. I want to run Boston, however, I don't want to sacrifice getting hurt in the process.  So what does this mean?  It means I'm changing up my training and will not go for a BQ in Indiana.  The IT band pain I experienced worried me too much.  Don't get me wrong.  I still plan on training and training hard but these back to back runs at pace(7:35-7:45) just don't work for me.  It feels like I'm racing weekly.  I believe the reason my IT band acted up this week is primarily due to a fast run at pace then a long run the following day.  I'll likely go back to my M-Th running, Friday off, Saturday long, Sunday off.  I might not be as fast but I won't be hurt.
  2. I'm not a triathlete.  Haha.  Far from it.  I don't like the swim and I tolerate the bike.  Ok, sometimes I like the bike but mostly it's not what I want to do.  I have no aspirations to go longer in the triathlon world.  In fact, I would not be surprised if the Stony Creek Tri is my first and last Tri.  I'm even considering switching to the Du.  I'm really ok with that.  I just don't have the desire to train for it like I do with just running.
  3. The 50k - no I'm not changing this one.  I still want to do it.  I still plan on doing it next year. Given the change to not try for Boston has me less worried about this now.  I still have not decided on a race yet but this is still planned for next year.  I love the trails and want to run them more.  While I want to do the Trail race in Pinckney in April, I just don't see training on trails all winter long so I'll likely do the half marathon for that race.  One of the best things about trail running for me is that I don't worry about pace.  I just go out and enjoy it.
  4. Marathon - after November, I don't plan to train specifically for a marathon in the future.  I will say that I'll probably run a marathon as part of 50k training program but that will be at a slow training pace.  There is one exception and that is if I get chosen to run with a charity for Boston.  I've requested a spot but I'm sure it's limited.  Other than this, I think I'm pretty much done with the marathon.  I mean, five is enough, right?
  5. Half marathon - this still continues to be my all time favorite distance.  I love it.  I can train for it and do well and still don't feel like I'm killing myself in training.
So there your have it.  Some updated goals.  Depressing post huh?  Haha.  Well, the way I see it, if I'm happy with slow long trail runs and half marathons with mediocre times, it's not depressing.  It's what makes me happy that counts and running and not being hurt is #1.  There will always be Boston.

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Five miles today.  Felt good today.  Is it me or did it seem humid this morning?

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Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

13 comments:

  1. Its always good to evaluate your goals and adjust if need be. Have you ever considered using a running coach? there are plenty out there and many can be done by e-coaching. I do and it works wonders. A BQ can still be in your future.

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  2. Better to re-evaluate than to set yourself up for injury or other problems. You're training for a friggin marathon, and about to run one, that is a triumph in itself.

    Having gone to New York through charity, I can tell you it may be harder to raise the funds than it is to qualify, and you certainly have put in your time to the running Gods to line up at the start.

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    1. Yeah, it isn't easy to raise that much money for sure.

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  3. I did triathlons last year and enjoyed them for the most part, but basically tolerated the swim (at best). This year I did the Du instead and LOVED it...way better suited to me. I'm a runner first and foremost, and like you I enjoy the bike. There is just zero time for me to get the swimming in that I need to be competent, let alone at all competitive. I won't say my triathlon days are over quite yet, but I'll be racing a lot more Du's going forward.

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  4. Hi
    I like it that you are alway thinking about what you want out of your running and updating your goal... I was never a swimmer and the bike doesn't excite me, how ever I wanted an IRONMAN so I bit the bullet and did one (mostly on running training). so do that tri and have fun, aiming at running well... and catching people!

    Next Boston! So keep aiming, but train the way your body lets you. So if you can't go fast enough no Boston, but who knows, the running gods might come to the party and on the day you surprise yourself, So take it as it comes. E-coach, not the best idea... you see if you have this ITB problem you would do better with a coach who can watch you running and work that way with you. I would bet there is something that isn't great with your style and the harder you run the more it comes to light.

    Good luck as things start taking shape...

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    1. Thanks Coach. I agree - coaching needs to be in person. I'm planning on going to a form class as well and hopefully that will help too.

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  5. I am also a fan of the half. I did one marathon and at this point am not sure that I will ever do another. I don't swim good either which is why I will probably never do a tri. Good luck with yours. Hope your IT band feels better soon. I am taking today as an unplanned rest day. my quad is not happy today, which makes me cranky.

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  6. This seems like a logical and well thought out re-evaluation. Nothing wrong with that at all. At the end of the day if this stuff isn't fun anymore what's the point? It's better to have fun and be injury free so you can do what you love, then push yourself to do something that damages it all.

    Have you looked at the Ice Age 50K? I know this is the one Jim really wanted to do last year for his ultra but it sold out before he could register. It's a 50K and a trail race...might be perfect.

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  7. I feel your pain with the IT band. It's frustrating. One day I feel great, the next I'm hurting. I too have reassessed my training plan. I just can't see myself running 10 miles on Saturday then doing a 20 miler on Sunday. My ITB are not liking that idea!

    Its a good call that you stepped it back some. Better to be safe, than to be hurt and not run at all.

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    1. Thanks Jose. I was hoping to meet you next year at Boston! Someday!

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    2. Same here. We will one day run a couple miles together :)

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  8. Wise choices indeed. I often change my goals according to what life and running throws at me. I try to do everything without ever feeling pressure to do it. I must do it for fun and because I really want to reach some goal...all without pressure.

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