6:00 a.m. Thought I'd be doing 17.5 - 18 miles on the Tralee marathon route but it turned out to be 16.95. I'm having problems loading my Garmin, so I can't get all the splits. But I did the first mile in 8:14 then the next 4 averaged around 7:30. The next 5 miles averaged around 7:10 pace. The next 5 miles averaged 6:30 pace - fastest 6:14. The final 1.95 miles were a jog/warm down.
The run felt relaxed the whole way and there were no mechanical problems, which was good. On the downside, I've decided not to run the Tralee Marathon or any marathon for that matter, until I'm 50 (2.5 years away). I'm going to concentrate on developing a good aerobic base and gaining strength and speed. So, I'll focus on 10k races over the next 12 months, then up to 10 milers and half marathons, before tackling the London or some other Big City marathon when I'm 50, in 2015.
So why the change of mind? Well, I decided the Tralee marathon is a bit of a con. They have the map of the route up and it looks undulating but okay. The fact is, the first 15 miles are a slog fest of glycogen depleting hills - I ran it this morning, excluding a couple of miles that loop off the main course and have some sneaky energy sapping hills. I don't fancy this as a first marathon. Also, I don't want to just run round in 2:35-2:45. I want to race hard (2:20 ish) and I don't think that's feasible, given I've only been running a short while (11 months). If I were to run a marathon next year, I think I'd end up getting bogged down in a mire of mediocrity- not for me folks: I'm not running 100+ miles a week with workouts to plod around marathon courses for a Tee-shirt, a medal and a master's win. I'm in it for the long haul and to mix it up with the youngsters.
My thoughts and reasons might seem arrogant or disparaging to those who work hard to run 3hrs - 4.5hrs or whatever, but we're all different beasts, with different motivations and aspirations. Anybody who laces up a pair of running shoes and gets out the door deserves credit for taking action and getting on with life and striving to attain their goals, whatever they might be. My goals are driven from a deep sense of unfinished business and wasted opportunities and for good measure, I'm pretty competitive and now armed with some serious life experience. Behind all the japery lurks a serious predator. For now, miaow:)
6:00 p.m. 4.23 miles - shakeout (32:55). Much needed jog.
I've been thinking about this morning's post and I think I should clarify a few points.
I'm in the fortunate/unfortunate position of being a full-time house-husband (super dad) - I do all the cooking and ironing and cleaning, I take the kids to school and pick them up and all that sort of stuff. I made the choice to give up work and the financial rewards for a better quality of life and to do a bit of writing. Okay, that went wrong for a good while, but now, it's working out fine. I suppose I'm like an unpaid professional runner/writer and a pants one at the moment. If I'm to give this running lark a real crack, I need to look at the big picture and set hard goals. I've now done that.
If, however, I were going to work everyday, I doubt I'd even be running. So, if you're slogging your guts out to put food on the family table and running because you enjoy it and find it fulfilling, this is an admirable life choice - whatever time you do or don't run for a marathon. Respect.
Anyway, the odds are stacked against me and I can see the wry smiles, but hey, it should be interesting to see if I fail or succeed... | 